Overview

Course Objectives

On completion of the course students will be able to:

• Apply discipline-specific knowledge in an area of public health
• Demonstrate critical thinking in evaluating solutions to public health issues
• Access and critically analyse information drawn from a variety of sources
• Communicate effectively on public health issues keeping in mind the audience that the information is aimed at
• Demonstrate the capacity to apply current technologies applicable to public health
• Critically reflect on the impact of inequalities and social disadvantage on the health of individuals and communities
• Demonstrate effective self management skills that contribute to development of lifelong learning skills
• Apply ethically appropriate research skills to public health problems generating appropriate and culturally sensitive responses to it

Career Outcomes

This qualification in Public Health has international recognition in the Health industry.

Eligibility

To be eligible for entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or directly into the Master of Public Health applicants need to have completed either:

1. Academic:
an undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution preferably in a health related or behavioural science area.
OR
2. Graduate Certificate:
the Graduate Certificate in Public Health, the Graduate Certificate in Health Industry Management, the Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion, the Graduate Certificate in Children’s Environmental Health or the Graduate Certificate in International Health with a course weighted average of at least 65 (Credit)

English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all courses are taught in English. If your education qualifications were not predominantly in English, the minimum English language requirements are:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no component score lower than 6.0).

How to Apply

This course is restricted. Students are required to apply and be approved by Curtin University before they can enrol in units through OUA.

Applications for the Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters of Public Health are due by Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment.

Please complete the application form below.

1. Read information requirements

   • Select to apply for one or more courses listed on the application form, taking note of the eligibility criteria for each course. If you want to apply for a (restricted) course with a different university, you'll need to submit a separate application from the relevant course page.

   • Read all parts of the application form in advance:

     Receive a faster response by ensuring you have all the required information ready before you start. If you have a web account, sign in first to pre-fill personal details we already have for you on record.

     If you do not have a web account, you'll need to register one within the application form. Once you've registered an account, you'll then be signed in. From here you can choose to complete your application and submit it, or save and return to it later.

     Completing this application should take 15 to 20 minutes.

   • Need help completing your application? Contact us:

     If in doubt about any of the information required to support your application, the more information you can provide the better. If you have any academic queries including how to request credit transfer, contact Curtin University directly. For all other enquiries, contact us.

   • Next steps:

     After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email containing a copy of your application for your records.

     Your application will be assessed within 2-4 weeks, and if further information is required, we will contact you. Once your application has been assessed, we will be in touch via email to notify you of the outcome. At the latest this will be one week after the closing date for applications.

     If, after submitting your application, you wish to change your preferences or submit an additional document, please email apply@open.edu.au. Include your full name as it appeared on the application.

2. Prepare supporting documents

   • Check that you have all the required documents, according to individual course requirements and your personal circumstances, specifically:

     1. Your curriculum vitae - required for entry into postgraduate courses only.
     2. Scanned colour copies of academic transcripts - required in most cases but check course eligibility rules.
     3. A letter of recommendation from your employer on company letterhead - recommended for entry using work experience.
     4. Certified legal documentation - if you have changed your name e.g. a marriage certificate, deed poll name change certificate.
     5. Certified legal documentation - if you need to correct an error in your date of birth e.g. a birth certificate.
     6. English language test results - if your courses were not predominantly in English e.g. IELTS or equivalent test results.
     7. Official translations of any documents not in English.

   • Please provide scanned copies of all original academic documents. Only include supporting documentation if you have undertaken studies/qualifications at institutions other than OUA. This application will become the Property of Open Universities Australia and Curtin University and will not be returned. Applications will only be considered if academic records for all courses attempted or completed are included along with the certificate of award conferred.

   • Requirements of scanned documents:

     1. Documents must be scanned from the original documents. Scans from a photocopy or a faxed copy are not acceptable
     2. Documents must be scanned in colour
     3. Applicants must ensure no portion of the document is missing (look out for page numbers)
     4. Documents must be scanned at the original size. If the document is larger than A4 then the document should be scanned in A4 sized portions without size reduction
     5. If the document has markings or text on both sides e.g. a registration number then both sides must be scanned
     6. Scanned documents must be between 125 and 150 dots per inch
     7. File size of any single document should not exceed 3MB"

   • Do not send original documents as they will not be returned.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health students must complete 8 units or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit

Available according to Curtin University policy. Students who have completed one of the Graduate Certificates may apply for their units to be credited towards further study in the Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Public Health. Students who have studied similar units at other Universities may apply for Credit. Students are encouraged to contact the course coordinator for further information and guidance regarding RPL applications.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students are advised to enrol in HTHM501 Communication for Health and MPH404 Foundations of Public Health early in their study program. MPH401 Health Research Methods is a pre-requisite for MPH406 Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

Related Courses

This course sits within a group of courses, giving you the flexibility to study towards different levels of qualification. The courses are listed from the highest to the lowest qualification.

• Master of Public Health
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
• Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Course Structure