Aboriginal Health

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the course run? Can I keep working?

  This is a part-time course consisting of two subjects taken over one year. The course is run in a way that enables you to continue to work in your regular job, provided you can attend the compulsory intensive study week (in Shepparton) early in each semester.

  After the study week the student group meet weekly throughout the semester for a tutorial, either on campus or via Zoom, and you will read articles and write assignments in your own time.

  We provide individual support to help you complete the course throughout the year.

• What are the study dates and when are the compulsory study weeks that I need to attend?

  In 2024, the compulsory intensive study weeks will be:

  
  Mon 26 February - Fri 1 March 2024
  Mon 22 July - Fri 26 July 2024

  In your first semester (26 February - 26 May) you will complete the subject Utilising Knowledge in Aboriginal Health (RURA90008)

  In your second semester (22 July - 20 October) you will complete Health Projects in Aboriginal Settings (RURA90009). In this subject you will work on a project in your community or workplace.

• What is the support offered?

  In addition to the support provided in the weekly tutorials, we can assist you to:
  - Apply and enrol for the course
  - Access any financial/scholarship opportunities
  - Develop the skills you need to complete the required work

• Am I eligible?

  This course takes into account your work experience. To undertake the course you need to have two years work experience in a field related to Aboriginal health or community development or a bachelor degree (Indigenous applicants only). Non-Indigenous applicants need to have a relationship with an Aboriginal community, including some work experience in Aboriginal health and community development; plus - an undergraduate degree, or at least seven years’ work experience altogether.

• What does it cost?

  A number of scholarships are available each year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to cover either all, or part, of the course fee cost (subject to eligibility). These are allocated  to eligible students as applications are received so we recommend applying as early as possible.

  The fee for each subject is $2352.

  You can also apply for Fee Help – so the Government pays for you, and you pay it back in small amounts through your tax when you are at a certain income level, or your employer
  may provide fee support for you to undertake study.

• What happens once I’ve completed this?

  Once you graduate you will be able to continue your studies in the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Health in Rural Communities – another two subjects (from the Master of Public Health course) over one year. These subjects can then be counted towards a Master of Public Health for those wishing to undertake more study. These subjects may also be counted towards other Post Graduate studies at any University and will assist with your being accepted into relevant courses.

• I'm interested! How do I apply?

  To find out more please contact one of our team to talk about this in more detail. They will be able to provide assistance with the application and enrolment process and to help you start planning to do the course.  You can follow the link below to apply.

  The last date you can enrol in the course for 2024 is 19 February 2024 but we recommend you do this much earlier as it takes time and you need to provide documents.

  Further information or to apply:

  Apply
  Department of Rural Health
  E: aboriginalhealth@unimelb.edu.au
  Ph: +61 3 5321 4160 or +61 3 5823 4500 (Option 1)