ObjectivesThe course aims to enhance the competencies of middle level health service managers, equipping them to move to more senior management positions. In particular the course will provide the opportunity for students to undertake thesis research on an issue of importance to their industry.As such, progression to the thesis will be limited to experienced health service managers who have completed the 36 units of coursework with at least a Credit average. The 36-unit thesis will call for a close collaboration with the industry, and will involve the student in the identification of industry experts who may be prepared to provide field supervision.The course prepares graduates for entry to the Australian College of Health Service Executives; assists medical practitioners to enter the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators and assists registered nurses to gain admission to the Royal College of Nursing.These aims are accomplished by utilising the expertise of staff throughout the University and leading health service managers in both the public and private sectors through direct input to the lecture programs.Learning outcomesOn completion of the program graduates are expected to be able to: * apply management theories and principles to the solution of management problems in health and aged care; * analyse and critically discuss current issues and dilemmas in health services; * apply their skills in policy creation and critique; * demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the health system and its financial, economic and statistical models and methods; and * exercise an enhanced understanding of the legal and ethical framework of management practice in health.
Entry requirementsApplicants must normally hold an approved degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and have not less than four years' professional experience in the health sector following completion of the degree or equivalent qualification.Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Health Administration or equivalent or 36 units of coursework in the Master of Health Administration or equivalent, will be eligible to apply for admission or transfer to the Master of Science (Health Administration) if they have achieved a grade of Credit or better in each topic and have presented an acceptable draft thesis proposal and nomination of a potential principal supervisor holding full academic status within the University. These students will be granted credit for the 36 units of coursework and need only complete the thesis component of the program.Credit may be granted for other comparable prior studies.
Academic titleMaster of Science (Health Administration)
Course descriptionThe Master of Science (Health Administration) is a 72-unit program involving coursework and a thesis which is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences on a fee-paying basis.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Master of Science (Health Administration), a student must complete 72 units with a grade of Credit or better in each coursework topic, and a P or NGP or better for the thesis, according to the following program of study:
* 36 units of coursework selected from the topics listed below or from other masters level topics offered by a tertiary institution and approved by the Faculty Board; and
* a 36-unit thesis in Health Service Management (HSMT9000).
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Note: The introductory core topics HSTM9012 and HSMT9013 should normally be completed prior to taking other core and elective topics.
Coursework topics
HSMT9004
Health Systems and Health Policy *
6
HSMT9005
Health Economics and Resource Allocation
6
HSMT9006
Strategic Management in Health *
6
HSMT9007
Risk Management and Clinical Governance
6
HSMT9009
Health Services Ethics
6
HSMT9010
Health Services Law *
6
HSMT9011
Managing Communications and Partnerships
6
HSMT9012
Managing People and Organisations in Health and Aged Care *
6
HSMT9013
Health Care Financial Management *
6
* Core topics
Except with permission of the Faculty Board:
* students must complete all coursework topics before undertaking the thesis. Students who complete the topics satisfactorily but do not achieve the required grades may be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Health Administration;
* the program must be completed full-time within eight consecutive semesters or part-time within 12 consecutive semesters. A lesser period may be set for students granted credit for previous studies.