Key facts
Duration
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Be part of social change that advances inclusion and equity with Deakin’s Master of Disability and Inclusion. Informed by contemporary disability research, policy and practice, the course prepares you for leadership, advocacy, research and community-focused roles within a growing sector.
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. You will critically engage with disability theory, policy and practice while exploring areas including community capacity building, inclusive technology, human rights and social determinants of health.
Assessment tasks can often be tailored to your professional or community context. You can also choose to undertake a major research project or select from a broad range of elective units.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Disability and Inclusion
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H709
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Disability and Inclusion you must pass 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Disability and Inclusion includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 6 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points which may comprise of:
- 6 credit points of course electives
- 1 Major Project which consists of:
- 2 credit points Major Project A
- 2 credit points Major Project B
- 2 credit points of course electives
- 1 Minor Project which consists of:
- 1 credit point Minor Project A
- 1 credit point Minor Project B
- 4 credit points of course electives.
Students who enter via the Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion (or equivalent) will only need to complete the remaining 8 credit points
Students must undertake HSH733 (Major Project A) and HSH734 (Major Project B) if they wish to undertake PhD studies in the future
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
All students must complete the following 6 core units and 1 zero credit point unit:
Students must also select 6 electives. These may be chosen from the course elective list below.
Students interested in pursuing a research focus can undertake a Minor or Major Project in place of some of these course electives.
Minor Project Option^
Plus 4 of the course electives from the list below
^Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60 to be eligible to undertake the minor project option.
OR
Major Project Option*
Plus 2 of the course electives from the list below
*Students must have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 to be eligible to undertake the major project option.
OR
Students must select 6 course elective units from the following list
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:
All places offered to International students in this course are offered as off campus students.
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
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
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Workload
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 150 hours of learning and assessment activities for each credit point, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Participation requirements
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Work experience
Not applicable
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 in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to: teaching and learning disciplines (vocational, early, primary and secondary education), allied health (OT, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy etc), management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion roles, Human resources
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Working in disability or diversity, equity and inclusion policy, working for an organisation writing their disability action plan, management roles.
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) n 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
$27,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points 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.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Pathways
The Major project units offered as course electives are research projects, selecting these units as part of the 12-credit point Masters may allow you to apply to undertake further study such as a PhD in Disability and Inclusion.
Students who have completed the 4 units of the Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion (H508) will be given credit for these units when they enrol in the Master of Disability and Inclusion.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion (H508)
- Graduate Diploma of Disability and Inclusion (H608)
Career outcomes
The disability sector in Australia is rapidly expanding and evolving. Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme is now fully rolled out across the nation. This has resulted in an unprecedented demand on Australia’s disability sector. According to National Disability Services’ Australian Disability Workforce report (2018), the disability support workforce growth rate was 11.1% per year (between 2015-2017). This compares with growth of 1.6% for the entire Australian workforce at the time* This means that there are employment opportunities in a range of positions.
According to the most recent National Disability Services (NDS) report**, the NDIS will soon have 500,000 participants and, according to some estimates, the disability workforce will need to double in size in the next three years just to keep pace with increasing demand. According to this same report the disability industry is feeling pressure to secure quality staff. In addition, with more and more countries signing and ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities, opportunities for our students to gain employment within global contexts, within their countries of origin or global institutions such as the United Nations, are rapidly increasing.
As a graduate of the Master of Disability and Inclusion, you will be perfectly suited for positions including leadership roles in policy, practice and research in Australia and internationally.
In particular, the course was designed to align with areas of knowledge and skills identified in current disability position descriptions. These include:
- knowledge of disability systems including disability research, legislation and policy
- high-level communication skills for working with people with disability and their families
- self-directed approaches to service planning
- community capacity-building knowledge and skills.
In addition to these roles, there are a huge range of areas within the sector you can explore once you graduate, such as:
- policy and legislation
- education
- health and human services
- community development
- roles within state and federal government, government agencies, community organisations and disability service providers.
You will also be well-equipped for research opportunities once you graduate, including employment in the higher education sector in research and teaching. Or, you may be eligible to continue your studies in a PhD program within Disability and Inclusion.
* ADWR_Third_Edition_July_2018.pdf
** State_of_the_Disability_Sector_Reports/SoTDS_2020.pdf
Professional recognition
Not applicable
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 |
|---|
| Apply expert knowledge and research skills in the area of Disability and Inclusion that includes application of theory and evidence-based approaches to policy, participation and social inclusion of people with Disabilities. |
| Communicate using a range of modes, theoretical positions, methodologies and professional decisions on Disability and Inclusion in an effective manner, being mindful of the target audience. |
| Use digital technologies to source, use and disseminate ideas, information and research findings relevant to Disability and Inclusion to a range of audiences including people with disability. |
| Use specialised knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise complex information related to policy, theory and research in the area of Disability and Inclusion. |
| Apply specialised research and cognitive skills to find evidence-based solutions to complex policy related problems in the area of Disability and Inclusion. |
| Plan and execute a substantial research based project in the area of Disability and Inclusion and demonstrate expert judgement and responsibility as a practitioner or learner. |
| Contribute to the productive functioning of a multi-skilled team working in the area of policy, research and advocacy for people with disability. |
| Demonstrate a high level of awareness and respect for diversity in line with contemporary human rights obligations and apply ethical and inclusive approaches to disability research and practice. |
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.
