Outline

Overview

In this unit of study students will critically analyse the Australian health care system, with an emphasis on its structure, funding arrangements, and the ways in which it is influenced by contemporary political issues and debates. The unit has a focus on issues of access and equity, resource allocation, multidisciplinary teamwork, care delivery, human rights, workforce, health care ethics, and issues associated with care of population groups which include older people, Indigenous Australians, and refugees. The unit has a systems-thinking approach to support students to critically compare the Australian health care system with other international health systems and develop their understanding of the effectiveness of the Australian system in global terms. Students will explore the role of nurses as global citizens and the role of the profession internationally. There is an emphasis on nursing as a critically important profession within the broader health care arena.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John Rihari-Thomas, john.rihari-thomas@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Assessment 1: Group Presentation Team presentation of position statement - In tutorials week 5.	20%	Week 05	20 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2: Panel Discussion Critical Responses Critical responses to Panel Discussions- online	35%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3 Policy Implementation Assignment Essay	45%	Week 12 Due date: 01 Nov 2026 at 23:59	2300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The assessment framework in this unit is designed to measure the learning outcomes through students鈥� ability to interrogate and analyse the literature, reflect on, articulate and showcase current issues in the health care system and construct scholarly pieces of work.听

To be eligible to achieve the minimum grade of pass in this unit of study, each student is required to: (a) submit all assessment items (b) actively participate and engage in tutorials and in the online content of the unit (c) meet specific assessment grading criteria (d) achieve an overall minimum grade of 50% (e) comply with any on-campus and off-campus attendance requirements, and (f) comply with assignment submission requirements including presentation and academic honesty

听

Assessment 1. Group presentations:听 Students will form groups to present听a topic during week 5 tutorial classes.听 The presentation is expected to include multi-media and stimulate discussion.听
Assessment 2. Quiz : 听Two online panels consisting of special guests听have been organised to explore i) important issues of access and equity in health care in contemporary Australia; and ii) the importance of consumers in guideline and policy development. Following the panel听presentations and discussions, students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the panel, and to engage in discussions about the extent to which health care services are distributed equitably in Australia. Students will provide extended responses to questions about the two panel discussions,听and short answer responses around the unit content up to, and including week 5.
Assessment 3. Policy analysis听

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (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	听
Distinction	75 - 84	听
Credit	65 - 74	听
Pass	50 - 64	听
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see .

听

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听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听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.

Academic integrity

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

Our website听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听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听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听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听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听simple extension.鈥� 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鈥檛 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听special consideration or special arrangements.

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

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听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听reflects the University鈥檚 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	1. Introduction and Overview of unit, and Systems Thinking in Healthcare; 2. Politics, Policy and Health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	The politics of health	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to the unit; Strife of Interests - Politics and Power	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	2. Australian healthcare system; structure and funding.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Access & Equity in Healthcare: Rural & Remote Healthcare in Australia	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	3. NDIS and Aged Care	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Health Policy and the Nanny State	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	4. Guest Panel 1:	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Student presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	5. Guest Panel 2.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	The ethics of health care rationing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	6. Part 1: Ethics and rationing in Healthcare. Part 2: Global Health Systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Fragile health care systems: the WHO building blocks of a system	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	7. Global Perspectives: The UK vs USA Healthcare Systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Health Minister for the day	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	8. Healthcare Reform; Where are We Going?	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney Nursing School Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026) provide the framework for attendance and participation requirements across all coursework programs. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these provisions, which outline their responsibilities for attending and participating in required learning activities, as well as the processes to follow if they are unable to attend.

View the SNS Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026):

听

Attendance and Class Requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage, and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the School if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity, and where appropriate, apply for Special Consideration, Special Arrangements, or have an approved Academic Plan with relevant adjustments.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend and participate in a minimum of 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled for the unit of study.

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where appropriate, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students who are absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or an approved planned absence:

(i) A maximum of two tutorial absences per unit of study may be approved where an alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.
(ii) Where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, their attendance will be recorded accordingly.

(d) Students must attend and participate in all practical classes (simulation laboratories and/or workshops) scheduled for the unit of study.

(e) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where appropriate, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students who are absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or an approved planned absence:

(i) A maximum of two practical class absences per unit of study may be approved where an alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.
(ii) Where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, their attendance will be recorded accordingly.

(f) Students must attend and participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, where these are specified as compulsory for the unit of study.

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration if they are absent from any scheduled required learning activity that includes an assessment.

听

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

See Reading list in Canvas

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.

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

LO1. critically discuss the ways in which the Australian healthcare system is structured and funded, with a critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the system, including its overall effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes and satisfaction
LO2. explore and examine the political nature of healthcare in Australia, and the ways in which this affects the experiences of particular groups of people in need of care
LO3. compare and contrast the Australian healthcare system with other national systems, and to think critically about contemporary debates that focus on healthcare reform, in Australia and elsewhere
LO4. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of international perspectives in relation to nursing and the nursing profession
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other health professionals and the ways in which nursing and other health professionals work together in inter-professional teams

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 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鈥檚 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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people鈥檚 control over health 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 3.6. Actively engages with the profession 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 5.5. Coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research 3.6. Actively engages with the profession 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions 2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person鈥檚 autonomy and legal capacity 2.6. Uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes 2.7. Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care 2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral

Responding to student feedback

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

The Unit of Study has been regularly reviewed and updated based on student evaluation and informal feedback. This year a review of assessments has been made to enhance their application to unit content

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching:听Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice.

You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them. 听

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 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 .

爆料王

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS6029: Australian Health Care - Global Context

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links