Curtin University

What you'll study

This professionally oriented master's combines theoretical foundations in human sexuality with applied clinical skills and research literacy. Core topics typically include:

• Foundations of sexology: biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives on human sexual development and behaviour.
• Sexual health and public health approaches: sexual health promotion, STI prevention, population-level determinants and service provision.
• Sexual diversity and gender: LGBTQIA+ sexualities, gender diversity, intersectionality and culturally responsive practice.
• Assessment and diagnosis: clinical interviewing, sexual history-taking, psychometric measures and differential diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions.
• Psychosexual therapy and counselling skills: evidence-based interventions, brief therapy models, couple work and sex-positive counselling techniques.
• Medical and pharmacological factors: the impact of medical conditions, medications and hormonal treatments on sexual function.
• Ethics, law and professional practice: confidentiality, consent, scope of practice, mandatory reporting and working with vulnerable clients.
• Research methods and critical appraisal: quantitative and qualitative methods, applied research design and translating evidence into practice.
• Practicum or placement and capstone: supervised clinical placement or practice-based project to consolidate clinical competencies; a research project or practicum report is commonly required.

Program delivery is typically a mix of seminars, clinical skills workshops, practicum and independent research or capstone work, enabling you to build both theoretical knowledge and applied competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as psychology, medicine, nursing, social work, counselling, public health or another allied health profession. Equivalent professional experience in health or counselling combined with prior tertiary study may be considered. Typical entry expectations include:

• A completed bachelor degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional qualifications and experience.
• Sufficient foundational training in counselling, clinical assessment or health care practice, depending on the applicant's background.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for international applicants in line with Curtin's graduate entry standards.
• Applicants seeking clinical placements may also need to satisfy background checks, immunisation requirements and any placement provider prerequisites.

Meeting minimum entry criteria does not guarantee admission; selection may take into account academic performance, professional experience and suitability for clinical training.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in clinical, educational, policy and research settings. Common career paths include:

• Sexologist or psychosexual clinician working in private practice or multidisciplinary clinics (note: local credentialing or supervision requirements for independent practice may apply).
• Sexual health clinician or educator in community health, sexual health centres, hospitals or non-government organisations.
• Counsellor or therapist with specialist skills in sexual and relationship issues, working with individuals and couples.
• Policy advisor, program coordinator or advocate for sexual health and rights at government or NGO level.
• Researcher or academic pursuing further research degrees or roles in sexual health research and evaluation.

Graduates often combine their sexology specialisation with existing professional registrations (for example in psychology, nursing or social work) to extend service offerings and referral networks.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a multidisciplinary learning environment within a university known for practical, industry-connected health education. The program emphasises applied skills, supervised clinical training and research literacy, preparing graduates for real-world practice across diverse settings. Students benefit from access to experienced teaching staff with clinical and research expertise, opportunities for supervised practicum and connections with local health services and community organisations. Flexible delivery options support working professionals who wish to upskill while continuing employment.