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Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an approved Field of Education (FOE), or a
Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management, from a recognised higher education
institution.
Approved Fields of Education are:
Health
Human Welfare Studies and Services
Behavioural Science
Biomedical Engineering
Public and Health Care Management
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Genetics
Microbiology
Human Biology
Fields of Education not listed above may be considered at the discretion of the Program Director
Applicants with a completed Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management or Graduate Diploma in Health
Services Management will be eligible for entry as well as credit, based on courses already completed.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Advance into leadership and management positions across the diverse health and ageing sectors.
Benefit from flexible study options through online and on-campus learning.
Enjoy a unique blend of health and business courses for a contemporary health management focus.
Partner with industry while completing a major project targeting real world health management issues.
Join South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers.1
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.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.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This master's degree will help health or medical professionals looking to develop their leadership, management and business skills.
In two years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), you’ll be equipped for management roles in the health and aged care sectors. Professionals working in aligned industries, such as engineering, accounting or ICT may also find this a rewarding and relevant pathway to roles in health management.
What you'll learn
This master’s degree will expand your knowledge and skills in management, administration, leadership, project management, strategic management, financial management and more.
Through a unique blend of health and business courses, you'll learn to:
Provide the overall strategic direction and management for a service, facility, organisation or centre.
Work in senior levels of management influencing high-level organisation, financial and administrative decisions.
Prepare for leadership roles in health within Australia and internationally.
Develop and strengthen project management processes to plan, manage, execute and deliver successful projects.
Develop competencies in designing rigorous quantitative research to inform healthcare knowledge, practice, and policy.
Undertake administrative operations such as reporting and budget planning.
Understand business analytics, the accounting environment and health economics within organisations.
1. Students may choose from the approved electives or any other course with approval from the Program Director
Notes
1. The Master of Health Services Management is designed as a nested program, with credit transfers and articulation pathways from the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management and the Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management.
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
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
examinations
an industry-based project
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.
Featuring a blend of business and health courses, this postgraduate qualification is a great option for health professionals to take the next step in their unstoppable career.
For experienced managers and leaders, the Master of Health Service Management allows you to strengthen your experience, skills and knowledge with a formal qualification. Professionals working in aligned industries, such as engineering, accounting or ICT, may also find this a rewarding and relevant pathway to roles in health management.
You’ll develop capabilities based on the Australasian College of Health Services Management’s competency framework, including:
leadership
the health and healthcare environment
business
professional and social responsibility
communication and relationship management.
UniSA offers you the flexibility and convenience of blended on-campus and online learning. You'll access 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 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024.
Real-world connections
Learn from industry-experienced researchers and academics across health and business, giving you the opportunity to build valuable industry networks and relationships. As part of your course, you may be able to deliver a health service relevant project completed with an industry partner or your employer. This project will allow you to further develop and apply the skills you’ve acquired during your studies.
Hear about Shivangi's experience as an international student at UniSA.
Originally from Delhi, India, Shivangi enjoys the quality of teaching staff and the on-campus facilities available to her.
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
The Master of Health Services Management will prepare you for a range of leadership and management positions in the health and aged care sectors.
Graduates can work in a wide variety of 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.
Industry facts
Employment for health and welfare services managers in Australia is projected to increase by 26.5% by November 2026.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.
To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021. 19
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
You will be able to experience a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
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.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
I chose this degree as it was the perfect blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. Being a Biomedical engineer, I have always wanted to work in a hospital environment and this qualification will help me to achieve this goal working as a Medical Administrator or Health and Welfare Services Manager. The degree curriculum is well-structured and taught by great teaching staff, I have also attended networking and university club events, which has enhanced my knowledge in this field.
Apurva Satish Parkar
Master of Health Services Management
Apurva Satish Parkar
Master of Health Services Management
I am passionate about conveying the knowledge I have gained at National and State levels to current and prospective managers, aiming to provide them with a range of helpful tools, to assist them to cope with the diverse, and complex challenges which lay ahead.
Ian Walton
Master of Health Services Management
Course Developer and Lecturer
Ian Walton
Master of Health Services Management
Course Developer and Lecturer
When I arrived in Adelaide, I had mixed emotions but since day one, the University of South Australia helped me feel comfortable in every way possible through their support services. The teaching staff are motivating and industry-experienced, and the campuses are ultra-modern. My studies will allow me to provide strategic direction and management within the health services industry, in this picture-perfect, highly organised and system-driven region known as Adelaide that has become a home away from home.
Aakanksha Luthra - India
Master of Health Services Management
Aakanksha Luthra - India
Master of Health Services Management
I chose this degree as it has a strong focus on the demands of the healthcare industry. With a unique blend of health management and technology, I feel prepared to work in the hospitals of the future as a Healthcare Management Consultant or a Health Administrator.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
