Curtin University

What you'll study

The course combines health management theory with practical skills to manage people, budgets, systems and quality in health settings. Core topics typically cover health systems and policy, health economics and funding, strategic management, governance and leadership, quality improvement and patient safety, and research methods.

Study pathways commonly include a mix of compulsory core units, electives and a capstone component. The capstone may take the form of an industry-based project, consultancy project or research thesis, giving you the chance to apply learning to a real organisational challenge. Elective choices allow specialisation in areas such as health informatics, aged-care management, primary care administration or public/population health.

• Health systems and policy
• Health economics and financing
• Strategic and operational management in health services
• Governance, ethics and legal issues
• Quality improvement, safety and performance measurement
• Research methods and evidence-informed decision making
• Industry project or research thesis (capstone)

Course structure and delivery

The program is offered with flexible delivery modes to suit working professionals, typically including on-campus, blended and online study options. Full-time and part-time enrolment options are usually available, and the programme emphasises applied learning through casework, industry projects and engagement with health providers.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a recognised bachelor degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent tertiary qualification. Applicants with substantial professional experience in a health or related sector may also be considered, particularly where their background demonstrates leadership or managerial responsibility.

Applicants whose previous study was delivered in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English through recognised tests or equivalent evidence. Additional requirements for some entry pathways can include a current CV and references, and for international students, documentation that meets visa requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Master of Health Administration move into a wide range of leadership and management roles across public, private and not‑for‑profit health sectors. Typical positions include:

• Hospital or health service manager
• Clinical or departmental manager
• Health program or project manager
• Quality and safety coordinator or manager
• Policy adviser or analyst in health departments
• Aged-care services manager
• Health consultancy and business development roles

The degree also provides a foundation for progression to senior executive roles or for further study and research in health management and policy.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a practice-oriented Master of Health Administration with strong links to health providers and industry partners, which supports applied projects and work-integrated learning. The university’s health and allied health faculties bring academic expertise across management, policy and clinical contexts, and the course design emphasises contemporary issues such as digital health, safety and integrated care.

Flexible delivery options help working professionals balance study with employment, and support services for postgraduate students, including career and research guidance, are available to help translate skills into leadership roles within the health sector.