COURSE CURRICULUM

The program is structured over three semesters and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to make meaningful contributions to health systems, health management, and public health outcomes. In the first semester, students focus on developing the ability to locate, critically evaluate, and apply research evidence in real-world health contexts, including at the individual, community, and population levels. The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of Australia’s health system and introduces students to methods for evaluating and benchmarking health systems and practices. Students are also introduced to organisational behaviour, gaining insights into how to understand, predict, and influence actions within health organisations using theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical experiences.In the second semester, the focus shifts to implementation science and knowledge translation. Students learn how to identify a theory of change and use evidence-based strategies to bridge the gap between research and practice. Core skills are developed to assess barriers and enablers to change, apply behaviour change frameworks, and synthesise this information into a logic model. Additionally, students explore how to educate and support the health workforce using adult learning theory and evidence-based teaching practices. The semester also includes a deeper examination of leadership strategies and the complex challenges that health managers face in today’s evolving healthcare environments.In the final semester, students address broader system-level challenges such as variations in healthcare delivery, ensuring value for healthcare users, and the sustainability of disease screening and treatment programs. This semester culminates in a capstone project, which allows students to apply everything they have learned to a complex issue of personal or professional interest. The capstone is a comprehensive assignment that integrates theory, research, and practical skills, preparing graduates to lead change and innovation in healthcare systems both in Australia and globally.