Master of Human Services Management

Course code: 3790 ~ Course abbreviation: MHSM ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Gippsland - P/T only)

Course description

This course is designed to meet the needs of professionals in the social, community and human services sectors who have moved, or who wish to move, from direct practice into a managerial role. The program encompasses a sequence of flexible delivery incorporating print and online teaching and learning.

The curriculum includes program planning and evaluation, management and leadership, strategic planning, development of quality standards and best practice models, human resource management, problem-solving and organisational culture and environment analysis. The course offers a unique focus on exploring the role, function and responsibilities of the human service organisation in rural, regional and urban environments. The course content is designed to allow students, whether local or in international agencies, to adapt topics and assignments to their own experience and professional context.

Course objectives

Students successfully completing this course will have: 1. a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. advanced analytical skills; 7. a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Masters, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Course structure

Students complete a total of 72 points, comprising a maximum of 48 points at level 4 and minimum of 24 points at level 5. Students will normally complete one 12-point unit per semester by off-campus learning. All units, except where indicated, are 12 points.

Course requirements

Level 4

Core units

HSM4301 Program planning and evaluation in the human services
HSM4302 Management and leadership in the human services
HSM4303 Human services management: Structure and context, or
HSM4304 Human services management: Principles and process

Electives

Students must complete one of the following:

HPL4503 International relations
HPL4521 Mechanisms for international governance
HSM4305 Research methods for the human services*
SCW4309 Rethinking received ideas in social welfare
SCW4310 Building practice wisdom in social welfare
SCY4801 Theory and practice in sociology
SCY4802 Contemporary sociological issues

Note that prerequisites are required for some of the above electives.

A maximum of 12 points may be taken outside the Faculty of Arts as approved by the course coordinator.

Level 5

Students must complete a minimum of 24 points at level 5 from the following:

HSM5301 Human services research practicum
HSM5302 Human services research practicum (24-point option)*
HSM5303 Human services management: structure and context
HSM5304 Human services management: principles and process
HSM5305 Research methods for the human services

* Students intending to undertake HSM5302 (Human services research practicum) (24 points) will require approval from the course coordinator and will be required to complete HSM4305 at fourth level and achieve a distinction grade.

Exit points

Students may be offered an exit award of a Faculty Certificate in Human Services Management after completion of 24 points, or a Graduate Diploma in Human Services Management after successful completion of 48 points.

Course coordinator

Karen Crinall