Doing Business in Health
UndergraduateADU-PUBH30162026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 28 Dec 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 5 Jan 2026,
- 24 Aug 2026
- Price from
- $2,100
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Doing Business in Health
About this subject
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Identify the key players involved in the planning, delivery and maintenance of healthcare in Australia
- Identify the significant issues driving the demand for healthcare including demographic, epidemiological and social factors.
- Analyse the main problems facing the delivery of safe and sustainable healthcare for the Australian population.
- Examine various financial, technological, governance, and social propositions to address the challenges facing the Australian healthcare system.
- Apply a sustainable business framework to address the problems facing a mid-size health service.
- The health care system
- The drivers of health care
- Financing health care
- Health care workforce characteristics
- Health care challenges
- Health care reform
This course gives an overview of the Australian health system and describes how different providers intersect to deliver primary, secondary and tertiary health care to the community. You will explore the different approaches to 'doing business' by public and private healthcare providers and the funding models that affect the health sector. You will examine service quality including patient safety and accreditation, along with aspects of human resource management, risk management and governance unique to the health sector. You will explore various approaches including value-based funding, use of technology, workforce development and training, early intervention models and strengthening regional infrastructure as potential solutions to address developing challenges in the health business. In addition, you will learn about the main drivers of the health 'business'. You will come away with an understanding of key stakeholders in the health sector and will be equipped to address the problems facing sustainable and quality healthcare delivery in Australia.
All assessment is assignment based.
- Assessment 1: Comparative Analysis - Individual. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1,2 (25%)
- Assessment 2: Executive Briefing Paper - Individual. Relates to Learning Outcome 3, 4 (25%)
- Assessment 3: Business Case - Individual. Relates to Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5 (35%)
- Assessment 4: Briefing Paper and Reflection - Individual. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5 (15%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Adelaide University is Australia’s new major university, delivering an accessible, contemporary and future-focused teaching and learning experience. Adelaide University’s range of 100% online undergraduate and postgraduate programs is designed by experts and shaped by industry, with world-class research informing your learning. Experience flexible study, tailored student support when you need it, and on-demand learning resources. Join a vibrant community of online learners and launch your next move.
Learn more about Adelaide University.
Explore Adelaide University courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 8
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- ADU-HSM-DEG-2026 - Bachelor of Health Service Management
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
UAD-PUB3501OUA (Not currently available)
Others
Successful completion and passing of four core open access courses and admission into the Bachelor of Health Service Management.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units. myLearning is the Adelaide University's online learning environment. myLearning provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments.
- Other requirements - Based on duty of care requirements, a student admitted to Adelaide University must be at least 17 years of age by the date of enrolment, in accordance with Adelaide University's Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Health Service Management
UndergraduateADU-HSM-DEG