Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on your entry point
Locations
Course overview
This course sets you on track for the next step in your health career toward management and leadership.
Learn to make evidence-based decisions that focus on improving the quality of health service delivery – a sector that has seen strong growth in recent years.
Deakin’s Master of Health and Human Services Management focuses on business and management issues within health, making it the most relevant business administration course for the health sector.
This course is particularly well suited to those interested in working in the health and human services sector as well as those who currently hold senior positions in the industry.
You will develop core skills required for leadership and strategic planning, health needs assessment and evaluation, program planning and monitoring, resource and project management, communication and negotiation.
This course offers enormous flexibility, allowing you to choose elective study options that align with your career aspirations and interest areas. Elective units can be chosen from specialty areas such as health economics, public health research and business administration.
There is also flexibility of choice between research and coursework, enabling you to construct a study program that best meets your interests and career aspirations.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Health and Human Services Management
- Year
- 2018 course information
- Deakin code
- H756
- 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.
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 Master of Health and Human Services Management students must attain 16 credit points. All units are equal to 1 credit point.
The course comprises 10 core units (these are compulsory) and 6 elective units (you can choose which ones to study from the options in the course structure).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.This course structure applies to students commencing in 2018. Students that commenced in 2015, 2016 or 2017 should refer to previous handbooks. Students who commenced prior to 2015 should refer to the H746 Master of Health and Human Services Management course entry.
The MHHSM has three specialisations: Public health, Health Economics and Business Administration plus a Research Pathway. Students must choose one of the following four options
Option A: Public Health specialisation
Plus two units from:
Option B: Health Economics specialisation
Plus three units from:
Option C: Business Administration specialisation
Plus one unit from:
Plus two units from:
Option D: Research specialisation*
Students choosing this option must obtain approval from the course director
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.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check at the comm or other check. Refer 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 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.
Work experience
Students who select the Business Management specialisation are required to complete a one credit point work integrated learning unit.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.
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this course you will be well prepared for management and leadership roles in public health, hospitals, welfare organisations, health services and the broader human health services sector, including government departments, health services and networks, local government and major health, welfare and human service delivery organisations. Recent graduates have gone on to work in international agencies with a presence in public health, divisions of general practice, health administration departments, hospitals and associated networks.
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 | Apply a critical and advanced knowledge in the area of Health and Human Services Management including research and current professional practices in the areas of:
|
| Communication | Communicate effectively with a range of individuals and groups, using a variety of modes and methods in a Health and Human Service context. |
| Digital Literacy | Select and use digital technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate research to address complex health and human service management issues. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate and synthesise complex information, problems, ideas, concepts and theories within a health and human services context. |
| Problem Solving | Apply creative strategies to address complex and ill-defined health and human services management problems. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate critically reflective self-management with relevant workloads, commitments and timeframes while displaying a commitment to ethical health and human services management practice and lifelong learning. |
| Teamwork | Interact collaboratively and constructively with a diverse range of people across multiple teams and contexts to achieve targeted health and human services management outcomes. |
| Global Citizenship | Demonstrate a critical awareness and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political issues in health and human service management contexts. |
* Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
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