Top 100 worldwide for social sciences and public health
Flexible online study
Learn alongside industry and lived experience leaders
Why choose disability and inclusion at Deakin
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.
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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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Connected to the disability sector
Learn through a curriculum informed by lived experience, industry partnerships and contemporary policy and practice.
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Tailor your learning to your goals
Complete assessment tasks connected to your professional or community context, with the option to undertake a major research project or select from a range of electives.
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Globally recognised study area
Study with a university ranked in the top 100 worldwide for social sciences and public 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 your expertise to lead change across disability and inclusion, with opportunities in policy, advocacy, service design, research and community development across government, community and disability organisations.
Policy analyst
Analyse evidence and emerging issues to help shape disability policy and improve inclusion. Policy analysts develop advice, evaluate options and contribute to policy and service reform.
- $110k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 16%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Professional areas
- Disability policy and legislation
- Advocacy and inclusion
- Service design and improvement
- Community development
- Research and evaluation
- Education and workforce development
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 Master of Disability and Inclusion?
You will explore contemporary approaches to disability, inclusion and social change through lived experience perspectives, policy, research and practice. The course combines core studies in disability and inclusion with flexible electives, allowing you to tailor your learning to your professional interests and career goals.
Explore disability, inclusion and lived experience
Examine disability and inclusion through lived experience
Explore contemporary disability theory, rights-based approaches and lived experience perspectives that inform inclusion practice.
Understand inclusion across the life course
Learn how policy, planning and social determinants influence inclusion, health and wellbeing across diverse communities and settings.
Develop research and critical thinking skills
Build capability in research, analysis and evidence-informed practice to critically engage with contemporary disability policy and practice.
Apply inclusion in professional and community contexts
Build inclusive practice capability
Explore areas including community capacity building, inclusive design and technology, participation and human rights.
Tailor your studies to your goals
Choose electives in areas such as policy, community development, Auslan and Deaf studies, Aboriginal health, humanitarianism or inclusive education.
Choose a professional or research pathway
Select a range of electives or undertake a minor or major research project connected to disability and inclusion practice.
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.
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.
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
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
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
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.
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 150 hours of learning and assessment activities for each credit point, 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.
All places offered to International students in this course are offered as off campus students.
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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| 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. |
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$27,200
for 1 yr full-time AUD
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.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
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.
Scholarships
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.
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.
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
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)