Master of Healthcare Leadership

During this program, students will:

1. Monitor professional learning, research capability and performance with autonomy, accountability, resilience and adaptability.
2. Apply advanced sustainability frameworks to optimise health, social and community care services.
3. Critically appraise professional standards, competencies and ethical frameworks to advance professional practice and learning.
4. Work independently and collaboratively to develop integrated, holistic frameworks for health, social and community care services.
5. Contribute to research, critical professional inquiry and knowledge translation to support evidence-based service delivery.
6. Critically apply leadership and management frameworks within contemporary health, social and community care systems.
7. Critically analyse health systems, policies and practices to improve health, social and community care services.
8. Apply research skills to interpret theory, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions, and communicate these effectively to a range of stakeholders.
9. Demonstrate culturally responsive practice and respect for the identity, dignity and diversity of all people.

The Master of Healthcare Leadership is designed for professionals seeking to build advanced leadership and management capabilities across health, social and community care settings. The course develops skills in strategic planning, governance, change management, evidence-based practice, professional development and health systems, preparing graduates to lead effectively in complex and evolving healthcare environments.

Recommended study pattern

• Leading Change in Healthcare
• Strategic Planning and Management in Healthcare
• Envisioning Health Systems, Policies and Practices
• Governance and Accountability in Health Care
• Building a Professional Portfolio
• Social and Emotional Competence in Health Care
• Effective Teaching and Supervision in Healthcare
• Contemporary Health Leadership
• Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
• Critical Review in Health
• Research Proposal for Health Innovation
• Elective Unit.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Healthcare Leadership, students must complete the equivalent of 12 units (144 credit points), comprising:

• 11 core units (132 credit points); and
• 1 equivalent elective unit (12 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students complete 1 elective from the list below:

• Contemporary Mental Health
• Mental Health Across the Lifespan
• Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
• Acute Mental Health
• Physical Health Care in Mental Health
• Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
• Organisational Behaviour
• The Positive Leader
• Human Resource Management.

Exit points

• Students may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma of Healthcare Leadership after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising the first eight core units.
• Students may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising the first four core units.

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

Indicative total fee $36,000

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.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

Learn more about Southern Cross University

Explore Southern Cross University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

Applicants may be considered if they have:

• completed a Bachelor degree (AQF 7) or higher; OR
• a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (AQF 8) in a health or relevant service-related discipline; OR
• a Certificate IV or Diploma in a health or relevant service-related discipline plus at least 3 years of relevant professional experience; OR 5 years of relevant professional experience.

SCU may grant credit for previous education, qualifications and/or work experience through advanced standing. Eligible credit can reduce the number of units required, overall study duration and course cost.

Studying online requires:

• A PC or Mac with the latest operating system 
• A fast, reliable internet connection 
• The latest version of Chrome or Firefox.

Sometimes, specific software or textbooks are required.