Introduction
If you're a practising or aspiring health services manager seeking a formal qualification to complement your previous qualifications or experience, the Master of Health Services Management from Charles Sturt University is for you. Offered online, this degree provides advanced knowledge and understanding of the Australian healthcare system.
Designed to accommodate students from diverse occupational groups, the course can be tailored to meet your professional development needs, or you can focus on an area of personal interest.
This course is part of an articulated programme of study. Articulated programmes allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.
Course highlights
The Master of Health Services Management equips you to deliver efficiency, effectiveness and high-quality service at personal, department and organisational levels.
Contemporary programme: By the time you graduate, you'll have acquired the in-depth knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective management practice and leadership in a health services context. You'll be able to examine the culture of health service delivery and, working from an evidence-based framework, make decisions that consider contemporary and emerging issues in the funding, financing, regulatory and policy influences on managerial practice. You'll also be prepared to lead the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health service delivery.
Targeted study: This flexible course lets you tailor your studies to an area of interest or professional expertise. Study streams in research, leading change and management are available.
Online convenience: For busy professionals, online study is an ideal way to upgrade your qualifications while remaining in the workforce. You’ll learn using a range of online resources and communication tools.
Exceptional teaching staff: You'll benefit from personal engagement and support from dedicated professional educators who are knowledgeable in contemporary practice and have a wealth of experience in the sector.
Choose your path: If you're unsure about the master-level study, you may prefer to initially enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Health Services Management. With satisfactory performance in the first or subsequent year of that course, you may be eligible to apply for the master's programme. Alternatively, you may choose to exit the master’s course with a Graduate Diploma of Health Services Management after completing 64 points of study or a Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management after completing 32 points of study.
Career opportunities
Diverse health services management roles are found in the public and private sectors throughout Australia and overseas. For those looking to advance into management, Charles Sturt University's Master of Health Services Management will give you a competitive edge in your bid to enter leadership and management positions. For those already working in management, the degree provides knowledge and skills that will boost your credentials and widen your career prospects. Manage units and departments in a range of public and private healthcare practices, including nursing, allied health, paramedicine, medical science, medicine, dentistry and aged care sectors.
Subjects
For each 8 point subject, you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, residential schools, or examinations.
If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.
Graduation requirements
As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course, you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 96 points.
International students
Gain an internationally recognised qualification with Charles Sturt University at one of our vibrant regional campuses, or study online from the comfort of your own home - anywhere in the world!
Please note: if you choose to study online with Charles Sturt University, the course study mode will not meet necessary requirements for granting Australian student visas.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree or eligible AHPRA registration where the current standard is a bachelor pass degree and 2 years of experience in the health services industry.
Australian and New Zealand students
For Australian and New Zealand students there are two levels of entry for students undertaking the Master of Health Services Management:
Entry type 1Students must hold an undergraduate degree and have at least two years' experience in the health industry. Students undertake 12 subjects (five core and seven elective subjects totalling 96 points). Applicants should also provide a comprehensive CV and letters of reference with their application to demonstrate professional experience.
Entry type 2Students must hold an undergraduate degree and have completed or concurrently undertake a management trainee programme sponsored by the Australian College of Health Services Executives (ACHSE). Students undertake eight subjects (five core and three elective subjects) in the Master's programme and are awarded 32 points credit for the completion of the ACHSE programme following the successful completion of those eight subjects.
Canadian students
For Canadian students, there is one level of entry for students undertaking the Master of Health Services Management. Students must hold an undergraduate degree and have at least two years' experience in the health industry. Students undertake 12 subjects (five core and seven elective subjects totalling 96 points).
English language requirements
You can normally meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for entry to most Charles Sturt University courses by doing one of the following:
Providing evidence of having completed a sufficient standard of study in English.
Obtaining Academic IELTS within the last 2 years, with a minimum overall score of 6 and no individual score below 5.5.
Obtaining a qualification deemed to be equivalent to Academic IELTS (and its minimum scores) by Charles Sturt.
Support
When it comes to postgraduate study, we understand that having the right kind of support is key to your success. You’ll enjoy flexible learning that allows you to fit study into your life, at a time that suits you. Our team are only a phone call or email away and you can even use our online chat for any questions you may have. We can also help you connect with scholarships, grants, loans, and assistance that can make further study affordable. At Charles Sturt University, we’re with you every step of the way.
Key points
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s leading regional university. Charles Sturt campuses are small, friendly communities, based in vibrant regional Australian locations.
Charles Sturt University is #1 for graduate employment, More Charles Sturt grads get jobs faster than grads from any other university in Australia. (Good Universities Guide 2020/21).
Charles Sturt’s approach to teaching and learning combined with hands-on experience ensures graduates have the best opportunities to kickstart careers in their chosen profession.
