Outline

Overview

This unit aims to equip students with operational knowledge of the structures and financing of health systems. The focus will be on Australia and comparable countries. However, we will also look at particular issues around lower income and aid dependent health systems. Topics covered include the organisation of health systems, funding priorities and mechanisms, administration of health care, and debates over the public-private mix, governance and accountability. By the end of this unit students will be able to: Apply a critical understanding of the history and features of the Australian and comparable health systems; Undertake a cross-country comparative analysis of health system features and outcomes; Debate the main models and principles of health system funding, including principles of insurance, risk-pooling, equity, delivery, payment models and governance; Critically analyse health system reform proposals.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GLOH5135
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Carmen Huckel Schneider, carmen.huckelschneider@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	A4: Compulsory contributions Written contributions on content from practical seminars.	15%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	A1: System frameworks and the Australian health system quiz Quiz covering content weeks 1-3	10%	Week 04 Due date: 17 Mar 2026 at 23:59	45 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	A2: Comparative health systems analysis Written assessment	40%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	A3: Analysis of a health reform Interactive oral assessment of an analysis of a health system reform	35%	Week 13	15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information about assessments can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, asdefined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will be applied in accordance with the rules of the Sydney School of Public Health.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Foundations of Health Systems 1: Frameworks and Perspectives (Online Webinar)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
Week 01	Foundations of Health Systems 1: Frameworks and Perspectives (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 02	Foundations of Health Systems 2: Health systems and policy in Australia (Online Webinar)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Foundations of Health Systems 2: Health systems and policy in Australia (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 03	Foundations of Health Systems 3: Equity in health systems (Online Webinar)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Foundations of Health Systems 3: Equity in health systems (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 04	Comparing Health Systems 1: Classifying Health Systems (Online Webinar)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Comparing Health Systems 1: Classifying Health Systems (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 05	Comparing health systems 2: The metrics (Online Webinar)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Comparing health systems 2: The metrics (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 06	Comparing health systems 3: Beyond the metrics (Online Webinar)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Comparing health systems 2: Beyond the metrics (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 07	Funding health systems 1: Revenue and risk pooling (Online Webinar)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Funding health systems 1: Revenue and risk pooling (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 08	Funding health systems 2: Funding hospitals (Online Webinar)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Funding health systems 2: Funding hospitals (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 09	Funding health systems 3: Alternative payment models (Online Webinar)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Funding health systems 3: Alternative payment models (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 10	Reforming health systems 1: (Dis)-integration in health systems (Online Webinar)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Reforming health systems 1: (Dis)-integration in health systems (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 11	Reforming health systems 2: Negotiating reform (Online Webinar)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Reforming health systems 2 (Online Webinar): Negotiating reform (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 12	Reforming health systems 3: Reform through incrementalism (Online Webinar)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Reforming health systems 3: Reform through incrementalism (Pre-recorded Lectures, Readings, Web-features, Discussion)	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 13	SWOT Week	Self-directed learning (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Roll with be taken at seminars with live attendance expected.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas page.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. apply a critical understanding of the basic history and features of the Australian and comparable health systems
LO2. debate the main models and principles of health system funding, including principles of insurance, risk-pooling, equity, delivery, and governance
LO3. undertake a cross-country comparative analysis of health system features and outcomes, including low and middle income countries
LO4. (critically) analyse national health budgets and funding programs
LO5. locate finance policy in the wider context of health systems and economies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The content of this unit has been revised to introduce new current case studies focusing around health system reform at state and federal levels; as well as in depth comparative case studies drawing on University of Sydney research.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HPOL5001: Health Systems and Financing

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links