Master of Healthcare Leadership

Course summary

If you're working in a health science disciplines such as nursing, allied health or mental health, our engaging, flexible and interactive online Master of Healthcare Leadership will provide you with opportunities of leadership in multidisciplinary and complex healthcare delivery.

You’ll extend your current knowledge in evidence-based care and learn how to effectively lead teams of health professionals in Australia’s public and private healthcare systems.

Start when it suits you, power through six units a year, and complete your degree in two years. If you have a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Health Practice, you may be granted advanced standing for up to eight units. Four units may be awarded to individuals with a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Health Practice. 

Apply for the CEW Bonnie Boezeman AO scholarship to study this course.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the world needs 9 million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. This year we are joining the WHO in celebrating the Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020, by sharing the stories and successes of the Southern Cross nursing and midwifery community.

Major areas of study

Units of study focus on clinical practice management, leadership in health systems and building skills to support evidence-based health practice, all of which are required of healthcare professionals looking to take on leadership roles in complex public and private healthcare. The portfolio unit enables you to build a professional portfolio that incorporates learning in other areas, such as your continued professional development and informal learning.

Each unit runs for seven weeks, with six teaching periods per year. There are a maximum of 12 units.

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Assessment Methods

Units typically include written and/or oral assignments that match typical work tasks: business reports, case studies, presentations, research studies and plans. Practical assessments ensure you graduate with key industry skills and knowledge. Each unit has its own website to keep you focused. Weekly activities, readings and case studies are laid out with step-by-step instructions. As the weeks progress and your knowledge deepens, you'll tackle increasingly sophisticated concepts and employ critical analysis.

Teaching Methods

Our flexible course is designed to fit seamlessly around work, family, and other priorities. It’s 100% online, and you can complete it one, seven-week unit at a time. From the comfort of your home – or anywhere with an internet connection – you can access course content, assignments, quizzes, and collaborate, discuss and debate ideas with fellow students and lecturers. Our multi-modal approach delivers content including video, audio, hands-on, practical exercises, and other media to suit all kinds of learners. 

Career Opportunities

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It’s the country’s largest employer, and employment opportunities continue to evolve and grow. As a Master of Healthcare Leadership graduate, your new research, clinical and management skills will equip you for leadership roles within primary health care, community outreach organisations, area health services, professional associations, hospitals, private practice, and local, state and federal policy making agencies.