Course overview
With health systems facing increasing pressure from a range of challenges – from population ageing and rising chronic disease to resourcing constraints and digital transformation – there is a need for leaders who can manage complex organisations and steer change across diverse health and human service settings.
This master degree is designed to accelerate your career development into senior management, leadership, advisory and consultancy roles, as well as research pathways.
You will learn how to deliver evidence-informed decisions, strategies and innovation to respond to demographic, epidemiological, political, economic, sociocultural and technological health-system challenges and opportunities. Combined, this knowledge will give you the capability to respond to health sector demands, improve organisational performance, lead health system transformation and foster equitable population health outcomes.
Upon completing the course, you'll have the leadership expertise required to contribute to stronger, more sustainable healthcare and human service organisations.
Career outcomes
Health and welfare services management is one of the fastest-growing management occupations in Australia, with employment for health and welfare services managers expected to grow by 27% over the decade to 2035 (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Globally, challenges in health workforce planning, deployment, retention and performance are creating opportunities for professionals with health leadership and management expertise to contribute to health system strengthening, service delivery improvement and workforce development in international contexts.
Career examples
- Primary healthcare manager
- Health services manager
- Medical administrator/director
- Clinical services manager/director
- Hospital operations manager/director
- Quality and safety manager
- Health policy analyst/consultant
Industries
- Hospitals and primary healthcare
- Community health
- Aged care
- Disability services
- Health and welfare services
- Mental health services
- Health policy, planning, regulation and advocacy
Professional accreditation and recognition
Curtin University is seeking professional accreditation for this course through the Australasian College of Health Service Management.
Your student experience
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Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
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Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
22 October 2026
Curtin Postgrad Expo
Medical Building – 410.101, Curtin University
Thinking about upskilling, changing careers or discovering new professional opportunities? The Curtin Postgrad Expo is your chance to explore your study options and get tailored advice to help you take your next step with confidence.
Course structure
Topics covered in this course include:
- strategic leadership and operational management
- health-system performance and transformation
- policy analysis, development and advocacy
- clinical governance, ethics and law
- systems thinking and holistic approaches to service improvement
- digital health services
- quality and safety in health-service delivery
- workforce management and talent development
- organisational change and innovation
- health financing, economics and economic evaluation
- evidence-informed decision-making and research
- communication, ethical leadership and professional practice
- aged care, social welfare services and non-profit organisations
- rural and remote health services and Indigenous population health
- global health goals and health outcomes for diverse population groups.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 28 Jan 2027 |
| Semester 2, 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | 4 Jul 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.