Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Health Services Management offers a selection of units across health, business and information technology to prepare you to work within, and make a positive contribution to, the health service management industry. You'll graduate with an understanding of both business management and the diversity of health clients, importance of cultural safety, health promotion, and local and global health issues influencing the health care system.
The Bachelor of Health Services Management explores the challenges of working in diverse contexts of urban, rural, and remote communities, and offers opportunities to access scholarships, international study tours and student exchange programs.
You will study alongside students from business, social work, and other allied health areas to develop an understanding of multidisciplinary professions across the health industry. You'll gain knowledge of health beyond illness and disease prevention and learn how to manage, coordinate and administer health infrastructure and resources. The course includes a community placement to conduct project work and facilitate workforce integration.
First Nations students are encouraged to apply. CDU's First Nations Student Support services are on hand to support you through your degree. In the final year of study all our students will be supported by CDU academics to work with health agencies to complete your own community health project.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as primary & community health centres, public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, paediatric facilities, policy development, health service planning, rural health settings, health administration, quality and patient safety manager, operations manager, health information manager.
Practical experience
Students will complete 220 hours of work integrated learning across a 180 hour community based placement with a health organisation and a 40 hour community engagement project. Students will have mandatory pre-placement requirements to ensure they comply with expectations for working in a health organisation. All student placements are supported by CDU placement teams and a health academic.
Professional recognition
Students are eligible to apply for individual membership with the following professional associations: the Australasian College of Health Service Management and the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $31,208.00. This equates to $ $3,901.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
A Health Services Management degree with CDU provides opportunity to start your career in health services. With flexible online delivery and options to attend internal classes the Bachelor of Health Services Management offers units of study to ensure you have the skills you need to manage, coordinate and administer health infrastructure and resources across health services.
Course structure
A Health Services Management degree includes study of diverse and relevant units encompassing topics such as cultural safety, rural and remote health and research, in addition to business and law units exploring marketing, project management and human resource management. You'll study alongside students from other allied health science, business and law areas developing an understanding of multidisciplinary professions across the health industry.
There is a range of flexible delivery options which include online units, face-to-face tutorials, and for those balancing life, work and family responsibilities, there is the option to study this degree 100% online. This course also opportunities to access scholarships to support your study.
If you are a First Nations or international student, we provide access to dedicated student support to help facilitate a successful study journey.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (20 units) | 220cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 220 credit points as detailed below. MKT103 Fundamentals of Marketing (recoded from BCO101 from 2020) |
| Specialist Electives (2 units) | 20cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. Select 10 credit points from health units: Select 10 credit points from business management units: |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the community health project/placement as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
ECO107 Economics and the Modern Business Enterprise and ACT205 Accounting for Managers have been added as specialist elective options.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
HRM306 Global Human Resources replaces HRM201 Human Resources Management from 2022. Students who have already completed HRM201 should not complete HRM306.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
HIT140 Foundations of Data Science replaces STA101 Statistics 1 from 2021. Students who have already completed STA101 will not be required to complete HIT140.
HSC111 Ethics in Health Care has replaced HSC210 Health Sociology from 2021. Students have completed HSC210 do not need to complete HSC111.
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction has replaced HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health from 2021. Students have completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MKT103 Fundamentals of Marketing (replaces BCO101 from 2021) | CO | LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | BUS201 Business Ethics | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only) | CO |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HRM306 Global Human Resources (replaces HRM201 from 2022) | CO |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC213 Health Informatics (External only) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| BUS303 Global Digital Enterprise | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) ## | CO | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) ## | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the community health project/placements as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
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_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| MKT103 Fundamentals of Marketing (replaces BCO101 from 2021) | CO | HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only) | SE |
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | BUS201 Business Ethics | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC213 Health Informatics (External only) | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) ## | CO | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) ## | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | HRM306 Global Human Resources (replaces HRM201 from 2022) | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| BUS303 Global Digital Enterprise | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the community health project/placements as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
As this course requires you to undertake a community project, you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing the community project. Students must present a national and/or international police check, a current Working with Children check and complete a Fitness to Practice statement. A current immunisation schedule is required before you can undertake practical placements in health settings.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2025
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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