Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
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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)
Program Code
IGHM
SATAC Code
4GD123 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 25,100 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2023
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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 from 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
Applicants with a qualification from a FOE not listed above may be approved at the discretion of the Program Director.
Essential requirements for admission
Applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum of one year of professional experience in the health, aged care or other relevant sector. All applicants will be required to provide a curriculum vitae or a 300-500 word statement detailing their relevant work experience.
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 in health.2
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.3 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities4, 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 2018-20, Health Services and Support – Full-time Employment Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities. 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 4Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
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, 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 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 (to November 2026).
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.
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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 a registered pharmacist with expertise across a number of practice settings, including community, hospital, industry and academia. I have held the positions of Professional Operations Manager with the Pharmacy Board of South Australia, SA/NT Branch Director for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and was a senior pharmacist for the Drug and Therapeutics Information Service (DATIS). My particular interest is in evidence-based teaching and learning to achieve competency-based education. I am passionate about the delivery of a high-quality curriculum and learning strategy to underpin the professional competencies required for management in the health sector.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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 | University of South Australia
