Health policy

Why do research in Health policy?

Our School of Public Health has a high profile for its research expertise and is one of the leading institutions for research training in public health in Australia. Current research in health policy development and analysis includes risks and regulatory requirements for complementary healthcare, reforming regulation of the health professions, cross-jurisdictional issues in public health emergency powers   and developing new methods for building health policy capacity in Australia. Academic staff are involved in editing journals which publish research on health policy and several edited books on Australian health policy have originated in the School.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in health policy development and analysis in public service departments, public health care agencies, international bodies and also in the commercial sector.

Courses

Local students

Health policy courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Doctor of Philosophy Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
Other
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time Anytime

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Course description
This degree requires a major original research project under supervision and the submission of a thesis. While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates. Areas of study include: health systems, policy and management, social policy; social participation; evidence based-practice; ageing and aged care; health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; prosthetics and orthotics; social work and social policy, rehabilitation; and injury prevention.
Prerequisite
Applicants with first-class or upper second-class honours (or an equivalent qualification) may be admitted directly to PhD candidature. Others will normally be required to enrol initially in a research master's program and, if appropriate, transfer to PhD candidature when they have demonstrated the capacity for independent research at a suitable level.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Full course details
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne
Health Sciences (PhD)Bendigo
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne (City)
Health Sciences (PhD)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate) Melbourne
3 years full-time or 4-8 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)

Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate) continued…

Course description
This program enables experienced health professionals and other graduates to further develop their expertise and undertake research in professional settings. The first year comprises compulsory and elective coursework subjects. In second and third year, candidates work on a research thesis and doctoral colloquia.
Prerequisite
Honours degree of H2A standard or equivalent, or research Masters, or Master by coursework with substantial thesis component, or equivalent, and at least three years relevant professional or practical experience.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Full course details
Public Health (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
2013 Master of Applied Science Albury-Wodonga
Melbourne
Bendigo
1 years full-time, or the equivalent part-time, and a maximum of 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Anytime

Master of Applied Science continued…

Course description
This course offers numerous research opportunities in health sciences. Areas of research expertise include: health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; rehabilitation and injury prevention; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; and prosthetics and orthotics.

While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree and a fourth year of study; or Bachelor's degree and at least two years' relevant professional or research experience; or other acceptable qualifications, skills or experience. Applicants to the Department of Physiotherapy normally have an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma with at least a B average), or Master's Preliminary in physiotherapy. Applicants to the Department of Occupational Therapy normally have either an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma with at least a B average.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please visit this page for candidature and scholarships forms.

Full course details
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Melbourne
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply

You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, applications for research scholarships close on 31 October.

To apply for Master's candidature, you need an Honours degree or Master's Preliminary. For Doctoral (PhD) candidature, you need a Master's or a Bachelor's degree with Honours, usually with a result of at least H2A.

Before applying, it's best to contact a potential academic supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your topic.

Once you've done this, you can download an application form [PDF 1.02Mb] and submit it to La Trobe's Research Services office.

Fees and scholarships

Research degrees are funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Research Training Scheme (RTS) (fees may apply to some components of some Professional Doctorates).

There are a range of scholarships available for local students.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Health policy international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Doctor of Philosophy (006629C) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
4 years Anytime $27 800

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This degree requires a major original research project under supervision and the submission of a thesis. While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates. Areas of study include: health systems, policy and management, social policy; social participation; evidence based-practice; ageing and aged care; health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; prosthetics and orthotics; social work and social policy, rehabilitation; and injury prevention.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial prior research expertise.
Full course details
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne
Health Sciences (PhD)Bendigo
Health Sciences (PhD)Melbourne (City)
Health Sciences (PhD)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate) (029304A) Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
3 years Semester 1 (March) $27 800

Doctor of Public Health (Professional Doctorate) continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This program enables experienced health professionals and other graduates to further develop their expertise and undertake research in professional settings. The first year comprises compulsory and elective coursework subjects. In second and third year, candidates work on a research thesis and doctoral colloquia.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent, plus at least three years of relevant professional experience. Applicants are also required to provide evidence of research expertise.
Additional information
Closing date for applications is 30 September.
Please note this course is held at the Melbourne (city) campus now known as Franklin Street campus.
Full course details
Public Health (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
2013 Master of Applied Science (074418F) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
2 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $27 560

Master of Applied Science continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course offers numerous research opportunities in health sciences. Areas of research expertise include: health systems policy and management; mother and child health; sex, health and society; human communication sciences; musculoskeletal research; nursing and midwifery; rehabilitation and injury prevention; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; orthoptics; podiatry; and prosthetics and orthotics.

While coursework is not a requirement for the degree, selected subjects may be recommended for some candidates.
English Language Requirements

IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B level, or equivalent, may be considered in some instances.
Additional information
Please note that the Melbourne (city) campus is now known as Franklin Street campus.
Full course details
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Melbourne
Applied Science (Health Sciences) (Master)Albury-Wodonga

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fee costs for international students is indicated for each course above. There are also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Health policy placements

Content here.

Finding a supervisor

One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in Health policy.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

Health policy events

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