Why Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management?
Develop the practical skills to manage health and aged care services.
Health and aged care services depend on effective management to ensure people, resources and systems work together to deliver safe, high-quality care. This graduate diploma develops the practical knowledge and management capabilities needed to improve service delivery, support organisational performance and respond to the challenges facing contemporary health and aged care services.
Designed for health professionals and aspiring managers, this degree combines health and business knowledge with contemporary management practice. You'll develop the skills to manage teams, resources and services across a wide range of healthcare settings.
Overview
Take the next step in your healthcare career with Adelaide University.
Designed for health professionals seeking to broaden their management capability, the Graduate Diploma of Health Services Management develops the practical skills needed to manage services, teams and resources across health and aged care organisations.
Combining healthcare knowledge with contemporary management practice, you'll gain an understanding of how health and aged care systems operate while developing practical skills in planning, performance improvement, resource management and organisational leadership.
Supported by experienced academic staff and industry-informed learning, you'll graduate with the confidence to contribute effectively to the management of complex healthcare organisations.
Key features
Study a blend of health and business courses designed around real health and aged care management challenges.- Develop practical leadership, financial management and operational decision-making skills.
- Build expertise in quality, safety and performance improvement across health and aged care services.
- Tailor your studies through electives in areas such as health informatics, strategy, health economics, research methods and community engagement.
- Benefit from flexible study options that support career advancement.
- Learn alongside peers from diverse clinical, professional and management backgrounds.
What you'll learn
In one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), you’ll complete six core courses, and two electives aligned with your interests.
These courses develop the practical knowledge and capabilities required to manage contemporary health and aged care organisations. You'll build expertise in financial management, leadership, service operations, quality improvement, workforce management and project delivery.
You'll also strengthen your ability to make informed decisions, manage organisational performance and lead improvement initiatives within complex healthcare environments.
Electives let you tailor your studies further. Choose two electives aligned with your professional interests and career goals. These electives allow you to develop specialised knowledge in areas such as healthcare strategy, workforce development, digital health, research, community engagement and health promotion.
Assessments include case studies, reports, essays, oral presentations and examinations that build transferable professional skills for healthcare management practice.
Graduates may continue their studies with credit towards the Master of Health Services Management.
Degree Structure: Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management
Program code: GDHSM
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for Core courses, and
- 12 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 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 36 units comprising:
- 36 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
|
|
|
Course name
Quality and Safety for Health and Aged Care Managers
|
Course code
HLTH5009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance and Compensation Management
|
Course code
HRES2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Management Fundamentals
|
Course code
PROJX500
|
Units
6
|
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Health Informatics
|
Course code
INFO4006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Biostatistics
|
Course code
PUBH5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations
|
Course code
PUBH5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business Statistics
|
Course code
BAFI5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
AI for Business
|
Course code
BUSI5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Service Management
|
Course code
BUSI5085
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI5205
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Health Ethics
|
Course code
HLTH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance Review and Health Economics
|
Course code
HLTH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategy for Health and Aged Care Managers
|
Course code
HLTH5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Talent Acquisition and Development
|
Course code
HRES5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Managing Organisational Development and Change
|
Course code
HRES5008
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Whether you're an experienced health professional seeking leadership responsibility or an emerging manager building management capability, this graduate diploma prepares you for a wide range of healthcare management roles.
You'll graduate with the skills to coordinate services, supervise teams, manage projects, contribute to quality and safety initiatives, oversee resources and support organisational improvement across health and aged care settings.
You’ll be competitively placed to pursue roles such as:
- Health Services Manager
- Clinical Manager
- Hospital or Medical Centre Manager
- Healthcare Operations Manager
- Quality and Safety Coordinator
- Program Coordinator
- Aged Care Manager
- Practice Manager
- Health Project Officer
- Health Service Administrator.
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). This Graduate Diploma equips you with the skills and leadership qualities to lead confidently in this growing sector.
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.
