Study with us
ARCSHS is a recognised leader in training the next generation of passionate, interdisciplinary researchers in the field of sex, health and society.
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.
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
Entry requirements
Check that you meet the entry requirements for:
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: The health and wellbeing of people with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics (also known as Intersex variations) in Australia
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team on a project that aims to develop new knowledge about the health and wellbeing of people with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics (IVSC) in Australia.
People with IVSCs are a diverse population who share experiences of having innate sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, gonads or hormones) that differ from medical norms for female or male bodies. People with IVSCs have health needs that must be addressed in a timely way across all life stages, and in ways that respect their rights, values and preferences.
A lack of community-based research has adversely impacted knowledge of the health and wellbeing issues affecting adolescents and adults with IVSCs. These populations may have received 'obsolete' and unnecessary treatments without personal consent, often lack appropriate information about their bodies and health needs, and may lack engagement with clinical and community services. Understanding the health and wellbeing experiences of this population is necessary to inform policies and improve models of care.
The PhD studies will be conducted as part of the Interconnect Health Research project, which is being conducted by a national consortium of researchers, community groups and clinicians. A major component of the project will be a survey, led by ARCSHS and conducted in partnership with academics and the project team Australia-wide, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health, wellbeing and health service experiences of adolescents and adults with IVSCs.
This research will seek to understand:
- The health and wellbeing experiences and needs of people with IVSCs
- The risk and protective factors associated with health and wellbeing outcomes
- Health service experiences, preferences and utilisation among this population
We are seeking a PhD student with a background in sociology, psychology, public health, health promotion, policy or systems science or a related field. Experience in quantitative research and an interest in issues related to IVSC health and wellbeing are highly desirable. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a world-leading team of experts in IVSC health and wellbeing, and key community partners. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake original research as part of their PhD that will complement the Interconnect project.
Expected to commence from March 2026 (or later by negotiation).
This scholarship will have an emphasis on health and wellbeing experiences of people with IVSCs. Possible areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
- Mental health and wellbeing outcomes of people with IVSCs, including an exploration of risk and protective factors
- Health service experiences and preferences among people with IVSC, this may include both general health service experiences and IVSC-specific health service experiences
- Experiences of discrimination, harassment or abuse, both interpersonal and environmental
The successful candidate will also be invited to participate in project meetings, workshops, and other activities relevant to the specific focus of their PhD.
The successful scholarship applicant will receive a stipend of $36,000 per annum (2026 full-time rate) for 3.5 years, a tuition fee scholarship for four years and allowances.
The successful applicant will be supervised by one or more researchers from Interconnect, including Dr Natalie Amos, Professor Ashleigh Lin and Dr Jordan Hinton from ARCSHS.
To express interest, please send a CV and cover letter outlining your research interests and experience, as well as how you believe you would contribute to this project, to Dr Natalie Amos at n.amos@latrobe.edu.au.
The successful candidate will be based at ARCSHS, La Trobe University.
Interconnect is a project funded by the Medical Research Future Fund led by the University of Sydney, with multiple participating organisations across the country.
Find out more about the Interconnect Health Experiences Survey at ARCSHS
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.