Degree program

The Graduate Studies Program in Pain Management is a postgraduate coursework degree course offered through the University of Sydney. Students can obtain degrees at the level of Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master and Master (Honours). The distance course is available entirely on-line and over one hundred and fifty local and international students have completed degrees. The course is multidisciplinary and open to medical practitioners, dentists, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists and other health professionals who have an interest and involvement in the field of pain management. The course aims to provide advanced education in pain management with up-to-date and clinically relevant teaching about the principles, contributors, assessment and management of pain. Teaching materials and on-line discussion groups are prepared and facilitated by an international faculty of experienced researchers and clinicians in the field of pain management.

From 2005 a collaborative partnership was commenced with the University of Edinburgh and the University of California, San Francisco. This allows students from Europe and North America to enrol and obtain their degrees from their respective universities.

For more information, explore our site or download our brochure or visit the Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Studies website.

Short courses are available for continuing education. Please see Continuing Education.

About the Program

This program is a postgraduate coursework degree course, with the option of entry or exit at the level of Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Masters (Honours).

Program Aim

The aim of the program is to contribute to improved patient outcomes by providing postgraduate, clinically relevant education of international standard in the sciences, concepts, approaches and procedures for pain management in the context of the multidisciplinary team.

Target Audience

The program provides advanced education in pain for graduates in medicine, dentistry, psychology, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other relevant disciplines involved in the management of pain.

A graduate from the Masters course is expected to be able to:

• Apply the theory and practice of pain management within the context of the multidisciplinary team.
• Apply the principles and practices underpinning the biopsychosocial approach to the management of pain.
• Make a strong contribution towards improved outcomes for patients with pain problems.
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to practice in both clinical and non-clinical contexts.