Why study the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health with UTS Online?
Top 100 University globally1
Australia’s leading young university2
Top 10 in Australia for graduate employability3
5-star rated for student retention4
1QS World University Rankings, 2027 2Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2026 3Times Higher Education Graduate Employability Rankings, 2026. 4Good Universities Guide, 2026
Better health starts by seeing the whole story
A woman’s or child’s health is never shaped by one clinical interaction alone. Gender, culture, geography, family circumstances, access to services and the health system itself can all influence what care is available, how it is experienced and what happens next. Improving outcomes means understanding those wider forces and knowing how to respond to them.
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health builds advanced capability across women’s health, children’s health, sexual and reproductive health, public health, evidence-informed practice and leadership. Designed for working health professionals, the course also lets you deepen your expertise through a major in Health Research, Reproductive Health or Leadership and Management in Health Care, or create a flexible pathway aligned to your professional direction.
Who is this course for?
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health is designed for health professionals who want to deepen their expertise in the health needs of women, children and families and extend their impact across practice, services, policy, research and leadership.
Whether you work in nursing, midwifery or an eligible allied health profession, the course can help you connect your professional experience with a broader understanding of health equity, evidence, public health and service improvement.
This course may suit professionals looking to:
- Deepen their expertise in women’s and children’s health
- Strengthen reproductive, sexual and maternal health capability
- Better understand the social, cultural and structural factors influencing health
- Build capability across leadership, research, policy or service improvement
- Deepen expertise through a major or flexible study pathway
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health comprises 13–15 online subjects totalling 72 credit points, building advanced capability across women’s health, children’s health, reproductive health, public health, leadership, ethics and culturally responsive practice.
Complete all seven core subjects:
- Contemporary Women’s Health Issues (6CP)
- Global Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (6CP)
- The Child in the Contemporary World (6CP)
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Women’s Health (6CP)
- Leading Health and Social Care (6CP)
- Contemporary Public Health (3CP)
- Indigenous Public Health (3CP)
CP = credit points. Subject descriptions and learning outcomes are available via the subject links on this page. Subject availability, sequencing and course structures are subject to change.
Explore your women’s and children’s health pathways
Improving women’s and children’s health can take different forms. Alongside your core studies and electives, you can deepen your expertise through a major in Health Research, Reproductive Health or Leadership and Management in Health Care, or create a flexible pathway aligned to the kind of impact you want to make.
Turn evidence into better health decisions.
Build the research capability to investigate health challenges, evaluate evidence and contribute to improvements in healthcare policy, practice and services.
Subjects include:
- Fundamentals of Biostatistics (3CP)
- Fundamentals of Qualitative Research (3CP)
- Contemporary Approaches to Digital Health (6CP)
- Fundamentals of Epidemiology (6CP)
- Research in Health (6CP)
- Evidence for Informing Practice (6CP)
Note: Elective Evidence for Informing Practice is a prerequisite for the Health Research major.
Deepen your expertise across reproductive and sexual health.
Build specialised knowledge across reproductive and sexual health, fertility care, assisted reproduction and therapeutic communication with individuals and families.
Subjects include:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice (6CP)
- Therapeutic Communication in Reproductive Health (6CP)
- Assisted Reproduction (6CP)
- An Introduction to Reproductive Health (6CP)
Note: An Introduction to Reproductive Health is a prerequisite for the Reproductive Health major.
Turn health expertise into broader organisational impact.
Build the capability to lead teams, manage change and improve how health and social care services are planned, delivered and evaluated.
Subjects include:
- Creating a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Healthcare (6CP)
- Implementing and Evaluating Change (6CP)
- Managing for Value-Based Care (6CP)
- Planning for Health and Social Services (6CP)
- Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care (6CP)
- Using Health Care Data for Decision Making (6CP)
Flexible course options
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or prefer to start with a shorter qualification, begin with the Graduate Certificate in Women's and Children's Health or Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health and continue into the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health when you’re ready.
Learning outcomes
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health gives you the capability to understand complex health needs, translate evidence into practice and contribute to more equitable, responsive and person-centred care for women, children and families.
Philosophy and practice that focuses on the individual needs of women and children
Understand that politics, gender, history and tradition all influence the current state of women’s health. Reflect on this to develop a philosophy and practice that puts women and children in focus. Enhance your ability to recognise the influence of gender, how it intersects with other dimensions of diversity, and the impact on equitable access to services and personal wellbeing.
Evidence-informed and reflective practice
Learn how to reflect on your practice, guided by informed judgements based on research, open-mindedness, and a responsive and inclusive attitude. Critique existing policies and strategies that promote social justice and advocate for further research in reproductive, sexual and women’s health.
An ethical and collaborative approach
Women of all cultures have diverse needs and expectations, and not all are afforded the same quality of healthcare. In this course you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to meet the unique and individual needs of women and children. Apply your understanding of social and cultural diversity, informed by an ethical and collaborative approach.
Contemporary, strengths-focused leadership
Build the strength, confidence and vision to drive change in women’s and children’s health. Explore strengths-based and future-focused leadership approaches for all areas of practice and healthcare settings, and learn how to model evidence-based practice and respectful care.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health builds capability relevant across clinical practice, health leadership, policy, education, research and service improvement.
Depending on your professional background, registration, chosen study pathway and experience, graduates may explore opportunities such as:
- Senior Policy Officer or Health Policy Advisor
- Midwifery Unit Manager
- Nurse Unit Manager
- Midwifery or Nursing Educator
- Midwifery or Nursing Researcher
- Women’s Health Program Coordinator
- IVF Midwife or Nurse
- Sexual Health Registered Nurse or Midwife Coordinator
- Health service or program manager
- Further research or postgraduate study pathways
Career outcomes vary by professional background. For allied health professionals, the course may support further specialisation or capability development within their existing area of practice.
Course information
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in Nursing/Midwifery, Public Health, Rehabilitation Therapies, or Other Health
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent in any field of study AND a minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time relevant professional work experience in an Allied Health profession, such as social workers, public health practitioners, occupational health therapists, psychologies, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, or nutritionists
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria should consider applying for a Graduate Certificate in Women's and Children's Health.
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate professional work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Evidence of current professional registration (where applicable), such as registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) or the relevant professional body in the applicant’s home country
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
Up to $120,000 average salary
Child and Family Health Nurses can earn up to $120,000 per year, reflecting the value of specialist expertise in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and families.
(Seek)
26%
Growth in nursing and midwifery workforce
The nursing and midwifery workforce in Australia grew by 26% between 2013 and 2022, reflecting rising demand in women’s and children’s health.
(AIHW)
15%
of Australia's workforce in health care and social assistance
Health Care and Social Assistance employs 15% of Australia’s workforce, highlighting its critical role in the national employment landscape.
(Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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2027 -
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2027
Meet our faculty
“The Master of Women's and Children’s Health is a deep dive into the social, political and structural landscape of contemporary health issues facing women and children. The tailored streams equip graduates with in-demand knowledge, skills and perspectives to enable them to have a positive impact on the lives of women and children.”
Associate Professor Vanessa Scarf
Director of Postgraduate Midwifery Studies
Associate Professor Vanessa Scarf is Midwifery Director, Postgraduate Studies at UTS. A midwifery academic and researcher, her work focuses on maternity care, birthplace decision-making and the experiences of women and families. Her research spans the costs, outcomes and accessibility of different models of maternity care, including international work exploring midwife-led birthing centres and policies that reduce financial barriers to childbirth.
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“I thought completing one subject at a time would be much easier for me to juggle with my work. Everything was in one place. The broad coverage of what I studied has been really helpful, because I’m opening my progression up to those new paths.”
Audrey B, UTS Online Graduate
“I continued some friendships from fellow students and also continued the relationship with UTS.”
Ben G, UTS Online Graduate
Frequently asked questions
A Master of Women’s and Children’s Health is a postgraduate degree focused on the health and wellbeing of women and children across different life stages and healthcare contexts.
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health develops specialist capability across women’s and children’s health, sexual and reproductive health, public health, leadership, ethics, culturally responsive practice and evidence-informed care.
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health is designed for health professionals who want to deepen specialist capability in women’s and children’s health.
It can suit midwives, nurses and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech pathologists, dietitians, psychologists and naturopaths who want to strengthen practice, move towards leadership, policy or research, or develop expertise in women’s and children’s health.
Current direct-entry pathways include a completed Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Rehabilitation Therapies or another recognised health discipline.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in another field may also be eligible with at least two years of relevant professional experience in an allied health profession.
Applicants who do not meet the direct-entry criteria can consider the Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health as a pathway.
You’ll build advanced capability in women’s and children’s health, sexual and reproductive health, public health, culturally responsive practice, ethics, research and leadership.
The course is designed to help you critically examine contemporary health issues, use evidence to inform practice and policy, understand how social and cultural factors shape health outcomes, and lead improvements in care for women and children.
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health comprises 72 credit points across 13 to 15 online subjects, depending on the credit-point value of the subjects you select.
You’ll complete seven core subjects, then either follow a defined major or build a flexible pathway from approved subjects and electives.
You’ll complete seven core subjects:
• Contemporary Women’s Health Issues
• Global Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
• The Child in the Contemporary World
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Women’s Health
• Leading Health and Social Care
• Indigenous Public Health
• Foundations in Public Health
You’ll then complete additional study through a major or flexible pathway.
You can currently choose from three defined majors:
• Health Research
• Leadership and Management in Health Care
• Reproductive Health
You can also design a flexible pathway by selecting approved subjects from across the available study areas.
The Health Research major develops capability in research methods, epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research and digital health.
It can suit professionals who want to strengthen their ability to interpret evidence, contribute to research, investigate health inequities or use research findings to inform policy and practice in women’s and children’s health.
The Leadership and Management in Health Care major develops capability in leading people, managing health services, implementing change, using health data and contributing to policy and service planning.
It can suit professionals who want to move towards leadership, management, education, quality improvement or service-development responsibilities in women’s and children’s health.
The Reproductive Health major develops specialist knowledge in fertility, assisted reproduction, reproductive and sexual health, and therapeutic communication.
It can suit professionals who want to deepen their expertise in reproductive health and better support people across fertility, reproductive health and related care pathways.
Yes. You can design a flexible pathway instead of completing one of the defined majors.
The flexible pathway allows you to select approved subjects across areas such as reproductive health, research, digital health, leadership, health services management, public health and workplace learning, helping you align the course with your professional interests.
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health can be completed in a minimum of 24 months.
The course totals 72 credit points and currently comprises 13 to 15 subjects, depending on the credit-point value of the subjects selected.
Yes. The course is designed for health professionals completing postgraduate study alongside work and personal commitments.
You’ll study online through structured weekly learning and can connect assessments and activities with contemporary women’s and children’s health challenges.
How you balance work, study and personal commitments will depend on your individual circumstances, so it is important to plan for the weekly requirements of each subject.
No. The master’s itself does not include a structured clinical placement.
If you are seeking a family-centred clinical placement, the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health includes placement experience and can provide a pathway into the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health, subject to current credit and entry requirements.
Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health can provide a pathway into the master’s, and the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health can also provide a pathway for eligible students.
The exact credit awarded depends on the Graduate Certificate completed and current UTS credit rules, so check the approved pathway information when planning your study.
Yes. Current course information includes exit options within the women’s and children’s health suite.
Students who complete 24 credit points of eligible core study may be able to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health, while students who complete 48 credit points of eligible core study may be able to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Women’s and Children’s Health, subject to current UTS course rules.
You may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, if your previous study or professional experience meets the relevant UTS course requirements.
UTS assesses RPL after an offer of enrolment has been accepted. The amount of credit available depends on your individual circumstances and the evidence provided.
The course can help you deepen specialist knowledge in women’s and children’s health while building capability in evidence-informed practice, leadership, research, policy and service improvement.
Depending on your professional background, this can support progression into senior clinical, management, education, research, policy or specialist practice responsibilities.
Career progression will depend on your existing qualifications, professional registration, experience and the requirements of individual roles.
For more information about career opportunities in this field, explore our guide to careers in women’s health. If you’re interested in leadership pathways, you can also read our guide to becoming a Midwifery Unit Manager in Australia.
Career directions depend strongly on your existing professional background.
For midwives, the course can support progression towards roles such as Midwifery Unit Manager, Midwifery Educator, Midwifery Researcher, IVF Midwife or Policy Advisor. Nurses may move towards roles such as Nurse Unit Manager, Nursing Educator, Nursing Researcher, IVF Nurse or Policy Advisor.
Allied health professionals can use the specialist capability developed in the course to strengthen practice with women and children or move towards leadership, research or policy-focused roles.
For more information about career opportunities in this field, explore our guide to careers in women’s health. If you’re interested in leadership pathways, you can also read our guide to becoming a Midwifery Unit Manager in Australia.
Whether the course is worthwhile depends on your professional background, career goals and the specialist capability you want to build.
For health professionals who want to deepen expertise in women’s and children’s health, reproductive health, leadership, research or policy, the degree provides a structured way to build advanced, evidence-informed capability while tailoring part of the course to a chosen professional direction.
The current indicative tuition fee for the UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health is $43,020 in total, with an indicative fee of $3,585 per subject.
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Your total course fee may vary depending on your study plan, Recognition of Prior Learning and the fees applicable at the time of enrolment, so refer to the UTS Online fees page for the latest information.
Yes. FEE-HELP is available to eligible students studying the UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can help eligible full-fee-paying students cover some or all of their tuition fees.
Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current FEE-HELP information before enrolling.
UTS Online offers six intakes per year for the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health.
Intake dates can change from year to year, so refer to the course page for the next available intake and current application dates.
For a standard six-credit-point UTS Online subject, you should typically allow around 15–20 hours per week for study.
This can include working through weekly learning materials, completing readings and activities, participating in online discussions and preparing assessments. Your actual study time may vary depending on the subject, your previous experience and assessment deadlines.
UTS Online students generally study one subject at a time, helping you focus your study around your professional and personal commitments.
For more information, read our guide to study resources with an example study schedule.
Assessment in the UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health varies by subject and is designed to connect your learning with contemporary women’s and children’s health practice.
Depending on the subject, assessments may include written or clinical reports, posters, online quizzes, oral assessments, podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. Current course information states that there are no exams or group assignments required to graduate.
Refer to the individual subject information in the UTS Handbook for current assessment details.
The UTS Online Master of Women’s and Children’s Health is delivered online through Canvas, with students studying through structured weekly modules. You’ll engage with practical activities, multimedia learning, peer discussions and assessments designed to connect your studies with contemporary women’s and children’s health challenges.
Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to support including:
• A dedicated Student Success Advisor
• Academic and assignment support
• UTS Career Hub resources and networking opportunities
• Peer learning and presentation support
• Confidential health and wellbeing services
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
Or read our tips for balancing postgraduate study with work and life: https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/blog/balancing-postgraduate-study-and-life-commitments-practical-tips-success
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