Why Master of Health Services Management?
Improve healthcare services and outcomes through effective leadership.
Millions of Australians rely on the health system every day, and the skilled coordination of these services is essential for people to receive the right care at the right time. Health services managers provide the leadership, planning and decision-making needed to deliver high-quality care and improve the performance of complex healthcare organisations.
Designed for current and aspiring healthcare leaders, this degree provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage people, resources and services in complex healthcare environments. You’ll be equipped for a rewarding career in one of Australia's fastest-growing employment sectors.
Overview
Take the next step in your career with Adelaide University. This degree prepares you for leadership and management roles across the health and aged care sectors in Australia and internationally.
Designed for healthcare professionals and aspiring leaders, this degree develops the management, business and problem-solving skills needed to improve health services, enhance organisational performance and achieve better outcomes for patients.
Combining healthcare knowledge with contemporary management practice, you’ll develop an understanding of how Australia's healthcare system operates while building the practical skills to improve service delivery, manage resources effectively and address real-world healthcare challenges.
Supported by experienced academic staff and industry-informed learning, you'll graduate with an internationally recognised qualification and the confidence to lead change across a range of healthcare organisations.
Key features
Study a blend of health and business courses, built around real healthcare management problems.- Apply your skills to a major community or industry-sponsored project tackling a real-world health management issue.
- Develop advanced leadership and management capabilities, developed through a contemporary curriculum.
- Choose an elective in complementary areas such as AI for business, health informatics, marketing and health promotion
- Enhance your practice by learning alongside peers from diverse clinical and professional backgrounds.
- Benefit from broad and transferable career outcomes across Australia’s healthcare industry.
What you'll learn
Our Master of Health Services Management is designed with a unique blend of health and business courses. You’ll explore areas like:
- Management
- Administration
- Leadership
- Project management
- Strategic management
- Financial management
- Quality and safety
- Research methods and more.
Develop the confidence to lead teams, manage competing priorities and make informed decisions in complex healthcare settings. These capabilities will help you respond to challenges, drive improvement and support effective service delivery.
Build practical skills in project management, reporting, budget planning, policy development and service improvement. You'll learn how to coordinate services, manage resources and contribute to the effective day-to-day operation of healthcare organisations.
You'll also develop research and analytical skills to evaluate evidence, assess service performance and support informed decision-making. These capabilities will help you contribute to healthcare improvement, organisational planning and policy development.
Tailor your studies to match your career goals. Choose from a range of electives including business intelligence, AI for business, health informatics, cyber law and ethics, marketing, health promotion, community engagement, negotiation, service management, promoting health in individuals and populations, and introductory biostatistics. These options allow you to build specialist knowledge that complements your professional interests and career aspirations.
In your second year, a capstone project puts all your skills into practice. You'll work with a community or industry partner on a real-world problem, building your professional network along the way.
Assessments for this degree include case studies, reports, essays, oral presentations, examinations and reflective activities that support professional growth and build transferable skills for everyday practice.
Degree Structure: Master of Health Services Management
Program code: MAHSM
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 78 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, 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 96 units comprising:
- 78 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 78 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Business Statistics
|
Course code
BAFI5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance and Compensation Management
|
Course code
HRES2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Ethics
|
Course code
HLTH5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Financial and Economic Management for Health and Aged Care
|
Course code
HLTH5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance Review and Health Economics
|
Course code
HLTH5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible Leadership in Health
|
Course code
HLTH5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategy for Health and Aged Care Managers
|
Course code
HLTH5007
|
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
Talent Acquisition and Development
|
Course code
HRES5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Managing Organisational Development and Change
|
Course code
HRES5008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Management Fundamentals
|
Course code
PROJX500
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods In Health
|
Course code
PUBH5013
|
Units
6
|
Work Integrated Learning description
WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Capstone in Health Services Management
|
Course code
HLTH5003
|
Units
12
|
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
Negotiation
|
Course code
BUSI6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI5205
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Business Intelligence
|
Course code
INFO5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cyber Law, Ethics and Professional Practice in Cyber
|
Course code
INFO5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Informatics
|
Course code
INFO5061
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Biostatistics
|
Course code
PUBH5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations
|
Course code
PUBH5017
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Whether you’re a clinician looking to move into management or a professional seeking to build a career in healthcare administration and service delivery, Adelaide University’s Master of Health Services Management prepares you for leadership and management roles across the health and aged care sectors.
You'll graduate with the skills to manage healthcare services, lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate programs, improve quality and safety, oversee resources and budgets, and support the delivery of efficient, patient-centred care. Career opportunities exist across hospitals, aged care organisations, primary care services, community health agencies, government departments and other healthcare settings.
Roles to consider:
- Health Services Manager
- Hospital Manager
- Program Manager
- Healthcare Operations Manager
- Quality and Safety Manager
- Clinical Governance Manager
- Aged Care Manager
- Practice Manager
- Healthcare Project Manager
- Health Policy Advisor.
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). Graduating into this growth means strong opportunities across a wide range of sectors.
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.
