School of Indigenous Studies

The major in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing is a part of the Bachelor of Science program but is also available to students enrolled in any Bachelor’s program at UWA.

The major provides students with a solid grounding in the many factors that influence health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples, families and communities in Australia. In particular, students completing this major will gain:

• a broad introduction to Aboriginal health and wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective.
• an understanding of the underlying issues that influence health and wellbeing including from historical, cultural, political and spiritual perspectives.
• an understanding of particular health problems and their impacts.
• knowledge of the strategies, policies and practices that have been implemented to improve health and wellbeing with a particular focus on Aboriginal community led initiatives.
• practical experience in Aboriginal health settings.

The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing major, offered by the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, emphasises an evidence-based approach to decision-making, policy development and practice. This emphasis, in combination with a strong grounding in Aboriginal knowledge and understandings, provides a unique opportunity for students undertaking the major to develop an understanding of equity and translation of evidence into policy and practice that reflects the way forward in Closing the Gap in Aboriginal health.

Completion of the major In Aboriginal Health And Wellbeing will prepare graduates for careers in Aboriginal health research, policy, management and practice in Aboriginal and government contexts. Graduates may also undertake further studies at honours or masters level in a range of areas including Aboriginal health and population health. Students may also be able to proceed into one of the postgraduate professional health and health related courses such as medicine, dentistry, podiatry, nursing and social work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are encouraged to consider the major In Aboriginal Health And Wellbeing.

Visit [email protected] for further information.