Master of Arts (Health and Social Wellbeing)

The Master of Arts (Health and Social Wellbeing) at Nan Tien Institute is a 1.5-year postgraduate degree for people who want to work at the intersection of health, community services and social wellbeing. You'll study how health and social systems actually function, how policy gets made and delivered, and how to design and evaluate programmes that improve people's lives. Expect a mix of core units in health and social wellbeing, research methods, policy analysis and professional practice, with room to focus on the areas that matter to you. The course is delivered through units of study with credit points, typically across trimesters, and includes a research component or capstone project where you bring your learning together on a real question in the field.

This is an Australian master's degree, so it sits at Level 9 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Coursework master's degrees in Australia normally run one to two years full time; this one is 1.5 years. You'll complete a set number of units, each worth credit points, and may have the option of a research thesis or a professional project depending on your pathway. Assessment is a mix of essays, reports, presentations and a substantial final project. The exact unit list and credit point requirements are set out in the official course structure, so check the Nan Tien Institute page and the CRICOS register (course code 082515E) for the current details.

Skills you build include policy analysis, programme planning and evaluation, research design, data interpretation, community engagement and professional communication. You'll learn to read evidence critically, write for different audiences, and work with people from health, government and not-for-profit organisations. Work-integrated learning or a placement may be part of the degree, giving you direct experience in a health or community setting. If you're already working in health, aged care, disability, community services or local government, this qualification can deepen your practice and open doors to leadership or specialist roles. It also suits recent graduates in health sciences, social science or related fields who want a career in health promotion, policy or community wellbeing.

International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual standard for coursework postgraduate courses, though some fields like teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work ask for 7.0–7.5. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the institute's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While you study, your visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period depending on your qualification. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, check there and on the official page for the current fees and intake dates.

• Health promotion officer, plan and run programmes that improve community health in local government, NGOs and health services.
• Policy analyst, research and advise on health and social policy in government departments and peak bodies.
• Community development worker, work with neighbourhoods and community organisations on wellbeing initiatives.
• Programme coordinator, manage health or social programmes in not-for-profits, aged care or disability services.
• Research assistant, support health and social research in universities, institutes and government agencies.
• Case manager or support coordinator, help people navigate health and social services in community and clinical settings.
• Health service manager, oversee operations, quality and improvement in hospitals, clinics and community health organisations.

Australian industries that hire graduates include health care and social assistance, government administration, education and training, and the not-for-profit sector. Roles are found in hospitals, community health centres, local councils, state and federal health departments, aged care providers, disability services and research institutes.