Master of Social Health

Course 582-AA (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Contact

Course Coordinator:Associate Professor Marilys Guillemin Centre for Health and Society School of Population Health Tel: +61 3 8344 0827 Fax: +61 3 8344 0824 Email: m.guillemin@unimelb.edu.au Course Administrator:Academic Programs Office School of Population Health Tel: +61 3 8344 9339 Fax: +61 3 8344 0824 Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

The social and political dimensions of health and illness present important challenges to practitioners, administrators and policy makers. The Master of Social Health (by Research) allows students to investigate current issues and questions in health ethics, health care history, medical anthropology, Indigenous health, health policy studies, health inequalities, work and health or other research relating to the study of health and illness in society - in a multidisciplinary environment which offers opportunities to study and research drawing upon a variety of humanities and social sciences. Staff at the Centre for Health and Society include bioethicists, sociologists, anthropologists and historians.

Objectives:

On completion of the Master of Social Health (by Research) students will have:

  • a sophisticated understanding of the principles and processes of research design
  • demonstrated the ability to identify research issues and formulate research questions
  • designed and conducted research at a postgraduate level
  • developed significant problem-solving abilities in the conduct of research
  • demonstrated a critical application of specialist knowledge in social health
  • completed an independent research study at Masters level
  • and developed a respect and understanding for the ethics of scholarship.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

This course has two course plan options:

Option A: Master of Social Health (by Research) 100 points by thesis only

Completion of a research thesis of approximately 30,000 words.

OR

Option B: Master of Social Health (Research) 100 points, including 25 points of coursework

Candidates who have not previously undertaken formal research training will need to enrol in the two research subjects (505-921 Principles of Research Design and 505-922 Research Methods in Social Health) and pass them as a hurdle requirement and complete a research thesis of approximately 20,000 words.

Subject Options:

CORE SUBJECTS

Students must complete the following CORE subject for both Option A and B:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
RHD First Half Year, RHD Second Half Year

ADDITIONAL CORE SUBJECTS - OPTION B ONLY

Students enrolled in Option B must also complete the following TWO core subjects:

Note: Subjects 505-921 and 505-922 are hurdle requirements in this option.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Entry Requirements:
  • Completion of an honours degree (or equivalent) with a major in subjects relevant to social health, OR
  • Completion of a 3-year degree PLUS other qualifications (or combinations of qualifications) equivalent to an honours degree in terms of professional experience (this is understood to be equal to at least two years relevant, documented, full-time, equivalent professional experience in a health related position) or equivalent, OR
  • Appropriate academic training (eg. MBBS)

Admission is conditional on approval of an appropriate academic research supervisor within the School of Population Health.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Graduate Attributes: The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become: Academically excellent:have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarshiphave in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communicationbe critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learningbe adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologiesKnowledgeable across disciplines:examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplinesexpand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjectshave the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problemshave a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employmentLeaders in communities: initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaceshave excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitationsmentor future generations of learnersengage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needsAttuned to cultural diversity:value different culturesbe well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and workhave an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our communityrespect indigenous knowledge, cultures and valuesActive global citizens:accept social and civic responsibilitiesbe advocates for improving the sustainability of the environmenthave a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics
Generic Skills: Please see Course objectives.
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes: Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator or Academic Programs Office (contact details below) to discuss the development of a research proposal and the availability of a supervisor.

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