Master of Science (Health Administration)

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

• apply knowledge of management methods to their practice in managing people and resources
• use critical analysis and available evidence to address problems and opportunities in health and aged care policy and practice
• negotiate ethical and practice dilemmas and apply their skills and knowledge to achieving better outcomes for communities, clients and staff
• provide leadership at a more senior level, and enhance their careers
• undertake research projects in health and aged care management using appropriate research methods and following recognised research protocols.

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 2 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete six core (compulsory) topics, a thesis in health service management and two topics of approved graduate-level research methods topics to be chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator. 

These topics aim to provide students with the opportunity to undertake thesis research on an issue of importance to their industry. This is accomplished by utilising the expertise of our teaching staff (who are also experienced mangers) and of health and aged care leaders in both the public and private sectors who lecture in the degree.

The 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.

Students must achieve a grade point average of 5.0 or better in the core (compulsory) topics before being able to undertake the thesis.

Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Health Administration or the coursework topics (one year of full-time equivalent study) in the Master of Health Administration are normally only required to complete the thesis component of the degree.

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

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Science (Health Administration), students complete six core (compulsory) topics, a thesis in health service management and two topics of approved graduate-level research methods topics. 

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 $36,000

The amount shown here is 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; or hold the Graduate Diploma in Health Administration from Flinders University or equivalent qualification and must have achieved a Flinders equivalent grade of Credit or better in each topic; or have completed one year of full-time equivalent coursework study in the Master of Health Administration from Flinders University or equivalent qualification and must have achieved a Flinders equivalent grade of Credit or better in each topic.

All applicants must 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 and must also provide a research proposal.

Applicants must provide as part of their application, a CV as evidence they meet the relevant work experience requirements, and an 800-1000 word research proposal.

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 Masters 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. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit

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