Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
The Master of Health Services (Research) is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed for health professionals and graduates who wish to develop deep expertise in health research design, methodology, and evidence-based practice within the Australian healthcare system. This degree-level research program combines structured research preparation training with the production of an original research thesis or a practice-led research project — such as a policy proposal or whitepaper — that makes a unique contribution to a chosen health field. Students work closely with a principal supervisor and a supervisory panel, progressing through research preparation subjects in the first year before undertaking a sustained, independent research project across the duration of the program. Areas of research focus can include health services delivery, clinical care improvement, public health, health policy, epidemiology, Indigenous health, global health, health economics, and more.
This qualification is classified as an AQF Level 9 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) — a prestigious academic credential that sits between a standard coursework master's and a PhD. It is distinct from a coursework-only Master of Health Management or Master of Public Health because the emphasis is squarely on independent, supervised research contributing new knowledge to the health field. Domestic students enrolled in this type of program are typically eligible for the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, meaning tuition fees may be fully covered. Graduates are equipped with advanced capabilities in research design, biostatistics, qualitative and quantitative methods, epidemiology, and health system analysis, making them highly sought after by universities, government health agencies, hospitals, research institutes, NGOs, and the private health sector.
Employers of Master of Health Services (Research) graduates span across Australia's public and private sectors. Key employers include state and federal health departments, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), public and private hospital networks, medical research institutes, Menzies School of Health Research, primary health networks, the World Health Organization, international research agencies, and universities. The qualification is also an important stepping stone to PhD candidacy and academic or research leadership careers.
Australia's healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented demand for skilled health services researchers as the country grapples with ageing demographics, rising chronic disease burden, pandemic preparedness requirements, and a rapidly evolving policy landscape. According to PwC Australia, the demand for the healthcare and social assistance workforce is projected to increase by nearly 15% over the next four years — and embedded within that growth is a critical need for professionals who can conduct rigorous research, evaluate health programs, and translate evidence into meaningful policy and clinical improvements. A Master of Health Services (Research) directly addresses this skills gap, producing graduates capable of generating new knowledge, leading program evaluations, and informing decision-making at both the system and community level.
Beyond immediate career demand, this qualification is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academia, clinical practice, and public health policy. It enables graduates to pursue research leadership roles, secure competitive grant funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and influence Australia's health system from the inside. With Australian health services under increasing pressure to demonstrate evidence-based outcomes, professionals who hold advanced research credentials are being appointed to senior advisory, specialist, and directorial positions across government, academia, and not-for-profit health organisations. The degree also provides a formal pathway into PhD study, opening doors to academic careers, postdoctoral fellowships, and internationally recognised research leadership.
Entry into a Master of Health Services (Research) typically requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree at AQF Level 7 (or recognised equivalent) in a relevant health or science discipline, with a minimum grade point average equivalent to a Credit or above — commonly 65% or higher in the final year of undergraduate study. Many programs require applicants to also hold an honours degree in a relevant field, a postgraduate qualification, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience in a health or health-related setting. Applicants are generally expected to submit a research proposal or statement of intent outlining the area of health research they wish to investigate, and to have identified or be matched with a suitable academic supervisor prior to or during the application process. Some programs may also consider exceptional applicants with extensive senior professional experience in health services, even without a research-oriented honours qualification.
English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for all applicants who have not completed their previous qualification in English. The standard minimum requirements typically include an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Advanced English. Some universities set higher English language thresholds for health research programs given the demanding nature of thesis writing and academic communication. International applicants may also need to demonstrate that their prior qualifications are assessed as equivalent to the relevant Australian AQF level by an approved credential assessment body. Domestic students who are offered entry are generally eligible for the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, which covers tuition fees for the duration of the program up to the maximum allowable period.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of a Master of Health Services (Research) are prepared for a broad and rewarding range of careers across Australia's public health, academic, government, clinical, and non-profit sectors. They can enter roles in health research institutions, universities, state and federal government health departments, hospital networks, primary health networks, and NGOs — working as researchers, policy analysts, program evaluators, health consultants, and health data specialists. The qualification also functions as a gateway to PhD candidacy and academic careers, as well as senior advisory and leadership roles in health services, making it one of the most versatile postgraduate health credentials available in Australia.
Entry Level
Graduate Researcher / Research Assistant
Graduate Research Assistant, Research Assistant (Health), Junior Research Officer, Data Collection Officer, Health Project Support Officer
Early Career
Research Officer / Coordinator
Research Officer, Clinical Research Coordinator, Health Program Coordinator, Public Health Officer, Epidemiology Research Officer, Knowledge Translation Coordinator
Mid-Level
Researcher / Analyst / Specialist
Health Services Researcher, Public Health Analyst, Health Policy Analyst, Biostatistician, Program Evaluator, Research Fellow, Health Data Analyst, Health Economist
Senior Level
Senior Researcher / Senior Adviser
Senior Research Fellow, Senior Health Policy Adviser, Senior Epidemiologist, Principal Research Officer, Senior Public Health Consultant, Health System Specialist
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal Researcher
Director of Research, Head of Health Policy, Principal Research Scientist, Chief Health Officer, Professor / Associate Professor (Health), Head of Research Programs, Executive Director of Health Services
Salaries for Master of Health Services (Research) graduates in Australia vary by role, sector, and level of experience, with strong earning potential across both public and private health settings.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's leading hub for health services research, home to a dense concentration of major medical research institutes, world-ranked universities, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Alfred Health, and prominent organisations such as the Burnet Institute and the Peter Doherty Institute. The city's thriving research ecosystem and large network of hospitals and health agencies offer exceptional placement, collaboration, and employment opportunities for research graduates.
Sydney
Sydney houses a dynamic health research landscape anchored by major local health districts, teaching hospitals, and globally ranked institutions recognised for public health research, including data-driven research centres focused on population health, epidemiology, and translational medicine. The city's size and diversity of health service providers mean graduates can access roles across government, NGOs, academia, and private health consulting.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a rapidly growing health research city, supported by major hospital and health service networks, the Queensland Department of Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and a thriving life sciences sector boosted by Queensland's investment in health innovation. The city's subtropical lifestyle and expanding healthcare infrastructure make it an attractive destination for health research students and graduates.
Perth
Perth offers a strong health research environment driven by Western Australia's unique population health challenges, with significant research conducted at institutes such as the Telethon Kids Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, and the WA Department of Health. The city is especially strong in Indigenous health research and global health studies given its proximity to Asia and remote communities across WA.
Adelaide
Adelaide is home to a close-knit but highly active health research community, including the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), major teaching hospitals, and a strong tradition in clinical trials and population health research. The city's relatively affordable cost of living and collaborative research culture make it an excellent location for students pursuing a focused, mentorship-rich research degree.
Canberra
As Australia's national capital, Canberra offers unparalleled access to federal government health agencies including the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the NHMRC — making it the ideal location for students interested in health policy research, national health data systems, and government advisory roles. The city's compact size and high concentration of policy-focused employers offer unique career pathways for health research graduates.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
Join successful graduates
Students Helped
Application Processed
Listed Universities
Listed Courses
