Study with the Department of Community and Clinical Health

The Department of Community and Clinical Health is a leader in entry-to-practice courses, graduate research degrees and continuing professional development programs.

Our undergraduate education programs equip graduates with the competencies for safe and effective entry-level practice in audiology, occupational therapy, orthoptics, social work and social policy, and speech pathology.

Our postgraduate research degrees, and continuing professional development programs, give health professionals the opportunity to upskill, reskill, advance into leadership roles, or pursue research.

Courses

Orthoptics courses

Orthoptics courses

Specialise in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. Develop the knowledge and skills to advance treatment for children and adults with vision problems.

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Social work courses

Social work courses

Help people and communities thrive. With the practical skills and knowledge you’ll gain from a social work course, you can help build a socially just and equitable society.

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Audiology courses

Audiology courses

Preserve and improve the hearing of others in clinical or organisational settings. Learn from academics and industry professionals with knowledge of audiology best practice.

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Occupational therapy courses

Occupational therapy courses

Develop the knowledge and skills to identify the occupational needs of individuals, groups and communities, and create strategies using occupational and other theories.

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Speech Pathology courses

Speech Pathology courses

Develop the skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, treat and provide management and advocacy services to people with communication or swallowing disorders.

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Short courses

Short courses

Real learning. Real skills. Real impact. Advance your career or upskill your team with flexible, industry-aligned courses that deliver practical, immediate results and fit in with your busy life.

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Graduate research

Graduate research

Become a graduate researcher. Join a vibrant community that makes significant contributions to our society and is serious about supporting graduate researchers.

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RISE with La Trobe

RISE with La Trobe

Are you an Indigenous high school student or prospective mature age student? Our RISE with La Trobe Indigenous pathways program prepares you for university study.

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Supportive learning

We believe that a good learning experience becomes a great one when students are supported, challenged and encouraged to reach new goals.

Our students are taught by knowledgeable and caring academic staff. They learn in a supportive environment where they are encouraged to develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge they need to graduate with confidence.

Our small class sizes also help students to build positive working relationships, both in their discipline and in interdisciplinary subjects.

These connections do not begin and end in the classroom. Our students benefit from mentoring opportunities through their clinical placement experiences, by attending professional conferences, or volunteering with their professional association.

Clinical experience

Our courses are designed to equip graduates with the competencies, skills and experience to work in their chosen profession.

Our students benefit from a wide range of on-campus learning experiences – including practical classes, workshops and simulated learning environments – and off-campus placement experiences with our healthcare and industry partners.

Placements give our graduates the essential workplace experience they need to succeed in their future careers. They are available in a range of settings including public hospitals, private practice, schools, community services, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations. Many of our students undertake their placement experiences interstate or overseas.

The result: We give students the skills, knowledge and experience they need to make a seamless transition from university to employment.

A global perspective

We recognise that our students will work in Australia and abroad. It is important that they develop an awareness of their culture and bias, an understanding of their own privilege and a deep respect for all people.

Optimising these cultural competencies ensures that our graduates provide culturally safe and effective services, to a diverse range of people, throughout their careers.

Our students have opportunities to undertake a range of virtual and in-person learning experiences at the global level.

Our academic staff bring their international experience in research and clinical practice to our curriculum, to offer students a global understanding of health and wellbeing.

Find out more about our exchange programs.