Start date
February
July

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
IGHM

Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

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
102765F

Degree overview

  • In one year of full-time study, develop advanced leadership and management skills to apply across the health and ageing sectors.
  • Enjoy flexible study options through online and on-campus learning so you can advance your career while you study.
  • Enjoy 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.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 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

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The Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management will extend your skills to excel in leadership and management roles.

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

Graduates of this diploma may choose to go on to further study, and be eligible for credit towards, the Master of Health Services Management.

What you'll learn

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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 in financial decision-making.
  • Effectively plan, manage, execute and deliver projects to completion.
  • Develop and enhance your understanding of the quality, safety, and risk management standards which apply in health and aged care.
  • Prepare for leadership roles in health within Australia and internationally.

You can also tailor your studies by choosing two elective subjects to align with your area of interest. You may wish to gain skills required to design and evaluate complex health interventions, or pick electives which will enhance your analytical skills.

This is a more advanced formal qualification than the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
People, Leadership and Performance BUSS 5114 4.5
Financial and Economic Management for Health and Aged Care HLTH 5193 4.5
Responsible Leadership in Health HLTH 5196 4.5
Project Management for Business BUSS 5139 4.5
Health and Aged Care Systems and Operations HLTH 5201 4.5
Quality and Safety for Health and Aged Care Managers HLTH 5202 4.5
Elective 1 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Elective 2 4.5 Rule(s): 1

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 Diploma in Health Services Management

Why this Degree

Featuring a blend of health and business courses, this graduate diploma is an important qualification 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 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 clinicians, professionals, and academics across health and business. You'll also benefit 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

Graduates will be competitively placed for senior leadership roles, such as:

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

You may also decide to pursue postgraduate study to further your knowledge with the Master of Health Services Management.

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 will be able to 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

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    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.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

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.jpg

Ian Walton

Master of Health Services Management
Course Developer and Lecturer