Flexible online study that fits around your schedule
Top 100 worldwide for social sciences and public health
#1 Victorian university for disability and inclusion course experience
Why choose disability and inclusion at Deakin
Build foundational knowledge in disability, inclusion and community practice with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion. Designed for busy professionals and students looking to start or progress a career in the disability sector, the course combines flexible online study with contemporary learning informed by disability research, policy and practice.
Deeply connected to people with disability, the disability sector and the communities they serve, the course is shaped by lived experience perspectives and contemporary developments in disability rights, legislation and inclusion. Through four core units, you will explore disability theory, community capacity building, inclusion across the life course, and the determinants of health and wellbeing for people with disability.
Assessment tasks can often be tailored to your professional, community or lived experience context, allowing you to apply your learning within community and professional settings.
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Learn from industry and lived experience leaders
Course content is guided by Deakin’s Disability and Inclusion Advisory Board, including industry organisations and people with lived experience of disability.
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Study a course connected to the disability sector
Learn through a curriculum informed by lived experience, industry partnerships and contemporary policy and practice.
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Build foundational inclusion practice knowledge
Explore disability theory, community capacity building, inclusion across the life course, and the determinants of health and wellbeing for people with disability.
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Continue your studies with flexible pathways
The course shares four core units with the Master of Disability and Inclusion, allowing you to build towards further study if your goals evolve.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build practical knowledge to pursue or progress a career in disability and inclusion, supporting more inclusive services and communities across a range of organisations.
Disability services officer
Support people with disability to access services, build independence and participate in their communities. Disability services officers assess needs, coordinate supports and connect people with appropriate services.
- $96k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Organisations you may work for
- Disability service providers
- Community organisations
- Government departments and agencies
- Health and human services organisations
- Education providers
- Advocacy organisations
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion?
Build foundations in disability, inclusion and community practice through flexible, part-time online study informed by lived experience, policy, research and practice.
Build foundational knowledge in disability and inclusion
Explore disability and inclusion
Examine contemporary disability theory, rights-based approaches and lived experience perspectives that inform inclusion practice.
Understand inclusion across the lifespan
Learn how planning, policy and social determinants influence health, wellbeing and participation across diverse communities and settings.
Build community practice knowledge
Explore community capacity building and approaches that support inclusion, participation and accessibility.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 8-10 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Not applicable
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced knowledge and skills in the area of Disability and Inclusion that includes theories of disability and social inclusion, including barriers and enablers to inclusion and the key conceptual models and policy underpinning inclusion of people with disability. |
| Communicate on disability and inclusion issues (e.g. barriers, enablers, policies) in an effective and coherent manner being mindful of the target audience. |
| Apply current technologies and demonstrate digital literacies applicable to disability and inclusion; and utilise a range of digital technologies and sources to find, select, use and disseminate relevant information. |
| Critically analyse information drawn from a variety of sources about barriers and enablers to inclusion, disability and inclusion theory, policy and practice. |
| Analyse real-world issues relating to disability and inclusion to assess key barriers, and identify innovative and evidence based effective approaches to enabling inclusion for people with disability. |
| Work and learn through independent and self-directed initiatives, reflecting on learning and apply new knowledge and skills in Disability and Inclusion. |
| Demonstrate effective teamwork skills to enable inclusion for people with disability. |
| Recognise and apply ethical approaches to disability research and practice, and show awareness and respect for diversity in line with contemporary human rights obligations. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H508
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$4,940
- Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.