Key facts
UNE unit code: HSHM500
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Develop valuable leadership skills and knowledge for leading health systems and services by studying this unit.
In the rapidly changing world, heath services are faced with continual pressure as our populations age and complexity in healthcare increases. Health service managers are key to balancing these demands — through leadership and innovation, excellent managers facilitate change and implement solutions for the challenges faced.
Focusing on different styles and frameworks for leadership, and processes for decision-making in the healthcare context, you will critique the factors that impact leadership, and explore strategies for dealing with complex issues and decision making.
With skills to engage with staff and diverse networks of stakeholders and implement change, you will be prepared for reflective practice, promoting ethical and evidence-based decisions with personal integrity.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | 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 analyse a range of leadership styles in the context of healthcare;
- critically evaluate processes, methods and systems for decision making;
- appraise frameworks, tools and methods for leadership in healthcare;
- critically evaluate system, cultural and structural factors that impact leadership in healthcare; and
- critically evaluate the role of the leadership in healthcare in establishing stakeholder relationships for organisational capability.
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 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 3000 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Structured online discussion using various LMS tools No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Final Examination - multiple choice style exam No. Words: 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
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.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
eBook Leading and Managing Health Services: An Australian Perspective
ISBN: 9781009540094
Day, G.E and Leggat, S.G, Cambridge University Press 2nd Edition 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
eBook Leadership: Theory, Application and Skill Development
ISBN: 9781071894491
Lussier, R.N. and Achua, C.F., SAGE Publications 7th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
eBook Managing Organizational Change - A Multiple Perspectives Approach
ISBN: 9781264364343
Dunford, R., Akin, G., Palmer, I. and Buchanan, D.A, McGraw-Hill Education 4th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
Leadership in Health Care
ISBN: 9781529770605
Barr. J and Dowding. L, SAGE Publications Ltd 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Leadership in Health Care
ISBN: 9781036201432
Barr. J and Dowding. L, SAGE Publications Ltd 6th ed. 2025
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online), Trimester 3 (Online)
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
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.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
