Course Overview

About This Course

Prepare yourself for the future of health leadership and management in Australia and overseas with Australia's longest running and largest health management program. For more than 60 years, the UNSW Master of Health Leadership and Management has been producing leaders who drive positive change, inspire collaborative teams and execute well-considered management decisions. This program gives you the knowledge, skills and attributes you need to make a real impact on health services and systems. Broaden your understanding of current and emerging influences on the health sector through a range of core and elective subjects. You'll cover everything from health economics, policy development and clinical governance, to integrated care, patient safety and change management. Upon completion, you'll gain industry accreditation by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). You will also have the opportunity to add on a research component and extend your knowledge through additional research methodology courses or an advanced research project, as part of the Master of Health Leadership and Management (Extension).

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Pathway 1: Applicants must have both: (a) A three year undergraduate degree in any field of study, and (b) Two years of full-time professional or volunteer experience in a relevant field. The professional experience may include experience in health or public health services acquired as part of a degree of four or more years duration, e.g. MBBS, MD.
Pathway 2: Applicants must have at least one of the following: (a) An undergraduate degree plus an honours in a relevant field of study, or (b) Postgraduate degree in a relevant field of study.
Pathway 3 (Exceptional Cases): In exceptional cases, you may be considered for entry if you have extensive professional experience in health or public health but don't hold a relevant degree. You must have at least five years of full-time, relevant experience. The School of Population Health may also invite you to attend an interview.
Relevant fields of professional experience include: Roles in health such as allied health, medicine, nursing, oral health, public health, environmental health or psychology; Roles in health service provision or health management in human services such as social work, community development, service navigation or case management; Roles that involve working specifically on health-related activities or portfolios such as health-focused positions in emergency services, management, research, engineering, law, science, mathematics and statistics, economics, journalism or policy.
Relevant fields of study include: medicine, nursing, allied health, health sciences, biomedical sciences, dentistry, social sciences, social work, psychology, paramedicine, environmental health, health administration, policy studies or development studies.
Indigenous Alternative Entry Scheme: Aimed at redressing the imbalance of access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to population health programs, this scheme provides entry to our postgraduate coursework degrees based on your interest in public health and relevant educational and/or professional experience.
English language requirements: Evidence of English proficiency may be required depending on educational background and citizenship. Accepted evidence includes English language tests and university English courses, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Gain a qualification that ensures you're in strong demand as a health management professional, both within Australia and around the world. This program will help you develop transferable leadership skills that can be applied throughout your career in senior management positions at health service and health system levels. Many of our graduates occupy senior executive, general management, health ministry and other health leadership roles globally. Potential roles include: Health services general management, Health services C-suite roles, Government and non-government policy, Medical communications, Medical insurance management, Non-government health service management, Health economics, Health program management, Health care consultancy, Health service organisations, Research centres and training institutions, International governments and NGOs.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units6 units

Health Organisations, Strategy and Change

Core course covering organisational strategy and change management in health settings.

Healthcare Economics and Financial Management

Core course covering economics and financial management in healthcare.

Health Leadership and Workforce Management

Core course covering leadership and workforce management in health services.

Healthcare Governance, Safety and Quality

Core course covering governance, patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare.

Evidence-informed Decision-making

Core course focused on using evidence to inform decisions in health management.

Academic Practice

Required for international students only.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program accredited by any professional body?

Yes, the Master of Health Leadership and Management is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). It is also accredited by RACMA (Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators), ensuring graduates meet industry standards for health service management roles.

Can I study this program online or do I need to attend campus?

The program is designed with flexible delivery at its core, offering both online study and on-campus (face-to-face) delivery for students based in Sydney. You can also choose full-time or part-time study. For some elective courses, there are optional workshops held on campus one week before each Term.

What are the fees for this program?

For 2026, the indicative first year Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fee is $9,500, with the same amount to complete the degree. For full fee-paying domestic students, the indicative first year fee is $39,000, and the full fee to complete the degree is also $39,000. For international students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $60,500, with an estimated $61,500 to complete the degree. Fees are subject to annual review and may vary.

What real-world experience will I gain during the program?

As part of the degree, you'll gain real-world experience through an internship or research project. The program has been carefully designed alongside industry for maximum relevance and impact, and you can explore a range of domestic and international internship placements in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

Can I combine this degree with another master's program?

Yes, you can complete dual degrees combining the Master of Health Leadership and Management with other programs, including the Master of Public Health, Master of Global Health, and Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence — completing two degrees in 1.7 years of full-time study. There are also extension options that include a research component, and combined dual degree plus research extension options available.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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