Master of Health Administration

On completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1. apply knowledge of management methods to their practice in managing people and resources
2. use critical analysis and available evidence to address problems and opportunities in health and aged care policy and practice
3. negotiate ethical and practice dilemmas and apply their skills and knowledge to achieving better outcomes for communities, clients and staff
4. provide leadership at a more senior level, and enhance their careers.

Develop an understanding of management theories and principles and how they apply in health and aged care management. You will strengthen your practical management skills and develop the critical analytical skills needed to prepare you for future developments in health and aged care services. The courses will enhance your understanding of health and aged care systems including leadership, financial management, operations management, safety and quality, health law, ethics, informatics and digital health. You will have opportunities to apply these skills to your own work settings and policy environment.

Majority of topics within this degree require students to attend intensive workshops on-campus. 

It is 1.5 years in length on a full-time basis, and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete nine core (compulsory) topics, including a management project topic, and two option topics chosen from a range of option topics available.

These topics aim to provide students with the opportunity to use critical analysis and available evidence to address problems and opportunities in health and aged care policy and practice and to negotiate ethical and practice dilemmas and apply their skills and knowledge to achieving better outcomes for communities, clients and staff.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four topics per semester and part-time students undertake two topics per semester.

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Health Administration students complete nine core (compulsory) topics, including a management project topic, and two option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. 

Exit points

If the core and option requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Health Administration have been satisfied, it is available as an exit award from the Master of Health Administration and the Master of Science (Health Administration).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $30,780

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must:

• normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have a minimum of four years' full-time equivalent post-degree professional work experience in the health or aged care sector following completion of the degree or equivalent qualification and by the commencement date of the course; OR
• hold either the Graduate Certificate or the Graduate Diploma in Health Administration from Flinders University or equivalent qualification and have a minimum of four years' full-time equivalent professional work experience in the health or aged care sector by the commencement date of the course.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses.

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants:

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.

Majority of topics within this degree require students to attend intensive workshops on-campus.