Why study the Master of Medical Science Leadership with UTS Online?

The first master's course of its kind that combines leadership development with innovation in medical science contexts

Co-designed with Australian industry experts for real-world application

100% online with support from enrolment through to graduation

Customised learning with elective options in business, communication, science, technology, and more

Who is this course for?

The UTS Online Master of Medical Science Leadership is designed for professionals wanting to advance into a leadership role or upskill to leverage their career opportunities. You might be looking to: 

  • Stay at the forefront of advancements in medical technology.
  • Use contemporary technologies to impact the lives of patients and the community positively.
  • Build on your existing skillset to transition into a more people-focused role within the medical science field.
  • Enhance your communication and creativity skills to present complicated concepts in a simple way.
  • Follow your passion for medical science innovation and pursue a career that’s at the intersection of healthcare, science and technology.
  • Study 100% online and flexibly around your work and life commitments.
Learning outcomes
Research, inquiry and critical thinking

Identify health and medical science challenges and conduct appropriate research to solve complex problems.

Professional, ethical and social responsibility

Engage in professional leadership practices that adhere to health and safety requirements, ethical conduct, risk management, and organisational, governance or regulatory requirements in the context of medical science.

Reflection, innovation and creativity

Reflexively determine the value, integrity, and relevance of multiple sources of information and engage with abstract concepts to derive innovative solutions to complex medical science problems.

Communication skills

Present complex concepts in a compelling way to discipline experts, health and medical professionals, consumers, scientists, industry and the wider community.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and connection with country

Exhibit cultural sensitivity when working effectively with and for Indigenous Australians in a medical science context.

To learn more about how these learning outcomes can help you advance your career, get in touch with our Student Enrolment Advisors.

Speak to an Enrolment Advisor

What you will study

The Master of Medical Science Leadership comprises 12 online subjects (72 credit points [CP] in total). 

CORE SUBJECTS

Complete the following 9 subjects (54 CP):

Precision Medicine (6CP)

Precision medicine is at the forefront of Medical Science innovation and individualised health care improvements, taking into account individual variabilities in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. In this subject, the current context and overall clinical utility of precision medicine are explored. The latest advances in Science which feed into precision medicine - including ‘omics’, customised therapies, molecular profiling, cellular and biologic interventions - are investigated through the lens of real-world cases to ensure students are aware of the very latest innovations in the sector as well as the current challenges and limitations. Sector-wide progress and medical needs for the future of precision medicine are examined in the contexts of prevention, diagnosis, intervention, therapy, and prognosis for the individual.

Innovations in Medical Science (6CP)

Medical technology saves lives and improves quality of life by detecting diseases earlier and providing more effective treatment options for patients and the healthcare system. This subject explores how successful advances in technology not only improves access, but also better meet the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and medical scientists alike.

Innovative technologies can replace, repair, and sustain failing body functions, while telemedicine and connected devices allow remote monitoring of patient’s conditions. This includes gene therapies and editing, implantable devices, non-invasive medical technologies, AI in the field of diagnostics, robotics, and process automation.

Through insights from global medical science innovators and real-world case studies, students explore a wide range of important technological advances emerging from this dynamic and progressive field of science.

Science and Big Data (6CP)

Data is everywhere and part of our daily lives in more ways than most realise. The amount of digital data that exists is growing exponentially; according to estimates, global creation of data will top 180 zettabytes by 2025. Big data promises to revolutionise the production of knowledge within and beyond science, by enabling novel and highly efficient ways to plan, conduct, disseminate and assess research. Innovative research that leverages big data can dramatically advance the fields of science but can also raise new ethical challenges for managers.

This subject explores issues around the analysis and management of big data. Students learn basic data analysis using both graphical and statistical techniques. Also explored are issues relating to privacy and the ethical management of big data sets, for example in the context of personal health, ecology and sustainability. The course also introduces students to questions of sovereignty and informed consent as relating to areas concerning Indigenous Australians.

Shaping Policies for the Future (6CP)

Public policy in the form of laws, regulations, and guidelines has a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals. As with any decision-making process in the public sphere, the formulation of public policies is complex and depends on a variety of scientific, economic, social, and political forces.

This subject develops students’ critical understanding of the theories and practices behind developing some of the most influential evidence-based science policies, from climate change mitigation to population-level vaccination initiatives.

This subject also provides an overview of the regulatory frameworks and governing bodies which influence the field of science and are relied on in Australian and global contexts.

Communicating Science and Vision (6CP)

Science communication is an umbrella term for the practice of informing and inspiring the public about scientific knowledge. In order to increase public understanding and appreciation of science, professionals must be able to explain scientific concepts succinctly to non-expert audiences.

The subject explores the important elements of science communications and empowers students to produce effective science communication through a range of media.

Students practice the techniques experts use to tell engaging science stories in order to bring complex ideas to life for a wide range of audiences. These highly transferrable skills prepare students for a diverse range of outward-facing leadership and advocacy roles where the effective communication of complex ideas is highly valued.

Public engagement with Health Data (6CP)

Public engagement is becoming a vital component in global health research and enables scientists to gain crucial insights and input from patients and the public. But what does best practice public engagement look like?

Students learn key professional approaches to ensure that information and outcomes from medical research are effectively communicated to patients and the public, so that these audiences can be informed of progress in the field and better understand the nature of science.

Topics include how the COVID-19 pandemic was dealt with in the public sphere and engagement improvements in retrospect, recognising patient autonomy via the provision of adequate consent, ensuring equity, and respecting and protecting participant privacy.
High Performance Science Leadership (6CP)

Science leadership is about empowering others to perform at their best. People do their most innovative work when they feel confident about their role and are supported by their leaders.

High Performance Science Leadership develops highly transferrable professional skills, improving students' leadership capabilities. It encourages students to create environments that inspire innovation, promote team engagement and contributions for long-term organisational success. This includes complex project management, change-leadership in organisations, and working in free vs. regulated scientific settings.

Leading People and Change (6CP)

In this subject students explore the complexity of management, considering three interrelated issues: how to organize collaborative efforts; how to lead responsibly, enabling individuals and organizations to flourish; and how to cope with change, both planned and emergent. Using an experiential approach, students are asked to reflect on their experiences as members of organizations, and to use theories, ideas and diagnostic tools from management studies to expand their capacity to assess situations, consider alternatives and make managerial decisions. Moreover, students are invited to experiment with new ways of working and managing, and to reflect on what they have learnt in the process.

The subject includes a structured learning journey, alongside a repository of ideas in form of readings, lectures, interactive simulations, analytical tools, etcetera. Students are also able to use this repository of knowledge as a 'tool box' from which they can draw different resources, depending on their specific interests and needs. Reflecting UTS philosophy as a public university serving collective wellbeing, the subject also aims to prepare MBA students to be agents of global citizenship, promoting social justice and respect for diversity.

Capstone (Leadership in Action) (6CP)

Leadership in Action an independent research project which enables Masters students to use a research framework and apply their learning in the context of a current or future problem for Medical Science Leaders.

Students choose their own research topic of personal interest and are provided with a suite of research tools to enable them to explore the topic independently. Students demonstrate research planning, implementation and then draw conclusions on their findings.

Students also showcase and reflect on the leadership skills they have developed throughout the program. They can either undertake work-integrated learning in the context of their current role, or use a leadership scenario, to show how they can use their new leadership skills in the future.

Note: Most subjects at UTS are worth 6 CP but this can vary across courses.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

Choose 18 CP from a range of study areas:

Technology Management
  • Technology and Innovation Management (6 CP)
  • Leading Organisational Change (6 CP)
  • Artificial Intelligence for Enterprises (6 CP)
  • Building Enterprise Agility (6 CP)
Business Administration
  • Marketing in the Age of Technology (6 CP)
  • Finance Fundamentals (6 CP)
Business Analytics
  • Data Ethics and Regulation (6 CP)
  • Machine Learning (6 CP)
  • Delivering Customer Value (3 CP)
  • Applied Financial Management (3 CP)
Public Health
  • Global Health Systems (3 CP)
  • Planetary Health (3 CP)
  • Fundamentals of Qualitative Research (3 CP)
  • Social Perspectives in Public Health (6 CP)
Health Services Management
  • Using Health Care Data for Decision Making (6 CP)
  • Organisational Management in Health Care (6 CP)
  • Systems and Service Innovation (6 CP)

Note: Depending on subjects completed, students may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate from this suite of courses. To find out more, speak with an Enrolment Advisor.


To learn more about career outcomes, download a course guide

Download a course guide

Upcoming intakes

UTS Online courses have six intakes per year.
The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes, with the next intake highlighted in blue.

Course information

Entry requirements

  • Completion of a UTS-recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a medical, biotechnology, biomedical, pharmacology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, audiology, nursing, or biomedical engineering field.
  • See here the full defined list of acceptable Fields of Education
    • Audiology
    • Biochemical and cell biology
    • Biological sciences, n.e.c
    • Biological sciences
    • Biomedical engineering
    • Chemical sciences
    • Food science and biotechnology
    • Forensic science
    • General medicine
    • Genetics
    • Human biology
    • Laboratory technology
    • Mathematical sciences
    • Medical science
    • Microbiology
    • Nursing
    • Occupational therapy
    • Optical science
    • Other health
    • Pathology
    • Pharmacology

OR 

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place. 

 

English language requirements

Local applicants with international qualifications must satisfy English language requirements with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5 and a writing score of 6.5.  
 
For applicants without an Academic IELTS score, refer to the UTS Register of English Language Requirements Proficiency for other methods of satisfying the English Language requirements for the course(s). 

For more information, schedule a 15-minute call with a Student Enrolment Advisor. 

Speak to an Enrolment Advisor

 

FEE-HELP

To assist with all or some of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their tuition fees.

To check your eligibility, feel free to speak with an Enrolment Advisor today.

Schedule a call

 

Career outcomes

Strong employment growth is expected in professions such as laboratory managers, research and development managers, and medical laboratory technicians (National Skills Commission report from 2021).

Studying UTS Online’s Master of Medical Science Leadership may lead to roles such as:

  • Academic Research Team Leader
  • Clinical Data Manager
  • Clinical Project Manager
  • Clinical Research Manager
  • Head of Clinical Operations
  • IP and Commercialisation Manager
  • Laboratory Team Leader
  • Lead Scientist
  • Medical Liaison
  • Medical Science Director
  • Medical Science Liaison
  • Policy Advisor
See more roles here
  • Product Development Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Regulatory Affairs Manager
  • Research Institute Manager
  • Science Communications Manager
  • Senior Medical Manager
  • Senior Scientific Advisor
  • Strategic Policy Advisor

Master of Advanced Nursing
All subjects from the Graduate Certificate + 8 subjects from the Master of Advanced Nursing

UTS Online’s Master of Advanced Nursing is designed for nurses who want to drive better outcomes for person-centred care in advanced clinical settings. This course is delivered part-time, 100% online and influenced by strong healthcare industry partners, making it one of the most contemporary and comprehensive courses of its kind.  
 

Graduate Diploma
All units from the Graduate Certificate + 4 Diploma units or continue studying

The Graduate Diploma focuses on giving you the foundational skills that industry demands plus the soft skills to influence business decisions at senior management levels. 

The fast-tracked model means you can graduate with a diploma in just over a year, plus it gives you a pathway to study the Master of Business Analytics. 

Masters
All units from the Graduate Certificate + 4 Diploma units or continue studying

The Graduate Diploma focuses on giving you the foundational skills that industry demands plus the soft skills to influence business decisions at senior management levels. 

The fast-tracked model means you can graduate with a diploma in just over a year, plus it gives you a pathway to study the Master of Business Analytics. 

Meet our Course Director

“The opportunity to develop new leadership skills that can be applied to medical science, and to acquire deep knowledge of cutting-edge innovation in this field, will benefit professionals wanting to make their mark in the medical science sector. We look forward to welcoming you.”

Dr Robyn Dalziell
Program Director, Master of Medical Science Leadership