Postgraduate course
Master of Lifestyle Medicine
Avondale University
Courses included
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This course has been cancelled
About
The Master of Lifestyle Medicine is designed to meet the shifting demands in health care towards lifestyle-based therapies. Evidence demonstrates that a healthy lifestyle is effective for preventing, managing and, in some instances, even reversing chronic health conditions. The course examines the processes used in implementing Lifestyle Medicine and evaluates the evidence concerning key Lifestyle Medicine domains - nutrition, physical activity, substance use management, sleep and stress management, social connection, and environmental influences.
The Master of Lifestyle Medicine is for existing health professionals who are passionate about utilising lifestyle-based therapies. The course provides an advanced understanding of Lifestyle Medicine domains, awareness of implementation processes, and engagement in a practical research project.
Major areas of study include an examination of the history of disease and the rationale for Lifestyle Medicine, core Lifestyle Medicine pillars, the pivotal roles of nutrition and physical activity, underlying physiological factors in chronic disease, psychological influences, environmental factors, substance use (with a focus on nicotine), the processes used to administer Lifestyle Medicine, cultural factors that influence Lifestyle Medicine interventions, and a year-long practical research project.
The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine recognises the completion of the Master of Lifestyle Medicine degree as fulfilling the point requirements to obtain Fellowship status.
Upon successful completion of the Master of Lifestyle Medicine, graduates will be able to:
- Explain and critique the diverse elements of Lifestyle Medicine, informed by an integrated understanding of the contemporary body of knowledge;
- Articulate, apply and evaluate a whole-of-health perspective encompassing freedom from disease through to positive wellbeing;
- Advocate for the implementation of Lifestyle Medicine informed by an integrated knowledge of the relationship between lifestyle and disease and the underlying causation of chronic diseases;
- Utilise a research-led methodological approach to develop and present the concepts of Lifestyle Medicine within the context of public health and clinical practice;
- Communicate the principles of Lifestyle Medicine to a diverse range of recipients with regard to culture, age and gender using multiple forms of communication;
- Design and apply Lifestyle Medicine interventions in a variety of cultural settings and employ appropriate evaluation processes to monitor and modify the effectiveness of these interventions;
- Argue for the role of identity, meaning and spirituality in the effectiveness of Lifestyle Medicine interventions and be able to recognise, design, apply and appraise these elements in Lifestyle Medicine interventions;
- Critically and creatively design, implement, evaluate and communicate Lifestyle Medicine related research.
The Master of Lifestyle Medicine benefits professionals with existing healthcare backgrounds such as doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, dietitians, health coaches and physical education teachers, and any other healthcare professional who wants to diversify their knowledge in the lifestyle-based therapies. Graduates also fulfill requirements to apply for fellowship with the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. On completion of the degree, Practitioner Members of ASLM may apply for Fellowship through the usual candidature processes.
Admission criteria
To qualify for admission, an applicant must have completed:
- An Australian Bachelor's degree in a related discipline listed under the 06 Health broad Field of Education, as determined by the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), or if the applicant’s degree is not in a 06 Health broad Field of Education, they may still be considered for admission provided a minimum of six units (36 credit points) in a health-related area (e.g. a health and physical education major) has been completed; or
- An Australian Graduate Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine; or
- an overseas qualification comparable to the above or higher.
In exceptional circumstances an applicant may be admitted based on qualifications deemed equivalent as assessed by the Course Convenor in consultation with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
Fees and charges
^ Indicative total only. Actual total will depend on subject selection, rate of program completion and annual review of fee levels. Check the latest fee information.
Further information
Read the full course details on the Avondale University website.
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
Visit the Avondale University website.
Call 1300 219 159
Email the College of Health Sciences.