Preparation for Practice
PostgraduateACU-PUBH6492024
Course information for 2024 intake
Get ready for work in public health settings. You’ll explore placement opportunities and work on applications. Consolidate what you’ve learned in your Master of Public Health as you prepare to enter the workforce.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Preparation for Practice
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:1.
LO1 - Demonstrate contextual knowledge of the mission, aims, objectives and functions of various public health practice organisations (GA2, GA5);
LO2 - Critically analyse the application of public health practice principles of community engagement, the value of partnership, cultural competency and/or ethical practice (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA8);
LO3 - Demonstrate independent learning and critical thinking in planning a well-constructed project proposal in a particular area of public health practice (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7, GA8, GA9, GA10);.
LO4 - Critically reflect on personal learning objectives and application of specialised knowledge and skills to address public health problems within a practice-based project (GA2, GA4, GA5, GA7, GA8).
- Placements: what, why, where, how?
- Applications and placement proposals
- Skills strengthening
- Public health practice
ACU-PUBH649 Preparation for Practice is one of two subjects (PUBH649 Preparation for Practice and PUBH655 Practice Placement) which will apply and consolidate learning acquired in the Master of Public Health program to prepare students to practice as public health professionals. PUBH649 Preparation for Practice comprises a range of educational activities which will prepare students for PUBH655 Practice Placement. In PUBH649 Preparation for Practice, students will undertake coursework including modules on sourcing placement, skills strengthening and practice reflections.ACU0 PUBH649 Preparation for Practice is linked to the Australian Qualifications Framework and supported by educational theory on the importance of experiential learning for preparing students for professional practice.
In the subsequent subject, ACU-PUBH655 Practice Placement, students will build on knowledge acquired in PUBH649 Preparation for Practice and complete a project consisting of a practice-based public health activity or fieldwork that involves the integration of knowledge and skills across multiple public health areas. In AICU-PUB655 Practice Placement, students are to demonstrate core public health competencies as appropriate, including community engagement and ethical practice. Overall, PUBH649 Preparation for Practice and ACU-PUBH655 Practice Placement aim to enable students to apply and integrate their public health skills and knowledge within a summative public health practice experience.
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements.
The first assessment task is designed to prepare students for project placement by reflecting on public health principles.
In the second assessment task, students will have the opportunity to strengthen and develop their critical appraisal and writing skills prior to preparing their project proposal in the subsequent unit, PUBH655, by investigating a relevant health topic.
The third assessment task enables students to reflect on practice readiness before their project/practice placement in the subsequent unit, PUBH655. This will provide the opportunity for students to reflect on their competency levels and workplace readiness, to refine their knowledge, understanding and skills in public health in a practice environment, and to develop independent learning. As an oral presentation, this will enable students to develop effective presentation skills for a professional audience.
A hurdle requirement for PUBH655 Practice Placement is the completion of any mandatory requirements by the first week of the semester that the unit is taken (In Place workplace compliance). This must be approved prior to commencement of the project.
All assessments will be submitted electronically.- Written Task - Enable students to prepare for project placement by reflecting on public health principles. (40%)
- Written Task - Strengthen students' critical appraisal and writing skills prior to placement, by investigating a relevant public health issue. (40%)
- Presentation - Enable students to present their practice readiness and prepare for professional practice. (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about ACU.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 35
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- 26
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
ACU-PUBH611-Health Promotion (no longer available)
and one of
ACU-PUBH620 (Not currently available)
ACU-PUBH642-Global Nutrition and Food Security (no longer available)
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students are required to meet mandatory or other requirements as indicated by ACU or placement sites (e.g., vaccinations, Working with Children checks, CPR training, hand hygiene and others) by the end of PUBH649 Preparation for Practice, prior to the commencement of their placement in PUBH655 Practice Placement
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.