Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 27,800 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in an approved Field of Education (FOE), or a Graduate Certificate 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 will also be eligible for entry as
well as credit based on courses already completed.
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
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
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.
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. 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
- 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.
Why Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management
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, including:
- leadership
- the health and healthcare environment
- business
- professional and social responsibility
- 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.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
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.
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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 student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. 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 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.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
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
