Key facts
Duration
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Healthcare managers and senior clinicians are increasingly expected to navigate a rapidly changing health landscape while also providing leadership across key business areas of strategic planning, marketing, finance and people management. Deakin's MBA (Healthcare Management) situates business decision-making in the health context to give healthcare leaders the tools to manage care delivery and the business and policy pressures that impact it.
Do you want the skills to influence business decisions in a healthcare environment?
Jointly run and managed by Deakin's business and medical schools, Deakin's MBA (Healthcare Management) gives you the best of both worlds. Prepare to manage and lead healthcare services in Australia and overseas by undertaking the core of our MBA program plus a tailored set of health units.
Tailor your MBA studies to issues and challenges associated with the healthcare sector. Learn the very latest in business and management thinking then apply your newfound knowledge to healthcare settings.
To excel in healthcare leadership and management today, you need more than pure business knowledge. A comprehensive understanding of the policy context you work in is vital, along with the skills to formulate and implement strategies leading to efficient and effective care delivery.
Develop the specialised knowledge and skills to manage organisations and clinics amidst the growing challenges of our nation's health and provision of healthcare. As a graduate you'll not only have a deep understanding of health policy and funding context, but also the business end of healthcare delivery, such as financing, marketing and leadership.
The MBA (Healthcare Management) is designed for candidates with management experience. If you are not currently working in a management role in the healthcare sector and would like to progress into a leadership role, please refer to our Master of Health and Human Services Management.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Management)
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- M743
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Business Administration (Healthcare management), students must attain a total of 12 credit points, consisting of 5 credit points of core units offered by the Faculty of Business and Law and 5 credit points of core units offered by the Faculty of Health and 2 credit points of course electives, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application of those skills in professional contexts. They must also complete advanced level units and a capstone unit that require them to integrate the skills learnt over their course of study and produce applied pieces of research with reference to prevailing literature.
10
Core units
2
Elective units
12
Total units
Core units
Faculty of Business and Law Core
^MBR code denotes residential version of unit.
*MBT code denotes study tour version of the unit
Faculty of Health Core
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Elective units
The remaining 2 credit points may be selected the following course electives:
or
1.0 credit point of any Deakin University 0.5cp microcredential (max 2) taken in combination with 1.0 credit point of course elective (as listed above)
or
2.0 credit point total of any Deakin University 0.5cp microcredential (max 4)
*MBT code denotes study tour version of the unit
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
In addition to attendance at structured learning activities (including classes, seminars, residentials and on-line) students are required to undertake individual and group activities and self-driven learning. While structured activities vary between units and modes of delivery, students would normally be expected to allocate approximately 150 hours total to each unit. Some core units may require attendance at residential presentations up to 5 days duration.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
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 in any discipline and a minimum of three years' relevant work experience*
- completion of a graduate certificate in a related discipline and three years' relevant work experience
- completion of a graduate diploma equivalent (professional pathways)
*Definition of minimum work experience: three years' relevant work experience and must include at least two years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role with responsibilities for decision-making in a range of areas including budgetary oversight, staffing and management, involvement in strategy and planning development and operational implementation.
The following considerations may also be applied:
- full-time, minimum 12 months clinical internships taken post-graduation by MBBS/BMBS/MBChB/BDS graduates may be considered equivalent to one year of the required 3 years’ professional work experience
- all recognised^ postgraduate medical and/or dental fellowships may be considered as relevant professional work experience (^recognised by their country’s licensing or regulatory bodies)
All applicants must provide the following with their application:
- current CV that clearly demonstrates professional / managerial experience
- current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning their work experience
- a one page brief outlining why they believe that their work experience would be valued by their MBA peers
English language proficiency requirements
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) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
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’re able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
Estimate your FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP payments
per pay cycle
Take-home pay
after FEE-HELP and tax
per pay cycle
Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments
- $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Management) (12 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, 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.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
There is a pressing desire for trained and skilled healthcare executives and leaders in Australia and the Asia-Pacific to lead and manage healthcare service delivery into the future. With the Deakin MBA (Healthcare Management) qualification in hand you’re well positioned to either progress in your existing healthcare career or embark on a new one as a healthcare manager.
Professional recognition
The course has received Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) accreditation. ACHSM is the peak body for healthcare executives 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.
The MBA (Healthcare Management) and the School of Medicine is also associated with the Society for Health Administration Programs in Education (SHAPE), which enables ongoing quality improvement for the course content and alignment with current healthcare management trends and theories.
Also, the course is the only MBA recognised by the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA) for their Fellowship training.
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles and concepts to develop insights into processes that drive healthcare systems and contribute to the development of new knowledge through use of appropriate research principles and methods |
| Communication | Demonstrate high level written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to communicate healthcare management information and strategy |
| Digital literacy | Select and use digital technologies to locate, curate and disseminate information relevant to the operation of healthcare services and support the research and analysis of complex healthcare systems issues |
| Critical thinking | Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects that underpin the functioning of healthcare services |
| Problem solving | Apply problem solving skills and creativity to arrive at evidence-based decisions and imagine strategies and the changes required to implement recommended courses of action |
| Self-management | Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader in the healthcare industry |
| Teamwork | Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes |
| Global citizenship | Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural, and environmental contexts in healthcare management |