Why Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management?
Start your journey towards leadership in health and aged care.
Healthcare organisations rely on effective leaders and managers to coordinate services, manage resources and support high-quality patient care. This graduate certificate provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to begin or advance a career in health and aged care management.
Designed for health professionals, emerging leaders and those seeking a pathway into healthcare management, this qualification combines health and business knowledge to develop the leadership, financial and operational capabilities needed in contemporary health and aged care organisations.
Overview
Start your management journey with Adelaide University.
Designed for healthcare professionals seeking career progression as well as aspiring managers entering the sector, the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management develops practical knowledge of healthcare operations, leadership and financial management.
Combining healthcare knowledge with contemporary management principles, you'll gain an understanding of how health and aged care organisations function while developing the skills to lead teams, manage resources and contribute to improved service delivery.
Supported by experienced academic staff and flexible learning opportunities, you'll graduate with the confidence to contribute effectively within healthcare management settings.
Key features
Study a blend of health and business courses built around real health and aged care management challenges.- Explore how health and aged care systems operate and the contemporary challenges facing the sector.
- Develop leadership, financial management and operational decision-making skills.
- Gain a pathway into further study through the Graduate Diploma and Master of Health Services Management.
- Tailor your studies with electives in areas such as AI for business, health informatics, quality and safety, service management and marketing.
What you'll learn
Over six months (or part-time equivalent), you’ll complete three core courses and one elective aligned to your area of interest.
You'll study:
- Financial and Economic Management for Health and Aged Care
- Responsible Leadership in Health
- Health and Aged Care Systems and Operations.
These courses develop capabilities in leadership, budgeting, service operations and organisational decision-making. You'll gain practical skills that support effective management practice and prepare you for increasing responsibility within healthcare organisations.
Choose an elective aligned with your professional interests:
- AI for Business
- Service Management
- Quality and Safety for Health and Aged Care Managers
- Health Informatics
- Marketing.
These electives allow you to build complementary knowledge in areas such as digital health, service improvement, healthcare quality, emerging technologies and business strategy.
Assessments may include case studies, reports, essays, oral presentations and other applied activities that build transferable professional skills.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management
Program code: GCHSM
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Financial and Economic Management for Health and Aged Care
|
Course code
HLTH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible Leadership in Health
|
Course code
HLTH5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health and Aged Care Systems and Operations
|
Course code
HLTH5008
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program core - Please note that some core courses may be offered in either semester 1 or semester 2
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
AI for Business
|
Course code
BUSI5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Service Management
|
Course code
BUSI5085
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Quality and Safety for Health and Aged Care Managers
|
Course code
HLTH5009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Informatics
|
Course code
INFO4006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program electives - Please note that some electives may be offered in either semester 1 or semester 2
Career outcomes
Whether you're a health professional seeking management responsibilities or an aspiring leader building management capability, this degree provides a strong foundation for career progression.
You'll develop the skills to support service delivery, coordinate teams, contribute to quality improvement initiatives and assist with the management of healthcare operations across a range of healthcare settings.
Other careers you can consider include:
- Health Services Coordinator
- Team Leader
- Clinical Coordinator
- Practice Coordinator
- Healthcare Administration Officer
- Aged Care Coordinator
- Quality and Safety Officer
- Health Project Officer.
Industry trends
Health and Welfare Services Managers are projected to be among Australia's fastest-growing occupations, with employment expected to grow 27.1% by 2030 (Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections). With an Adelaide University qualification, you'll be equipped to lead across a range of contemporary healthcare management challenges.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
