Duration:
3 years, or 2 years accelerated
CRICOS:
044779G
Course structure
This course requires successful completion of 240 credit points which includes twelve core units, six units taken as a Health Science key program, and six elective units which can be used towards a second specialisation (major) or can be chosen from any discipline available at Sydney City Campus.
Course overview
A Bachelor of Health Science from Western Sydney University opens up opportunities for work in many areas of the healthcare services industry. You will build a comprehensive foundation of health sciences knowledge and study one or two specialisations in Health Promotion, Health Services Management, Therapeutic Recreation or Public Health.
Recommended sequence
At Sydney City Campus, you can complete your three year bachelor’s degree in as little as two years and enter the workforce sooner. A bachelor’s degree usually consists of 24 units. With our flexible academic calendar, you can study 12 units in one year over three sessions. However, we recommend that you undertake a maximum of 3 units per session so that your study load is not too demanding. You will have less downtime between sessions so a lighter study load will help you to have a better chance at passing all of your units.
The units below are recommended for students starting their course in Session 1, 2020.
Health Promotion aims to develop and implement strategies that improve health and well-being. These are aimed at strengthening the capabilities of individuals and changing social, political, economic and environmental determinants of populations.
Work integrated learning
Students will undertake two 120 hour placements in Year 3.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of the Health promotion specialisation include:
- Health Policy Planning Officer
- Health Promotion Research Project Officer
- Health Promotion Officer/Population Health Officer
- Community Engagement and Events Coordinator
Professional recognition
Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM)
Work integrated learning
Students will undertake two 140 hour placements in Year 3.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of the Health Services Management specialisation, career opportunities include:
- Quality Improvement Officer
- Project Officer
- Practice manager
- Divisional Health Service Manager
The Public Health specialisation prepares you for roles that evaluate and improve population health, including the prevention and monitoring of disease, the design and implementation of health awareness campaigns, and finding health solutions for disadvantaged communities. Public Health professionals are required to assess and respond to emerging public health issues.
Industry engagement
As part of the Public Health specialisation, many units have an emphasis on practical application of theory. You will engage in workplace activities with a public health organisation by using prepared resources, online discussion and video-conferencing. You will undertake a real life health planning project on a current issue and you will also evaluate, develop and recommend public health policy or program change.
Career opportunities
Public Health graduates work in a variety of settings, including:
- Health departments
- Community organisations
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Corporate wellness programs
- Centres for disease control
- Environmental protection agencies
- Clinical trials
- Environmental and occupational health
Therapeutic Recreation is the link between leisure and health improvement, using recreation as a way to improve quality of life. Graduates may work in rehabilitation centres, psychiatric units, special schools, day care centres, aged care facilities, or in local government or community settings. You will develop the professional competencies required for high-quality care and the skills to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Work integrated learning
Students will undertake 150 hours of placement in Year 2 and in Year 3.
Career opportunities
Therapeutic Recreation graduates can look forward to a career as one of the following:
- Diversional Therapist
- Recreation Officer
- Leisure Therapist
- Recreation Therapist
Professional recognition
Diversional and Recreation Therapy Australia (DRTA)
Program convenor
If you have queries about the course or units, please contact:
Dr Andrey Zheluk a.zheluk@city.westernsydney.edu.au
Need help enrolling?
Call the Contact Service Centre: 1300 897 669