Business of health

Navigate the Australian healthcare system
Better understand one of the largest employers and industrial sectors in the Australian economy by studying our business of health short course, delivered in partnership with the Sydney Business School.

Course Overview

Health care is now one of the largest sectors, and employers, in the Australian economy. Approximately two thirds of its funding comes from government, while two thirds of services are provided by the private sector. 

Effective leadership in healthcare needs an understanding of the fiscal frameworks and strategies of the public sector. It also needs a grasp of the business models of private players in the health system. 

We explore this complex mix to build an understanding of the inter-relationships among the players in the industry, public and private. The course will explore the financial and regulatory environment in which providers operate and identify the main business models used by different players in the industry, including service providers, private insurers, employers, and government regulators. We will also look at consumer-driven businesses seeking to disrupt the way healthcare is provided.

The course draws on guest lecturers, international comparisons and case studies to give an understanding of the incentives and constraints that shape strategies to create value in healthcare. Students will learn the basics of business model development and strategic planning from both private and public sectors.

Important: This short course is a variant of the unit of study, HPOL5006: Business of Health. It enables you to complete the unit without formal university enrolment. You will receive a certificate of completion. However, you will not receive credit points towards a University of Sydney degree.

HPOL5006: Business of Health is approved as an elective in Master's programs in the School of Public Health and other programs, including the Master of Surgery, in the Faculty of Medicine and Health. As SMBA6122: Business of Health it is approved as an elective in the MBA program in the Sydney Business School. 

To receive credit points and an academic transcript, please see the Medicine Postgraduate Non Award.

Key information

Course fee

$1500 (including GST) 

10% discount for 5 or more participants from the same organisation

Course structure

The unit is taught as an intensive with workshops running over four days, supplemented by online activities. Classes are offered in face to face and online modes.

Course dates

Introductory session:

Saturday 24 June 2023, 0900-1300

Workshop dates:

  • Thursday 13 July 2023
  • Friday 14 July 2023
  • Monday 17 July 2023
  • Tuesday 18 July 2023

Lead Unit Coordinator

HPOL5006: Business of Health - Shaun Larkin

SMBA6122: Business of Health - John Buchanan

Applications close

  • Sunday 04 June 2023

How to apply

Complete the online application form.

It will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Note for groups: Please ensure that each member of the group fills out a separate copy of the application form. 

Payment

Payment type

How to pay

Credit Card

Link to payment portal provided upon submitting application form

Bpay

Link to payment portal provided upon submitting application form

Journal transfer (University of Sydney staff)

Please arrange with your local Finance Officer

What happens next?

Once payment has been processed:

You will receive an email confirming receipt of payment

2-3 weeks from the beginning of classes:

You will receive a welcome email from the Sydney School of Public Health Education Support team, containing your e-learning login details and orientation materials.

2 weeks from the beginning of classes:

You will be able to access the e-learning Canvas site for the course. The Unit of Study Coordinator will provide you with a list of the readings.

After completing the course:

Please contact the Sydney School of Public Health Education Support team (ssph.education-support@sydney.edu.au) to receive a copy of your Completion Certificate. 

Sydney School of Public Health

Address
  • Room 329, Level 3 Edward Ford Building (A27), The University of Sydney NSW, 2006