Study at ARCSHS
Why study at ARCSHS? Professional training Coursework study Postgraduate study
Why study at ARCSHS?
The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) is a leading research and knowledge translation centre housed in the School of Psychology and Public Health at La Trobe University.
Founded in 1993, we have expertise in the areas of sex and sexual health, gender and sexuality, family violence, and alcohol and other drug consumption, as well as numerous other aligned topics.
We also have extensive experience developing the capability of health and human services to integrate evidence into practice.
Located on the La Trobe University Bundoora campus in Melbourne, ARCSHS is a community of nearly 50 academic, knowledge translation and professional support staff from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
ARCSHS is also home to a range of world-class knowledge translation and research impact programs, including Rainbow Health Australia, an evidence-based advocacy and training organisation with primary expertise in the LGBTQ+ health and human services sector.
We have a longstanding and successful higher degree research program, with 15–20 students, where we support future generations of researchers to build their skills to work in areas relevant to our purpose.
- LGBTIQ health and wellbeing
- Blood-borne viruses and other stigmatised conditions
- Sexual health and wellbeing
- Alcohol and other drug consumption
- Family, domestic and sexual violence
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.
Other advantages include:
- 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
Contemporary Issues in Sex and Sexuality - HLT1CSS
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.
School: School of Psychology & Public Health
Subject Co-ordinator: Alexandra James
Available to Study Abroad/exchange students: Yes
Year Level 1 – Undergraduate
AQF level 5 – Diploma
This subject is available through Open Universities Australia (OUA)
Read more: HLT1CSS Contemporary Issues in Sex and Sexuality