Study with us

We help students to achieve excellence by:

• Promoting innovation, intellectual rigour and lifelong learning
• Acting ambitiously with integrity and professionalism
• Demonstrating leadership, teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Valuing inclusiveness and diversity

Each student is assigned a Principal and a Co-supervisor(s) with whom they have regular meetings. Our supervisors have backgrounds in various disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, sociology and social science, public health, gender and cultural studies.

Why study at ARCSHS? Professional training Coursework study Postgraduate study Project scholarships Postgrad applications

Advantages of studying with us

• Students regularly interact with other ARCSHS staff in developing, conducting and completing their higher degree research.
• Students receive some financial support for conferences, research expenses, and publications.
• Students are given a computer, and if desired, desk space and a landline phone. (These facilities may be shared.)
• Students may have opportunities to further develop research skills beyond their thesis work through collaborative projects with ARCSHS staff. These might include publication opportunities, research project management, data collection, and more.
• Students engage in regular seminars designed to stimulate learning in a range of theoretical and methodological issues related to research at ARCSHS. Additional seminars focus on building practical skills for future careers in academia, NGOs, government and other sectors in which PhD graduates are highly sought after.
• La Trobe University offers a number of postgraduate classes which students at ARCSHS can take advantage of to further their training in research methods, theory, and content specific to their interests.

In addition to research and academic excellence, ARCSHS is also a warm, supportive environment for students, with a rich and welcoming Centre culture and a strong record of completions.

Professional training

Explore our professional training courses through Rainbow Health Australia

Coursework study options

HLT1CSS Contemporary Issues in Sex and Sexuality

This subject will introduce you to contemporary issues and debates relating to gender and sexuality, particularly with respect to sexual health and wellbeing. The subject will cover core theoretical approaches to understanding gender and sexuality. It will also engage you in discussion and debate about contemporary issues such as: sex and consent, gender roles in contemporary life, the politics of desire and pleasure, global and local approaches to sexual health promotion, the politics of sex education, the medicalisation of sexual and gendered bodies, and the politics of sexuality research. This elective subject is open to, and will be of relevance to, students from a wide range of disciplines including public health, allied health, community development, law and humanities.

View the La Trobe Handbook entry for HLT1CSS

School: School of Psychology & Public Health
Subject Co-ordinator: Jennifer Power
Available to Study Abroad/exchange students: Yes
Year Level 1 – Undergraduate
AQF level 5 – Diploma
This subject is available through Open Universities Australia (OUA)

Postgraduate study

Project scholarships Postgrad applications

Entry requirements

Check that you meet the entry requirements for:

• Masters degree by research
• La Trobe PhD.

Scholarships

There are many different scholarships available to La Trobe University postgraduate students. At ARCSHS, primarily, students are funded by either a LTGRS scholarship, or by an ad-hoc project-specific scholarship.

La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarships

Explore graduate research scholarships at La Trobe University

ARCSHS project-based graduate research scholarships

PhD Scholarship: LGBTQ wellbeing in outer suburban Australia

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team on a project that aims to develop new knowledge about LGBTQ wellbeing in outer suburban Australia.

LGBTQ people living in outer suburban areas face unique health and wellbeing challenges, yet little attention has been paid to their specific place-based experiences in comparison to the better researched contexts of inner cities and rural areas.

This PhD project will be conducted as part of Out in Suburbia, a qualitative research project exploring LGBTQ identity and experiences, community and belonging, and challenges in outer suburbs.

We are seeking a PhD student with a background in sociology, social geography, health psychology, or a related field. A strong interest in research related to LGBTQ populations and local governments is highly desirable. Experience in qualitative research is desirable, and applicants with an interest in developing these skills are warmly encouraged to apply.

Expected to commence as soon as is practicable, this PhD will have an emphasis on place-based wellbeing and belonging for LGBTQ communities in outer suburban Australia.

The research will be determined by the successful candidate’s interests and expertise, and may include:

• LGBTQ wellbeing and community connection in outer suburban areas
• Wellbeing and community connection for culturally diverse, First Nations, migrant, or disabled LGBTQ people in outer suburban areas
• LGBTQ community development and inclusion in outer suburban local governments

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in LGBTQ research and to contribute to high-impact, policy-relevant research. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Ruby Grant, Dr Sean Mulcahy and Prof Adam Bourne and based at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, which houses Australia’s largest research program on LGBTQ health and wellbeing.

The successful candidate  will receive a stipend of $36,000 per annum (2026 full-time rate) for 3.5 years.

To express your interest:

1. Ensure you meet the entry requirements for a PhD.
2. Read our postgraduate application instructions.
3. Email Dr Sean Mulcahy at S.Mulcahy@latrobe.edu.au with:

• A 300-word research project proposal outlining your interest in the project and your research goals
• Academic transcripts of your previous degrees
• A writing sample (e.g. your Masters or Honours thesis, or any published academic journal articles)
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae

Applying for postgraduate study at ARCSHS

1. Become familiar with ARCSHS academics

Prospective students should become familiar with the academic staff of ARCSHS and their research interests, to find a possible match with their area of interest.

2. Write a formal introductory email

Write a formal introductory e-mail, including:

• an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• unofficial transcripts of previous degrees
• writing sample (e.g., minor thesis, published article)
• a research project proposal (300 words)

Send us your introductory email

3. Follow our guidance

Successful queries will be provided some additional guidance on the research proposal and most appropriate course (PhD, Master's) in preparation for the formal application.

4. Apply

Submit your application formally to La Trobe, following the process for Masters students or PhD students.

Contact us

If you have any queries, please contact the Postgraduate Coordinators, Dr Joel Anderson and  Dr Tom Norman, at: arcshspostgrad@latrobe.edu.au.