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your study
options
Your decision to enrol in a coursework program,
a research program, or a program featuring
both modes of study, largely depends on what
you want to achieve and your study preferences.
Postgraduate programs are for students who
already have an undergraduate degree and
want to study further.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES BY COURSEWORK
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE (GCert)
Graduate certificate courses are designed to develop advanced
knowledge and skills in a specialised area that may or may
not be directly related to your undergraduate degree. Some
graduate certificates are available for non-graduates and most
allow you to progress towards further postgraduate study.
All of the programs are career oriented, and usually take one
semester full-time or equivalent part-time.
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PgDip)
Emphasis in a postgraduate diploma is on developing
greater knowledge and skills through advanced studies of the
methods, theories and strategies to which you have already
been exposed at undergraduate level. You will maintain a
vocational emphasis through strong links with industry.
Completion of the postgraduate diploma usually takes two
semesters, and you may be offered Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL) should you proceed to a masters degree.
GRADUATE ENTRY MASTER (M)
Graduate entry master courses provide a pathway for
students who already hold a bachelor degree to gain
an entry-level qualification in a profession. Graduate
entry masters are available in health information
management, nursing practice, occupational therapy,
pharmacy, physiotherapy and speech pathology.
In exceptional cases, applicants with a bachelor pass degree
may also be considered if they can demonstrate superior
academic achievement, significant work experience, and the
capacity to undertake significant research.
Research doctorates may sometimes be undertaken in a
mixed mode with one or two semesters completed in Perth
and the remainder in your home country if applicable.
This arrangement depends on your project and must be
negotiated with your supervisor.
MASTER BY RESEARCH AND DOCTOR OF
PHILOSOPHY DEGREES
At least two-thirds of work towards a master by research
degree must be pure research. The award indicates that you
have contributed significantly to your field and are capable of
carrying out independent research.
The following courses are currently available for
study by distance education or online:
• Child and Adolescent Health Nursing -
PgDip/GCert...................................................................15
• Diabetes - MSc/GDip/GCert.........................................18
• Environmental Health – PGDip....................................19
• Health Administration – M/PGDip..............................21
• Health Information Management – M........................21
• Health Promotion – M/PgDip/GCert..........................22
• International Health – M/GDip/GCert........................23
• Medical Sonography – M..............................................24
• Nursing – M/PgDip........................................................26
• Nurse Practitioner – M..................................................27
• Occupational Health and Safety – M/PgDip..............28
• Occupational Health and
Safety Management – GCert.......................................28
• Public Health – M/PgDip/GCert...................................33
GRADUATE DIPLOMA (GDip)
The graduate diploma is a specialised, vocationally oriented
award designed to develop knowledge and skills beyond
the level achieved in a graduate certificate. Entry is normally
based on completion of a bachelor degree or graduate
certificate, although this can be in an unrelated field if you
have work experience in the field of study. Less academically
qualified applicants may still apply. Graduate diplomas
are usually completed in two semesters full-time or
equivalent part-time.
MASTER DEGREE (M)
A masters degree provides you with specialised knowledge
and skills for research or advanced professional practice.
Entry is normally based on completion of a bachelor degree,
sometimes combined with relevant work experience, or
completion of a graduate diploma. Where appropriate,
provision may be made for you to undertake a bridging
course or other preliminary work as a requirement for entry
to a masters degree.
DOCTORAL DEGREES – COURSEWORK OR RESEARCH
A doctoral degree helps you develop systematic and critical
understanding of a complex area of learning or professional
practice. It usually requires at least three years of study.
Students with a master degree, or a bachelor degree with
first or upper second-class honours, may be considered
for admission.
Applications for master by research or PhD degrees must
include a written two-page research proposal outlining
the parameters and purpose of the research you wish to
undertake. Visit: research.curtin.edu.au/guides/ forms/
forms.cfm for more information and to download the
application form.
Although students may need to complete some coursework
units, the major part of the work will be in the form of a
thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor.
DISTANCE AND ONLINE EDUCATION
Learn anywhere, any time with our range of distance and
online education options. Studying at a distance or online
gives you the flexibility to fit your degree around your
lifestyle, while access to Curtin’s library, support services
and learning tools such as UniEnglish, Blackboard and the
learning centre will help you to reach your potential.
Our online courses include discussion forums, chat rooms
and team projects, and you will interact online with
experienced lecturers and tutors. For more information about
health sciences online postgraduate courses visit
courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/online-courses.cfm
OPEN UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA
Curtin is a member of Open Universities Australia – a
program that allows students to complete university degrees
through distance or online education. For more information
visit open.edu.au