University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree combines core management subjects with health‑specific content to give you a broad understanding of how health services are planned, delivered and evaluated. Typical study areas include health systems and policy, health economics, health law and ethics, quality and safety in health care, and health informatics.

• Core management topics: organisational behaviour, leadership, strategic management, human resource management and financial management for health services.
• Health sector modules: Australian and comparative health systems, health policy and planning, population health, primary care management, and aged‑care service delivery.
• Technical and analytical skills: health informatics, research methods, data analysis for health services and quality improvement methodologies.
• Practical experience: industry placements or work‑integrated learning, and a capstone or project subject that applies theory to a real organisational challenge.
• Electives and specialisation: options to study electives in areas such as public health, epidemiology, health promotion, or topics in private health administration.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or an equivalent secondary qualification for international applicants. Selection typically considers academic performance in senior secondary studies; applicants with relevant tertiary study, vocational qualifications or professional experience may be eligible for alternative entry pathways.

• Meeting the University of Adelaide's general admission standards and any faculty prerequisites where applicable.
• Mature‑age applicants and those with prior vocational education and training (VET) or collegiate study are encouraged to apply through recognised pathways.
• International applicants must satisfy the University's English language requirement through an approved test or equivalent evidence of prior study in English.
• Some applicants may be required to submit a personal statement or provide evidence of relevant work or volunteer experience, particularly for competitive entry rounds.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across the health sector where both sector knowledge and management capability are required. Typical career paths include operational and administrative positions in hospitals, primary care practices, aged‑care and community health services, and health policy organisations.

• Health service manager or unit manager in public and private hospitals
• Practice manager in primary care and allied health clinics
• Quality and safety coordinator or clinical governance officer
• Policy advisor, program officer or project manager in government health departments and NGOs
• Roles with health insurers, aged‑care providers and health technology firms

Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study such as a Master of Health Administration, public health, or MBA to develop senior leadership and specialist skills.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers health management teaching informed by local and national health system practice, with opportunities for industry placements and collaboration with health services in South Australia. You will learn in a research‑active environment that connects management theory with current health policy and practice.

• Access to industry‑focused learning experiences and professional networks within Adelaide's health sector.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities across health, business and data analytics subjects to broaden career options.
• Support services for students including academic skills, career development and placement coordination to assist transition into employment.