Deakin University
Graduate Diploma of Health Management
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Develop the leadership, analytical and managerial skills necessary to effect positive change in healthcare systems and advance your career through online study.
Course overview
The health sector is Australia’s largest employer, providing jobs to over 2.1 million people or about 8% of the population. Gain the leadership, analytical and managerial skills needed to influence positive change in healthcare systems with the Graduate Diploma of Health Management. Set yourself up for senior roles in the health sector and use your platform to improve healthcare delivery and contribute to healthier communities.
As one of the most well-funded sectors in Australia, healthcare professionals are responsible for oversight of the billions of taxpayer dollars that fund it. That is a significant responsibility but also an incredible opportunity to make positive changes that benefit individuals, communities and countries. With a Graduate Diploma of Health Management, you will have a significant role to play not just in allocating precious resources, but also in how healthcare organisations operate, evolve and deliver health services into the future.
The course is about more than applying business and management skills in a health context. It explores what best practice looks like in the complex world of health services management. Everything you learn and the way you learn prepares you to navigate the exact challenges faced by health and human services professionals today.
During your Graduate Diploma of Health Management, you will complete eight credit points of study comprising three core units and five elective units. You can select from various elective units on topics like resource allocation and priority setting, healthcare operations, human resource management, etc.
You’ll develop core skills that allow you to make evidence-based decisions that improve the quality of health services. Upon completing the Graduate Diploma of Health Management, you can enhance your skills by continuing to the Master of Health Management. You will have already completed half of the credit points from the master's course.
Key facts
What you will study
You must pass eight credit points to complete the Graduate Diploma of Health Management.
An 8-credit-point Graduate Diploma of Health Management includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- Four credit points of core units
- Four credit points, of course, are elective units.
Core units
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
- Principles and Practice of Public Health
- Health Economics 1
- Research Literacy
- Fundamentals of Digital Health
Electives
Plus one of:
- Financial Interpretation
OR
- Emerging Issues in International Operations
Plus three of:
- Economic Evaluation 1
- Resource Allocation and Priority Setting
- Health Law and Ethics
- Healthcare Operations
- Human Resource Management
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to the minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher.
- At least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
English language proficiency requirements.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each test component.
- Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) turns your study and life experience into course credit that can reduce your study duration and tuition costs. We consider all university, TAFE and private tertiary education provider qualifications from around the world, as well as informal learning that relates to your course.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
- Apply knowledge and skills in the selected health and human services management stream that demonstrate creativity and initiative, evidenced by completing a capstone assessment task.
- Demonstrate communication skills to interpret, articulate and transmit information and interact professionally with clients and colleagues in a health and human services context.
- Independently selects and uses appropriate digital tools to disseminate accurate information.
- Consistently demonstrates critical reflection and analysis in evaluating theory and processes.
- Consistently identify multiple approaches to solving complex problems, demonstrating high intellectual independence and autonomy.
- Consistently and autonomously demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional development, including self-management.
- Contribute and work effectively within a team environment, demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to team members' differences.
- Consistently and sensitively adapt practices to meet the cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds of all stakeholders.
Learning outcomes
- Public Health Departments
- Hospital Management
- Nursing Home management
- Clinic Management
- Medical Practices
- Mental Health Organisations
- Community Health Centres
- Rehabilitation Centres
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2025: $29,600 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load (typically eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
