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.

Please note:

Some classes offer both Face-to-face (F2F) or online delivery. F2F is encouraged for these classes, but not essential.

However, some classes are F2F only, and can only be attended in person (no online version will be available). These will be held in the Business School in Sydney CBD.

2025 timetable is TBC. Below is the schedule for 2024.