Start date
February
July

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
ICHS

Fees
AUD$ 15,450 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.5]
  • IELTS writing [6.5]
  • IELTS speaking [6.5]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
102764G

Degree overview

  • Develop foundational leadership and management skills relevant to the health and ageing sectors in just six months of full-time study.
  • Enjoy flexible study options through online and on-campus learning so you can advance your career while you study.
  • Study a blend of health and business courses for a contemporary health management focus.
  • Study course content informed by the competency framework developed by the Australasian College of Health Services Management.
  • Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in public health and health services, business and management.1
  • Join South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers in health.2
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Snapshot

The Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management will grow your leadership, management and business skills.

In just six months of full-time study (or one year part-time equivalent), you’ll develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities to make informed decisions in a managerial capacity in the health and aged care sectors.

Upon successful completion, you can use your credit to continue studying and build your expertise further with the graduate diploma or master's degree in health services management.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You’ll develop the skills and knowledge to:

  • Understand theoretical and practical knowledge of organisational behaviour and the psychology of individuals and groups, including motivation and leadership.
  • Lead a multi-stakeholder environment and handle social leadership challenges responsibly.
  • Learn what it means to be an effective and responsible leader.
  • Provide planning, budgeting and identify cost efficiencies to contribute to financial decision-making.
  • Prepare for leadership roles in health within Australia and internationally.

You can also tailor your studies by choosing an elective subject aligned to your area of interest. For example, you may wish to gain skills required to design and evaluate complex health interventions, or pick an elective which will enhance your analytical skills.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
People, Leadership and Performance BUSS 5114 4.5
Responsible Leadership in Health HLTH 5196 4.5
Financial and Economic Management for Health and Aged Care HLTH 5193 4.5
Plus one of the following courses:
Health and Aged Care Systems and Operations HLTH 5201 4.5
OR
Health Informatics INFT 4018 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • case studies and reports
  • oral or online presentations
  • essays and assignments
  • quizzes
  • real-world problem-solving exercises
  • a journal or portfolio

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management

Why this Degree

Featuring a blend of health and business courses, this graduate certificate is a great option if you want to pursue leadership and managerial roles within the health sector. You’ll develop capabilities based on the Australasian College of Health Services Management’s competency framework, spanning leadership, the health and healthcare environment, business, professional and social responsibility, and communication and relationship management.

With progressive study pathways at UniSA, you'll have a competitive edge as you progress in your career.

You'll also get the flexibility and convenience of blended on-campus and online learning, with digital learning facilities and dedicated support staff who will be with you every step of the way.

UniSA’s above world-class research in public health and health services1 informs the courses you’ll study. You’ll also study courses from a business program ranked in the top 1% worldwide2, and internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, education and research.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022.

Real-world connections

Learn from industry-experienced clinicians, professionals, and academics across health and business. You’ll hear from industry guest speakers who will share their insights, giving you the opportunity to build valuable industry networks and relationships.

Career outcomes

Your career

Advance your management career in this high-growth industry. Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s, and the industry is expected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia over the next five years with an increase of 301,000 jobs.1


This graduate certificate will equip you with the skills to seek out more senior leadership roles, such as:

  • clinical manager
  • practice manager
  • aged care manager
  • health and welfare services manager
  • medical or hospital administrator
  • primary health organisation manager
  • theatre manager

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

You'll experience a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.

Your study spaces

Your program director

I am the Program Director and Lecturer in the Health Services Management Program in the Clinical and Health Sciences Academic Unit. I hold a Professional Doctorate (Health Science) specialising in Health Services Management and Policy Science and Masters in Business Administration (Quality Management).

My professional discipline is Nursing, where I have extensive Industry experience working in senior positions across a variety of health sectors.

My primary teaching and research area of interest is leadership in healthcare. My other research areas of interest include Person-centred care and quality and safety in health services.

Dr Matylda Howard

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Matylda Howard
Portrait image for Dr Matylda Howard

Dr Matylda Howard

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

anchor-arrow
More FAQs