Postgraduate coursework
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers a wide range of postgraduate programs and students may choose either a research or a coursework pathway. The following listings outline our postgraduate programs at certificate, diploma, master€™s degree and doctorate levels. Information in this chapter should be read in conjunction with the resolutions of the Senate in the University of Sydney Calendar and the University Postgraduate Studies handbook.
Research degrees
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Master of Applied Science
For information on the research degrees offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, please see Chapter 19.
Coursework programs
Further information on the coursework programs offered by the faculty is provided in the relevant chapters of this Handbook.
Faculty coursework degree
Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma/Master of Health Science (Sexual Health)
Exercise and Sport Science
- Master of Exercise Physiology
- Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Exercise and Sport Science)
- Master of Exercise and Sport Science
Health Informatics
- Master of Health Informatics
Medical Radiation Sciences
- Master of Diagnostic Radiography
- Master of Molecular Imaging
- Master of Nuclear Medicine
- Master of Radiation Therapy
- Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma/Master of Health Science (Medical Radiation Sciences)
Occupational Therapy
- Master of Occupational Therapy
Orthoptics
- Master of Orthoptics
Physiotherapy
- Master of Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation Counselling
- Graduate Diploma/Master of Rehabilitation Counselling
Speech Pathology
- Master of Speech Language Pathology
Graduate Studies in Sexual Health
The graduate program in Sexual Health provides flexible pathways for professionals to extend their expertise in this specialised area. The program uses a blended e-learning mode with many of the units of study delivered on the Blackboard/WebCT (internet-based) delivery platform. The program is offered in both distance and on-campus delivery modes.
This program provides an internationally relevant, multidisciplinary learning experience in human sexuality and sexual health. It has been designed from the viewpoint that sexual health is an essential part of holistic health and wellbeing. Sexual health care is addressed from the perspective of preventative and acute care, as well as rehabilitation. It is structured to provide a core competency base in Sexual Health, with opportunity to develop specialist skills in areas of particular interest. The course is appropriate for professionals in any of the health-related professions (medical, nursing and allied health), as well as other professionals dealing with people (counsellors, family planning workers, social workers, teachers and clergy).
ASSERT (Australian Society for Sexuality Educators' Researchers and Therapists) and the Sexual Health Chapter of the Australian College of Physicians, together with internationally renowned sexologists, have worked with the University of Sydney to develop the program, and will have an active role in course delivery.
There are three courses available within the graduate program in Sexual Health. These are:
- Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Sexual Health)
- Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Sexual Health)
- Master of Health Science (Sexual Health)
All courses in the graduate program in Sexual Health may be completed full time or part time.
In order to qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Health Sciences (Sexual Health), students are required to successfully complete units of study to the value of 24 credit points.
In order to qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Health Sciences (Sexual Health), students are required to successfully complete units of study to the value of 36 credit points.
In order to qualify for the degree of Master of Health Sciences (Sexual Health), students are required to successfully complete units of study to the value of 48 credit points.
Note: Students who wish to use the Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) as part requirement for registration as Sex Therapist with the Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists will be required to successfully complete the Sex Therapy units of study, the 200 hours of Sexual Health Placement (BIOS 5067) and the Sexual Counselling Practicum (BIOS 5087).
sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/sexual_health
Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Sexual Health)
The certificate is the baseline level of entry to the program. It provides an opportunity for any professional interested in the area to obtain a basic qualification in sexuality and sexual health.
Units of study completed in the graduate certificate can be credited to the diploma and master's degree programs. Equivalent units of study completed in other tertiary programs may be credited towards the graduate certificate.
The graduate certificate course is offered in both distance delivery mode (Semester 1 and Semester 2 enrolments) and on-campus mode (Semester 2 enrolment).
Admission requirements
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification; or
- other experience or qualifications that provide a sound basis for professional development in the field of sexual health.
Course outline
There are two core units for the Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Sexual Health) course:
- BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health
- BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health.
The course outline for the Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Sexual Health) is presented in Table 9.1. Unit descriptions and a list of faculty electives are found in Chapter 20.
Table 9.1: Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Sexual Health)
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course code SG030: Credit points for award: 24 | |||
| Full-time, minimum 1 semester; part-time, minimum 2 semesters | |||
Full-time mode |
|||
Year 1 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| Sexual Health electives [12] (see list below Table 9.18) | |||
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Part-time mode |
|||
Year 1 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Semester 2 |
|||
| Sexual Health electives [12] (see list below Table 9.18) | |||
| SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Sexual Health)
The diploma provides a multidisciplinary learning experience in human sexuality and sexual health that allows students to obtain a core competency base, and to develop more advanced skills in areas of particular interest.
Units of study completed in the graduate diploma can be credited to the master's degree program. Equivalent units of study completed in other tertiary programs may be credited towards the diploma.
The diploma course is offered in both distance delivery mode (Semester 1 and Semester 2 enrolments) and on-campus mode (Semester 2 enrolment).
Admission requirements
- A bachelor€™s degree or equivalent qualification; or
- a graduate certificate-level qualification in sexual health and/or sexuality.
Course outline
There are three core units that have to be completed for the Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Sexual Health) course.
- BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health
- BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health, and
- BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions.
The course outline for the Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Sexual Health) is presented in Table 9.2. Unit descriptions and a list of faculty electives are found in Chapter 20.
Table 9.2: Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Sexual Health)
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course code SF057: Credit points for award: 36 | |||
| Full-time, minimum 2 semesters; part-time, minimum 3 semesters | |||
Full-time mode |
|||
Year 1 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 18 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Semester 2 |
|||
| Sexual Health electives [18] (see list below Table 9.3) | |||
| SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 18 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Part-time mode |
|||
Year 1 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Semester 2 |
|||
| Sexual Health electives [12] (see list below Table 9.3) | |||
| SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Year 2 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| Sexual Health elective [6] (see list below Table 9.3) | |||
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Master of Health Science (Sexual Health)
This degree equips professionals with the in-depth knowledge and skills to deal with all types of sexual health concerns, and the competence to provide leadership in sexuality education, research and counselling. Building on core units of study, students have the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest.
This degree will include a two-week on-campus counselling intensive as part of the core unit of study BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum (could be replaced by BIOS 5086 Sexual Health Research Project for those students articulating to a PhD). There is also a requirement of 200 hours of supervised placement (BIOS 5067).
Units of study completed in the graduate diploma can be credited to the master's degree. Equivalent units of study completed in other tertiary programs may also be credited.
Admission requirements
- A bachelor€™s degree or equivalent qualification, in a relevant area, or
- a Diploma in Sexual Health Counselling.
Course outline
Core units of study for all students enrolled in the Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) course include:
- BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health
- BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health
- BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions
- BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum
- BIOS5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision.
Students who intend to apply for registration as Sex Therapist with the Australian Society for Sexuality Educators, Researchers and Therapists are required to successfully complete:
- BIOS 5071 Counselling in Sexual Health I
- BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum
- BIOS 5072 Counselling in Sexual Health II
- BIOS 5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision.
Students who intend to articulate into a PhD are advised to enrol in:
- BACH5341 Research & Inquiry in Health Professions
- BIOS5086 Sexual Health Research Project.
Students who wish to pursue a career in Sex Education are advised to enrol in:
- BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum
- BIOS5086 Sexual Health Research Project.
The course outline for the Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) is presented in Table 9.3. Unit descriptions and a list of faculty electives are found in Chapter 20.
Table 9.3: Master of Health Science (Sexual Health)
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course code SC109: Credit points for award: 48 | |||
| Full-time, minimum 2 semesters; part-time, minimum 4 semesters | |||
Full-time mode |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| Sexual Health elective [6] (see list below) | |||
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Semester 2 |
|||
| BIOS5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum |
6 |
Students may enrol in the unit BIOS5086 Sexual Health Research Project (offered in Semester 2) as an alternative core choice of study. This unit is appropriate for students interested in a research career in sexuality and sexual health. |
Semester 2 |
| Sexual Health electives [12] (see list below) | |||
| SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 24 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Part-time mode |
|||
Year 1 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5069 Introduction to Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5070 Communication Skills in Sexual Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Semester 2 |
|||
| Sexual Health elective [12] (see list below) | |||
| SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Year 2 |
|||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| Sexual Health elective [6] (see list below) | |||
| SEMESTER 1 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Semester 2 |
|||
| BIOS5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum |
6 |
Students may enrol in the unit BIOS5086 Sexual Health Research Project (offered in Semester 2) as an alternative core choice of study. This unit is appropriate for students interested in a research career in sexuality and sexual health. |
Semester 2 |
| SEMESTER 2 TOTAL: 12 CREDIT POINTS | |||
Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) elective list
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Electives for Graduate Studies in Sexual Health |
|||
| Students may choose from the electives listed below. Some electives will NOT be offered every year. | |||
Semester 1 |
|||
| BACH5341 Research & Inquiry in Health Professions |
6 | N BACH3126, BACH4047, BACH5268, DHSC7002, DHSC7005 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| BIOS5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5071 Counselling in Sexual Health I |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5075 Managing Sexual Dysfunctions |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5077 Advanced Reproductive Health |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| BIOS5085 Principles of Sexual Health Research This unit of study is not available in2011 |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students enrolled in the master's program should note that this unit of study could be taken as an alternative to the core unit BIOS5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision. This unit of study is appropriate for students interested in a research career in sexuality and sexual health. Students may also enrol in BIOS5341 instead of this unit of study |
Semester 1 |
| BIOS5088 Sexuality in Illness and Disability |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| SEXH5109 Introduction to STIs & HIV This unit of study is not available in2011 |
6 | P Core units of Graduate Program of Sexual Health |
Semester 1 |
| SEXH5206 Diagnostic Methods in Sexual Health |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students who are not enrolled in the STD/HIV program through the Faculty of Medicine must apply to Associate Professor Richard Hillman for permission to enrol in this unit of study. |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
|||
| BACH5341 Research & Inquiry in Health Professions |
6 | N BACH3126, BACH4047, BACH5268, DHSC7002, DHSC7005 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| BIOS5067 Sexual Health Placement and Supervision |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5072 Counselling in Sexual Health II |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5079 Sexuality and Ageing |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5083 Sex, Gender and Sexuality |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| BIOS5086 Sexual Health Research Project |
6 | P BIOS5085 Principles of Sexual Health Research This unit is appropriate for students interested in a research career in sexuality and sexual health |
Semester 2 |
| BIOS5087 Sexual Counselling Practicum |
6 |
Students may enrol in the unit BIOS5086 Sexual Health Research Project (offered in Semester 2) as an alternative core choice of study. This unit is appropriate for students interested in a research career in sexuality and sexual health. |
Semester 2 |
| SEXH5008 Sex and Society |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| SEXH5101 Public Health Aspects of STDs |
2 | S2 Intensive Semester 2a |
|
| SEXH5102 Public Health Aspects of HIV/AIDS |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| SEXH5205 Advanced Adolescent Sexual Health |
6 | N SEXH5204 Students are advised to select EITHER SEXH5204 (4 credit points) OR SEXH5205 (6 credit points). Students completing SEXH5204 will NOT be able to undertake SEXH5205. Students are advised to consult with the Unit Coordinator if they need assistance with this selection. |
Semester 2 |
Notes |
|||
| 1. Electives can be taken in either Semester 1 or 2. | |||
| 2. Electives can be taken in either Year 1 or 2. | |||
| 3. Note that some of the units listed are core units for the Graduate Diploma/Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) course. | |||