School of Population and Global Health

Sexual health education and training offered at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre is run in conjunction with Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne. Enquiries should be directed to Dr Hennie Williams who co-ordinates the sexual health teaching at University of Melbourne and Melbourne Sexual Health. There are four university subjects (or units of study) available (detailed below) and these subjects can be taken as part of a course at the University of Melbourne e.g. Masters Public Health, Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health or as stand alone units of study at University of Melbourne (called community access) or as short courses at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (see below).

Dr Hennie Williams

TEL: (03) 9341 6249

Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health

The Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health consists of four University of Melbourne graduate subjects. It is necessary to do a minimum of three of the dedicated sexual health subjects detailed below and the fourth subject can be an elective of your choice. See the University of Melbourne website for more details.

Single subject study

'Single subjects’ at the University of Melbourne can be taken via the Community Access Program

This program allows you to get an academic record from the University of Melbourne for a stand alone unit of study. This academic record may then be able to be used for any graduate course you may want to do in the future.

Short course

Another option is to do any of the subjects as a “short course”. This means you are not enrolled in the University and undertake the course usually for professional development purposes through Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. You will receive a certificate of completion from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. There is no formal academic university record for this option as you are not part of the University when you study. This option costs less than being enrolled in the University.

Costs and enrolment

Short courses: short courses are $1500 plus GST Enrolment form (Save this form to your computer before typing to fill in your details then email it to Hennie Williams)

University subjects: see information provided by University of Melbourne.

- University of Melbourne graduate students fee information

- University of Melbourne graduate students fee tables and calculations

Subjects:

Prevention and Control of HIV and STIs: POPH 90068

This subject provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of HIV and STI prevention and control. The basic epidemiology of STIs and HIV is considered along with some of the relevant clinical characteristics of these infections. The subject also introduces the concept of core groups and its importance to transmission dynamics, explores the factors that influence STI and HIV control and examines the public health consequences of these infections. It also provides examples of interventions and programmes to prevent and control HIV and STIs and critically examines and analyses such programmes.

Mode of Delivery: Distance i.e. online only.
Runs: second semester each year i.e. August, September and October for 12 weeks
For details see: University of Melbourne handbook

Sexual and reproductive health: POPH 90069

This subject provides an introduction to the fundamentals of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) from a public health perspective. Globally minded but locally focused, this subject examines the burden of disease associated with SRH and critically analyses significant factors of influence on SRH at the community and broader societal levels, including sexuality, violence, gender and sexual rights. Topics such as unmet need for contraception, fertility control, sex work and female cutting will also be covered. The development, implementation and evaluation of effective public health programs aimed at improving the SRH of communities will also be explored in the subject.

Mode of Delivery: Distance i.e. online only
Runs: second semester each year i.e. August, September and October for 12 weeks
For details see: University of Melbourne handbook

Clinical sexual and reproductive Health: POPH 90070

This is a public health and clinical subject for health professionals working or hoping to work in the area of sexual and reproductive health. It covers the following topics: sexually transmissible infections and blood borne viruses (prevention and screening, diagnosis and treatment), contraceptive choices for women during their reproductive life and the theory and rationale behind the screening for cervical cancer. Division 1 nurses (with current Australian registration) who complete this subject will gain the theoretical knowledge necessary to undertake the clinical component to become an accredited nurse cervical screening provider as well as an accredited HIV and Hep C test advisor. This subject is focussed on the clinical and practical aspects of providing sexual and reproductive health clinical services within the Australian health care setting.

Mode of Delivery: Classroom teaching only
Runs: first semester each year with classroom teaching for 6 days in early May 2020 (Wednesday 6^th, Thursday 7^th and Friday 8^th May and Wednesday 13^th, Thursday 14^th and Friday 15^th May)
For details see: University of Melbourne hand book

Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Health: POPH 90169

This subject explores two main themes:

the social construction of sexuality – how our understandings of sexuality are developed in a sociocultural context; and
sexual health – how it is defined and measured, what factors contribute to it, and practical issues to consider when interacting with adolescents and trying to have an impact on their sexual health and well-being.

Mode of Delivery: Distance i.e. online only
Runs: first semester each year ie March, April and May for 12 weeks
For details see: University of Melbourne handbook

Nurse scholarships

Cancer Council Victoria offers financial assistance for Victorian Registered Nurse (Div 1) to become cervical screening providers. Applications are now open at: www.cancervic.org.au/for-health-professionals/cervical-screening-providers/nurse-scholarships