Health Communication
Coursework
The Master of Health Communication delivers core communication skills to help students to become effective communicators for the field of public health and medicine, encompassing careers in medical writing, content creation and promotions for healthcare agencies, digital and social health media marketing, community relations, project management, medical education for clinicians and pharmaceutical companies, or managing scientific conferences and events. Our unique Health Communication program is the most comprehensive and specialised course of its kind in Australia, combining the expertise of the Discipline of Media and Communications with the public health resources of the School of Public Health. With an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to both communication and public health, our program provides marketable skills combining training in sociological, managerial, communication and healthcare and prevention practice.
The Master program provides communication skills for aspiring and professional (career advancers or switchers) health advocates in public (government, NGO, NFP) and corporate health communications, health care public affairs, community relations, healthcare promotions and health-media writing. It offers a solid, evidence-based education in international and regional health, community-oriented health practice, ethical care and outreach approaches, and disease prevention strategies.
Our degrees combine practical communication skills with substantive health knowledge, producing well prepared graduates when they enter the workforce, eliminating the need for extensive training in either communications or health topics. Units of study provide training in clear communication of public health campaigns and policy topics, the creation of public education programs that nurture a more healthcare-literate population, the ability to raise awareness of, and advocate for, specific healthcare matters, and management of communication technology, including AI and digital media, to ensure information accuracy and uphold ethical standards. Featuring a well-regarded internship program, students will have the chance to attain high-level skills from a work placement experience while fostering professional contacts and networks prior to completion.
See also: Digital Communication and Culture, Media Practice, Publishing, Strategic Public Relations.
Awards and requirements
Please refer to the course resolutions in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.
Master of Health Communication
Candidates for the Master of Health Communication must complete 72 credit points including:
- 24 credit points of core units of study
- a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 42 credit points of selective units of study
- a maximum of 18 credit points of elective units of study
- a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 credit points of capstone units of study
Graduate Diploma in Health Communication
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Health Communication must complete 48 credit points including:
- 24 credit points of core units of study
- 24 credit points of selective units of study
Graduate Certificate in Health Communication
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Health Communication must complete 24 credit points including:
- 12 credit points of core units of study
- 12 credit points of selective units of study
Reduced volume of learning (RVL)
Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.
| Level of prior learning | Full-time duration | Credit points to complete |
|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 e.g. a bachelor's degree in a directly relevant field in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Medicine | 1.5 years (dependent on the specialisation selected) | 72 |
| Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate | 1.5 years | 72 |
| AQF Level 8 e.g. Honours in a relevant discipline | 1 year | 48 |
Contacts and further information
Contact details can be found on these websites:
