Course

Bachelor of Health Science

Approved Abbreviation: BHlthSc

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4545.1

CRICOS Code: 044779G

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course was 2002 to 2004.

The Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) degree is structured on the recognition that health is a highly complex and multidimensional concept. The course has been developed as a multi-strand course, which in addition to providing core skills and introductory knowledge, allows for the development of comprehensive and specialised skills and knowledge within defined key programs of study, according to the students’ interests and future professional and career aspirations.

The Health Promotion key program focuses on enabling individuals and communities to increase control over factors that influence health and wellbeing. Students will develop skills enabling them to work on specific health promotion projects such as injury prevention, skin cancer prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, and community development projects, as well as in areas that deal with policy initiative, development and evaluation.

Health Services Management aims to develop beginning level health managers who will understand, and with experience, will facilitate the new directions that health care systems are taking. Graduates will be skilled in managing and responding to rapid changes within the health care system, the broader political sphere and in areas that deal with policy initiative, development and evaluation.

The Social Health Studies key program aims to give graduates an in-depth understanding of the social and behavioural processes contributing to health and illness. It allows students to draw from a suite of specialist units that examine the social and behavioural nature and social impact of health and illness within society. It also provides access to the latest research and knowledge about health in society.

Study Mode
The course will be offered as a three year full-time program.

Advanced standing

Applications for advanced standing transfer will be assessed in accordance with current UWS policy.

Accreditation
The Health Services Management key program is accredited with the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). There are no professional associations which accredit programs in health promotion or social health studies.

Admission

Students will apply through the Universities Admission Centre.

Special Requirements Prerequisites
Any student going on placement in NSW Health facilities will need to comply with its occupational screening and vaccination policy prior to placement. Students must also, prior to commencing the Workplace Learning component of 400242 Foundation of Therapeutic Recreation; 400246 Workplace Learning and 400252 Workplace Learning ll, possess a current Work Cover Authority first aid certificate and, if working with children in placements, will be required to undergo a Criminal Record clearance.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence - Full-time

Key Programs

M41006

Health Promotion

150	Health Services Management

M41070

Social Health Studies

Elective Units

Elective units in the Bachelor of Health Science may be chosen from across Western Sydney University, provided that unit prerequisites are met and space is available.

The following is a list of units in the Health Science/ PDHPE discipline areas which are not listed elsewhere in the Handbook. These units are open to students from across Western Sydney University provided that pre-requisites are met and space is available:

400283

Health Services Information Management

400284

Health Services Quality Management

Public Health

Injury Prevention

Drugs in Sport

Outdoor Recreation 2

Outdoor Recreation 3

Outdoor Recreation 4

Major and Sub-major elective spaces

Elective units may be used toward obtaining an additional approved sub-major (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers sub-majors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Indigenous Australian Studies Major

Indigenous Australian Studies Sub-major

Indigenous Australian Creative Expressions Sub-major

Indigenous Economics Sub-major

Business Sustainability Sub-major

Refer to the Unit Set Index.

Handbook Unit Set Index

Students can apply for an elective major or sub-major via MySR in the Unit Sets section under Enrolment.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)