Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health

• Understand the broad factors that shape sexual and reproductive well-being, and public health initiatives.
• Engage with a vibrant, diverse cohort of students and professionals who are passionate about sexual health.
• Gain a unique qualification as the only course of its kind in Australia, preparing you for local and international impact.

As a student of the Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health, you'll learn about the broad and diverse factors that influence sexual and reproductive well-being. You'll also gain a firm understanding of the important public health initiatives in sexual health that can truly have positive impacts on the health of communities.

Most teaching is online, but there are many opportunities to network and meet fellow students through face-to-face tutorials and online meetings. You'll be joining an enthusiastic and interested group from varied backgrounds, including nursing, education, health promotion, and international development, among many others.

Highlights of the Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health experience

Expert academics

This program will help you deepen your knowledge and refine the skills you need for a fulfilling career in this growing sector. You'll explore this specialised field from many angles and immerse yourself in diverse subjects taught by leading global experts. All teaching staff are experienced professionals working in the field and bring a different focus into this broad area of health. They are coordinated by experienced teachers and sexual health practitioners who ensure you have a relevant, up-to-date, stimulating, and smooth learning experience. The course draws on national and international developments in the prevention, management, and public health control of sexually transmissible infections and HIV.

You'll gain access to a strong sexual health research team at the University of Melbourne, whose research informs practices nationally and internationally. Additionally, learning from connections with the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre – an internationally recognised leader in providing clinical services with a public health approach – will enrich your understanding and add a unique dimension to your experience.

Flexible learning

This course can be taken part-time or full-time, it’s taught through a blend of online and on-campus learning. This flexible approach equips graduates to understand, promote, and help improve the sexual health of communities through effective public health strategies. A broad mix of subjects and learning modules will give you a solid grounding in public health, preparing you to apply your knowledge across a range of health careers.

The online portal allows you to connect with other students, teachers, and guest speakers. You can set your own learning pace and contribute to open discussions about complex subject matter. Expert educators and industry professionals cover a wide range of subjects, from Chlamydia control to sex industry regulation, and maternal and child health in resource-poor settings.

Opportunities

This is one of the few courses of its kind in Australia and offers an ideal specialised learning environment for anyone wishing to work in public health and/or sexual and reproductive health. As a student of this Graduate Certificate, you'll benefit from a strong focus on local and international networking with sexual health professionals, peers, and former students.

The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH) places a strong emphasis on industry networking throughout the study year. You'll benefit from regular discussions with active sexual health professionals, including alumni who teach course material and guide discussion boards. Plus, there will be opportunities to join professional sexual health organisations and remain connected after graduation – through a special interest alumni group.