Key facts
UNE unit code: HSHM502
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

The development and implementation of health policy requires ‘whole of system’ thinking to meet the various expectations of governments, organisations and other stakeholders and interest groups.
Health policy is influenced at all levels by social, economic and political factors. Studying this unit with UNE’s health management experts, you will be introduced to the key players in policy development and implementation.
You will explore the ways in which effective policy is developed and used to prioritise services appropriately, allocate resources judiciously and manage workforce planning to align roles and responsibilities in health service provision.
Develop valuable policy development and implementation skills to facilitate and manage change in healthcare.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically evaluate health policy development in Australia and the contribution of various actors (such as policy makers, managers, health professionals and general public);
- examine the social, economic and political factors influencing health policy;
- evaluate a range of models and tools for essential issues of identification, exploration, prioritisation and evaluation using whole of system thinking in order to achieve appropriate design for system-wide health policy development and implementation;
- critically appraise frameworks for development and implementation of health policy and identify sources of conflict and constraints to effective implementation; and
- evaluate the impact of health policy on sustainable health systems design.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Part A | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Written No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 1 - Part B | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Written No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Structured online discussion using various LMS tools No. Words: 1000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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