Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Develop the leadership, analytical and managerial skills to influence positive change in healthcare systems with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Health Management. As Australia’s largest employment sector, healthcare offers strong career opportunities, and this course prepares you to contribute to improved health service delivery and outcomes across a range of settings.
Build expertise in healthcare systems, economics and digital health while developing the skills to manage people, resources and services. You can tailor your studies through a choice of elective units and build your capability to make evidence-based decisions that improve the quality and efficiency of care. With flexible study options, you can continue to build your expertise and progress your career in the health sector.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Health Management
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H656
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 114206E Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Health Management you must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course electives chosen from:
- 1 credit point of course electives chosen from:
- 3 credit points of course electives.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University's vocabulary.
Plus one of:
Plus one of:
Plus three of:
*Students wishing to continue their studies into the Master of Health Management and complete a minor or major project option are recommended to complete core unit HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
In the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, 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.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Health support worker/assistant, aged care and disability services and support workers, allied health science professional
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$30,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 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 all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of Health Management (H756)
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
The healthcare sector is projected to be Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing sector over the next five years, with roles for Health and Welfare Services Managers expected to grow to by 26.5%.* With a Graduate Diploma of Health Management, you will have an important role to play in managing the new projects, services and jobs that emerge from this growth.
Your skills will help prepare you for future management and leadership roles across a variety of areas including:
- public health departments
- hospital management
- nursing home management
- clinic management
- medical practices
- mental health organisations
- community health centres
- rehabilitation centres
- skilled nursing facilities
* 2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| Independently select and uses appropriate digital tools to disseminate accurate information. |
| Consistently demonstrates critical reflection and analysis in evaluating theory and processes. |
| 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
