#1 Victorian university for health student support
#1 Victorian university for postgraduate health resources
Flexible online and on-campus study
Why choose health management at Deakin
Build foundational skills to manage health services with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Health Management. Learn to apply business and management principles in a health context, developing capabilities in leadership, analysis and decision-making to support improved health service delivery and outcomes.
Develop your understanding of healthcare systems, health economics and digital health while building the skills to make evidence-based decisions. You will strengthen your ability to manage people, resources and services in complex health environments, working across teams and stakeholders to support effective service delivery. Delivered part-time, this course is ideal for professionals looking to upskill or transition into health management roles, with the option to continue your studies in the Graduate Diploma of Health Management or Master of Health Management. As the #1 Victorian university for health student support, Deakin provides a supportive learning environment as you continue building your expertise.
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Accredited and industry recognised
This course is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management, supporting your professional recognition and career progression.
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Study while you work
Flexible online and on-campus study designed to fit around your professional commitments.
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Build foundational management skills
Develop capability in leadership, health economics and digital health to support decision-making in health service settings.
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Outstanding learning environment
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for facilities and resources, and student support in postgraduate health.
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 management and leadership skills to support health service delivery across hospitals, clinics, community health, aged care and other healthcare settings.
Practice manager
Oversee the day-to-day operations of a healthcare practice, coordinating staff, systems and services to support efficient operations and quality patient care.
- $95k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Workplace settings
- Hospitals and health services
- Clinics and medical practices
- Community health services
- Aged care and residential care
- Mental health services
- Rehabilitation services
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.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Health Management?
Build foundational knowledge to support the management of health services. You will develop skills in healthcare systems, leadership and decision-making, preparing you to contribute in professional health management contexts.
Build foundational health management skills
Understand healthcare systems and economics
Learn how health systems operate and how resources are allocated to support effective and sustainable service delivery.
Develop analytical and digital capability
Build your ability to interpret data, understand research and apply digital health concepts to inform decision-making.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Management, 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
Professional recognition
Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Health Management is now accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). As a graduate, you may apply for membership with the ACHSM. ACHSM is the peak body for health managers in the Asia Pacific, their accreditation not only ensures quality and industry relevance, but also enhances graduate employability and networking opportunities. The accreditations and professional recognition indicate the industry’s appreciation of the quality and relevance of the program to industry needs.
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.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer to the relevant unit guide.
In the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
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 |
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| Application of knowledge and skills in the selected stream of health and human services management that demonstrates creativity and initiative, evidenced through successful completion of a capstone assessment task. |
| Demonstrate communication skills to interpret, articulate and transmit information and interact professionally with clients and colleagues in a Health and Human Services context. |
| Demonstrate digital literacies in public health practice and scholarship to locate, interpret and transmit knowledge, data and ideas. |
| Independently select and uses appropriate digital tools to disseminate accurate information. |
| Consistently identify multiple approaches to solving complex problems, demonstrating a high level of intellectual independence and autonomy. |
| Consistently and autonomously demonstrate responsibility and accountability for professional development including self-management. |
| Contribute and work effectively within a team environment demonstrating awareness of, and sensitivity to, difference amongst team members. |
| Consistently and sensitively adapt practices to meet the cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds of all stakeholders. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Health Management
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H556
- 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
$15,300
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition 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 tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
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 can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Health Management (H656)
Master of Health Management (H756)