Master of Arts
(Health and Social Wellbeing)
The Master of Arts in Health and Social Wellbeing offers a holistic perspective on wellness which is delivered using mindful and contemplative approaches to learning.
Nan Tien Institute’s (NTI’s) master program is designed to comprehensively challenge and change the way you understand the foundations and contributors to health and wellbeing, personally and collectively.
An important element of education at NTI is to embody self-care within the process of learning how to care for the health and social needs of others. This approach is essential to successfully addressing the inherent risks of burnout and fatigue when caring for others. The embodied, holistic and contemplative learning foundations at NTI are unique within postgraduate education.
Course Overview
| Head of Program (Health and Social Wellbeing) | Dr Susan Sumskis |
| Course Duration | Full-time: 18 months | Part-time: from 2 years for domestic students only |
| Delivery Method | On-campus + supported online study |
| Academic Requirements |
Bachelor degree with a major in a relevant field, such as health sciences, social sciences, liberal arts, or education (demonstrated through the provision of academic transcript) OR an appropriate combination of a Bachelor degree in education, health sciences, liberal arts, social work, social services, community welfare, counselling or psychology (demonstrated through the provision of academic transcript) and relevant work experience and professional training in an area related to the proposed degree (demonstrated through the provision of a CV or evidence of professional training, such as a certificate of completion) OR a Graduate Certificate with a focus on health and with credit average performance (demonstrated through the provision of academic transcript) OR a Graduate Diploma with a focus on health (demonstrated through the provision of academic transcript). Note: Applicants who are not eligible for direct entry to this course but are eligible for entry to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, can transition to the Master’s degree, upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma requirements. |
| English Language Requirements |
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Applicants who have not completed substantial tertiary studies in English will need to meet our English Language Requirements. Please note: On completion of this course, those wishing to register as a health professional in Australia will also need to satisfy the AHPRA requirement of an overall IELTS score of 7. |
| Related Courses | Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Wellbeing Graduate Certificate in Health and Social Wellbeing |
| Tuition Fees 2021# | Domestic $25,800# International $32,400# *FEE-HELP available to eligible Australian citizens. For more information visit our Fees and Scholarships page. Tuition fees, non-tuition fees, and refunds are governed by NTI’s Fees, Charges and Refunds Policy |
| Non-Tuition Fees | More about non-tuition fees |
| CRICOS Course Code | 082515E |
| CRICOS Provider Number | 03233C |
Course Structure
The course can be completed within three (3) semesters of full-time study or four (4) or more semesters of part-time study. It is possible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Health and Social Wellbeing or Graduate Diploma of Health and Social Wellbeing.
The Master of Arts (Health and Social Wellbeing) qualification requires the completion of 12 subjects (for a total of 72 credit points).
Core Subjects
Note: Not all subjects are offered in each semester. Please consult the timetable or Student Services for advice.
Elective Subjects
4 Elective Subjects* to be chosen from the schedule below:
| NTI900 | Critical Inquiry |
| HSW905 | Compassion at Work |
| HSW906 | Social and Cultural Wellbeing |
| HSW907 | Applied Mindfulness for Professionals |
| HSW911 | Wellness Promotion and Evaluation |
| HSW913 | Approaches to Care for Older Adults |
| HSW950 | Research Project (12 credit points) |
| ABS901 | Introduction to Buddhism |
| ABS902 | Mindfulness: Theory and Practice |
| ABS904 | Buddhist Ethics |
| ABS921 | Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability |
| ABS944 | Mindfulness and Cognitive Science |
* 3 elective subjects if HSW950 Research Project (12 credit points) is also taken as an elective.
Mind-Body Wellness
HSW901
‘Mind-Body Wellness’ explores and analyses psychological, emotional, physical, social, and environmental factors that can contribute to, or work against, the health and wellbeing of individuals and societies. The subject examines mind-body wellness research from a range of perspectives, as well as exploring practical tools and interventions to assist others in improving mind-body wellness.
Nutrition Through the Lifespan
HSW902
This subject takes a lifespan perspective to nutrition, diet and exercise, addressing nutritional requirements fundamental to human growth through the lifespan, drawing on different health and science disciplines to provide a basis for understanding nutrition.
You will discuss the many factors that impact on healthy food choices and how foods can be utilised to enhance wellbeing.
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
HSW903
‘Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice’ examines Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), which is central to contemporary health research and practice. Students will learn how to apply scientific methods and statistical principles to a variety of research situations and questions, and to understand the ways in which knowledge in the health and social sciences is validated and communicated.
Complementary and alternative medicine is a thriving sector of health care. Case studies will enable students to study the philosophies, practices and supporting evidence base for selected therapies such as meditation, traditional medicine, qigong, yoga, spiritual healing, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, shiatsu, iridology and kinesiology.
Social Policy, Health and Welfare
HSW904
‘Social Policy, Health, and Welfare’ examines the nature of public health and public health policy frameworks and issues and explores the cultural and social dimensions of health and wellness and the economic and political environment in which health policies and strategies are developed and implemented. The importance of social justice and equity in health care is emphasised.
This subject addresses the determinants of health and achieving improved health outcomes for individuals, carers, communities and populations. Students will practise skills needed to conduct a needs analysis and plan and evaluate an intervention for a health promotion project.
Coaching and Counselling for Health and Wellbeing
HSW912
Promoting, motivating, and supporting health, wellbeing, and positive behaviour change, is a highly valued and necessary competency for many professional roles, particularly in the areas of health/mental health, psychology/counselling/coaching, disability and rehabilitation, complementary medicine, welfare, community outreach, human resources, and management. Many people, however, would like to feel better equipped and trained in this area of their work. Coaching and Counselling for Health and Wellness examines a range of evidence-based and best-practice approaches to coaching and counselling for health and wellbeing, and develops practical skills via peer and client practice, under supervision.
Mental Health and Wellness
HSW914
A state of wellbeing is defined as every individual having the opportunity to realise their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully and make a contribution to their community.
Rapidly evolving evidence and the emergence of new research technologies are forcing revision of historical truths, beliefs, traditions and approaches to mental health and wellness.
This subject explores recent developments in our understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including severe challenges to mental health and the associated impact on the lives of people having these experiences and their families and communities.
Arts Therapy
HSW915
Art is a form of psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups in which the participants engage in artistic processes within a therapeutic relationship. It is a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. This subject examines the diversity of art therapy models and methods.
Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy
HSW916
‘Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy – Mindfulness for the Helping Professions’ is an ideal study opportunity for anyone interested in the interface between Buddhism and Psychotherapy, and the significant advantages this new spiritual dimension of psychotherapy has on modern life.
This theoretical and experiential subject looks at contemporary mental and psychological disorders and diseases, and examines how Buddhism and Psychotherapy practices can respond, manage and impact on them.
In the last decade there has been an exponential increase in interest in the relationship between Buddhism and Psychotherapy. This subject explores the interface between Buddhism and psychotherapy and the therapeutic actions of Buddha’s core teachings and practice of mindfulness which are now incorporated in many mainstream psychotherapies. The theoretical and neurobiological basis of meditation training and the art and science of meditation useful in psychotherapy practice is discussed, demonstrated and practiced.
The subject also covers the Buddhist and psychological concepts and foundations of suffering pertaining to psychological distress, psychic pain, difficult relationship issues, stress induced diseases, addictions, ageing, sickness and death. There will be experiential exercises to cultivate various clinically beneficial meditative practices. Content also touches on the social, cultural and ethical issues involved in the Integration of Buddhism and Psychotherapy for health professionals.
Critical Inquiry
NTI900
This subject is designed to prepare students to be successful in their postgraduate studies. The subject strengthens existing academic abilities and literacies, usually gained through undergraduate study, and introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills. The subject includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry which underpins the postgraduate curriculum.
The subject will support students in their first session of postgraduate study; facilitate an understanding of the nature and structure of their degrees; provide resources and peer support to enhance academic and digital literacies needed for success in their degree.
Compassion at Work
HSW905
Compassion has been identified as a priority area for improvement in health care. Explicit training in compassion is now necessary within health care settings, which are becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced.
This subject examines the implications of compassion in health care for individuals, organisations and society and draws from the growing field of Compassion Science, which suggests that compassion is central to positive outcomes in health care.
This subject also examines physiological, psychological, philosophical and sociological evidence, which proposes a positive correlation between compassionate health care enhanced by contemplative practice and staff and clients’ quality of life.
It is grounded in a strength-based, resilience-building approach while offering both applied and theoretical experience of compassion for personal and professional development in health care. This subject is also highly relevant to a range of business professionals.
Social and Cultural Wellbeing
HSW906
This subject addresses health and social services in the culturally and socially diverse world in which we live and work. Indigenous experience of health and wellness is a major theme, and you will gain an appreciation of the achievements and needs of Indigenous Australians. The subject also examines cultural awareness in the context of the helping professionals for people working in multi-cultural settings with different health and cultural philosophies and practices, and the impact of cultural diversity on health outcomes and the delivery of health care. Students will examine discrimination, equal opportunity and human rights, relationship and social justice principles, social philosophies and practices and theories of social disadvantage.
Applied Mindfulness for Professionals
HSW907
Mindfulness as a therapeutic tool is now widely used and accepted across a broad range of health and therapeutic settings. The growing body of empirical research suggests that mindfulness practice is particularly useful for lowering chronic anxiety and pain, negative cognitions, and stress, and for increasing wellbeing. There is also increasing empirical evidence suggesting its efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms.
Students in the subject will critically explore how mindfulness is defined, applied, and evaluated in secular settings. The empirical research on the study of mindfulness will be reviewed, and specific approaches to teaching individuals and groups the practice of mindfulness will be explored and developed.
Students will also have the opportunity to choose and investigate, in-depth, a specific application of mindfulness practice for their professional setting, and develop a practical teaching process applicable to specific clients.
Approaches to Care for Older Adults
HSW913
Given a choice, the majority of older people would prefer to live in their own homes despite disabilities, loneliness and the problems of health care. In this subject, you will consider the healthcare needs of older people and the ways in which older people are represented through the media, health and social policies and legislation, and the way that these representations impact on their lives and their access to health care services.
Research Project
HSW950
This unit provides experience and training in a significant project. Students will work on their specific project proposal in conjunction with their supervisor, engaging in the stages of the research process related to a critical review of the literature, designing their project, considering ethical dimensions of their study, and data collection techniques. The emphasis of this unit is on the application of research knowledge gained in other units to the development of the individual project, culminating in a written project proposal.
Introduction to Buddhism
ABS901
‘Introduction to Buddhism’ outlines and explores the fundamentals of Buddhist thought. Students examine ideas around the origin and development of Buddhism, key Buddhist doctrines, and the basic concepts of Buddhist philosophy across various traditions. The role of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice in approaching morality and ethics, as well as contemporary developments in global Buddhism, is introduced and critically appraised. Students critically examine the meaning of life through Buddhist perspectives.
Mindfulness: Theory and Practice
ABS902
Mindfulness Theory and Practice examines the systems of meditative practice taught in Buddhist traditions, focusing on mindfulness as the key component in the Buddhist doctrinal framework. It explores the theoretical foundations for meditative practice as well as the practical methods and techniques of meditation, and it also looks at the variety of applications of mindfulness in new contexts and environments.
The subject places emphasis both on theory and on practice: apart from the study and critical examination of primary and secondary sources on Buddhist meditation, the students also explore several techniques and aspects of mindfulness in practice. They are expected to devote two hours per day to the practice of mindfulness and record and reflect on their experiences. The classes are accompanied by practical sessions of meditation as appropriate to the development of each topic.
Buddhist Ethics
ABS904
‘Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy – Mindfulness for the Helping Professions’ is an ideal study opportunity for anyone interested in the interface between Buddhism and Psychotherapy, and the significant advantages this new spiritual dimension of psychotherapy has on modern life.
This theoretical and experiential subject looks at contemporary mental and psychological disorders and diseases, and examines how Buddhism and Psychotherapy practices can respond, manage and impact on them.
In the last decade there has been an exponential increase in interest in the relationship between Buddhism and Psychotherapy. This subject explores the interface between Buddhism and psychotherapy and the therapeutic actions of Buddha’s core teachings and practice of mindfulness which are now incorporated in many mainstream psychotherapies. The theoretical and neurobiological basis of meditation training and the art and science of meditation useful in psychotherapy practice is discussed, demonstrated and practiced.
The subject also covers the Buddhist and psychological concepts and foundations of suffering pertaining to psychological distress, psychic pain, difficult relationship issues, stress induced diseases, addictions, ageing, sickness and death. There will be experiential exercises to cultivate various clinically beneficial meditative practices. Content also touches on the social, cultural and ethical issues involved in the Integration of Buddhism and Psychotherapy for health professionals.
Wellness Promotion and Evaluation
HSW911
This subject develops the theory and practice of wellness assessment and health analysis and the analysis and interpretation of selected diagnostic information pertaining to wellness.
You will explore the approaches to the assessment of health for individuals and society, and the analysis of signs, symptoms and pathologies and develop the skills for making prescriptions for healthy lifestyles and health promotion.
Subject Overview
Mindfulness Theory and Practice examines the systems of meditative practice taught in Buddhist traditions, focusing on mindfulness as the key component in the Buddhist doctrinal framework. It explores the theoretical foundations for meditative practice as well as the practical methods and techniques of meditation, and it also looks at the variety of applications of mindfulness in new contexts and environments.
The subject places emphasis both on theory and on practice: apart from the study and critical examination of primary and secondary sources on Buddhist meditation, the students also explore several techniques and aspects of mindfulness in practice. They are expected to devote two hours per day to the practice of mindfulness and record and reflect on their experiences. The classes are accompanied by practical sessions of meditation as appropriate to the development of each topic.
Buddhist Ethics
ABS904
Buddhist Ethics provides an overview of Buddhist ethics in different traditions; it also examines issues arising from their application in the contemporary world. After outlining the framework of Buddhist ethics, a number of contemporary issues are reviewed and discussed using the lens of Buddhist ethical traditions: issues examined include the natural world (environment, animals, conservation), abortion, suicide, euthanasia, war, gender and sexuality, economics, social responsibility, etc.
Increasing individual ethical behaviour is at the heart of Buddhist traditions: understanding the nature of ethical choices and behaviours is also fundamental to a sound comprehension of Buddhism. This subject presents an introduction to the major areas of ethical consideration important in Buddhist teachings and then critically investigates a range of contemporary issues in order to highlight possible contributions from—or gaps in—traditional Buddhist paradigms and perspectives.
Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability
ABS921
Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability examines the relationship between Buddhist traditions, including contemporary Buddhist practice, and global issues in sustainability and environment. It explores both classic and new sources of Buddhist environmentalism, as well as the position of environmentalism from other spiritual paths. Spiritual traditions have a key role in engaging creative responses to environmental and associated social challenges.
This subject will analyse scales of Buddhist environmentalism from the global to the personal, and situate them in both local and global geographic contexts. The subject places emphasis both on theory and on practice: apart from the study and critical examination of primary and secondary sources on Buddhist environmentalism, students will participate in field activities examining local environmental issues.
Mindfulness and Cognitive Science
ABS944
The subject “Mindfulness and Cognitive science” examines the foundations as well as some of most recent developments in the field of cognitive science – a rapidly growing area of research, integrating insights from a broad spectrum of disciplines concerned with the study of human mind.
The aim of the subject is to put this relatively young research project vis a vis the two and a half millennia old Buddhist endeavour of exploration in the same area.
The subject begins with an interdisciplinary overview of the so called “paradigms” of cognitive science, each of them representing one of the basic views on the nature of mind. The following paradigms are examined:
- Information-processing paradigm
- Cognitivistic paradigm
- Embodied cognition
- Phenomenology
The latter position is explored in more detail: some of the most recent developments in the area of the study of lived human experience are examined (theoretically and experientially). Together, the students will investigate how modern science of lived experience relates to Buddhist studies of the same subject. By studying research papers, cases, and personal accounts and through inquiry into personal experiences, they will be encouraged to compare, validate and critically examine methods and insights of both cultures.
The subject will examine intersections of mindfulness meditation and scientific studies of consciousness. Students will be encouraged to compare and reflect on the validity of knowledge obtained by both paths. Special attention will be drawn to parallels between mindfulness and phenomenological reduction.
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ABOUT NAN TIEN INSTITUTE
Nan Tien Institute (NTI) is a private, not for profit, government accredited higher education provider offering studies in the areas of Buddhist studies, health and wellbeing, within an environment that incorporates contemplative education.
NTI offers postgraduate programs in Applied Buddhist Studies, Health and Social Wellbeing, Humanistic Buddhism, and Mental Health as well as customised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs and special interest subjects across the areas of meditation, mindfulness and health.