Study sexual and reproductive health online at the University of Sydney
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This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has also reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
About this course
Study sexual and reproductive health at Sydney and develop a nuanced understanding of the challenges in sexual and reproductive health in Australia and internationally.
In this course there are four specialisations on offer. If you choose a public health or a generalist 'no speciality' pathway all units of study will be completely online.
If you choose HIV and STIs or Pyschosexual therapy and reproductive health and fertility, these specialisations are also mostly online, however they do require a 2 week intensive face-to-face session on campus.
Both options are extremely flexible and will allow you to tailor your study schedule around your lifestyle.
Globally, the challenges of sexual and reproductive health including HIV/STIs, infertility, and unintended pregnancy continue to be a significant public health issue. Challenges to sexual function and wellbeing also impact on the health of individuals. Comprehensive prevention and treatment of sexual and reproductive health issues require a thorough understanding of the psychosocial contexts in which they occur as well as the biological and diagnostic aspects of sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.
Designed by clinical and academic experts, the program enables students to address these challenges head-on, through flexible units that deliver maximum professional relevance.
Students will have opportunities to:
This course is for medical graduates who are interested in working in the field of HIV and STIs, psychosexual therapy/sexology, sexual and reproductive health.
There is an option to choose one of four distinct pathways listed below. Compulsory and stream specific units of study provide students with foundational competence in these areas, while a wide range of electives creates the opportunity for students to further explore areas of interest.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
This course is also available to study via Distance Education. NB Distance Education students will be required to attend exams and compulsory face to face teaching sessions in Sydney for some units of study.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Not available to student visa holders. Available to eligible international students by online mode with a mandatory face-to-face/intensive study component.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
The Graduate Certificate in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) is made up of 24 credit points and consists of 6 months of full-time study or 1-2 years of part-time study. You will undertake four core units of study to qualify for the award of the course.
You will be able to complete a generalist sexual health degree, or choose your elective units from within one of 4 specialisations:
Explore the Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree:
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Medicine requires a medical degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually and may be changed without notice.
This course is also available to non-medical graduates as a Graduate Certificate in Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health).
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Components of the degree count towards formal study requirements for the Advanced Training of the Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Completing the master's with a Psychosexual Therapy specialisation meets the sexological education and training requirements for professional accreditation with the Society of Australian Sexologists and ASSERT NSW.
The postgraduate program in sexual and reproductive health prepares graduates to work in advanced and specialist positions in sexual and reproductive health, depending on your pathway.
Career field options include:
Students who complete the requirements for the graduate certificate are eligible to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) or Master of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health).
Opportunities for further study through research degrees are available to students. Key study areas are:
Students who wish to undertake further study may be able to apply for the Master of Philosophy. Students who complete the Master (Advanced) may be eligible to apply directly to a Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and Health) or a Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)
