Choose from six specialisations
120-hour placement in selected specialisations
#1 Victorian university for health student support
Why choose health management at Deakin
Deakin’s Master of Health Management prepares you for a career in the health sector by developing skills in leadership, planning and health service management. You will learn how to manage people, resources and programs while contributing to better health outcomes for individuals and communities.
Gain the skills to apply business and management principles in a health context, taking a patient and community-focused approach to healthcare delivery. You can tailor your degree through a choice of specialisations, including public health, health economics, business administration, disability and inclusion, sustainability in healthcare and research. With flexible online and on-campus study options, and opportunities for work-integrated learning or international study, you will graduate with the skills to work across a range of roles in the health sector.
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Accredited and industry recognised
This course is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management, supporting your professional recognition and career progression.
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Study while you work
Flexible online and on-campus options designed to fit around your professional commitments.
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Learn through industry and research
Benefit from applied learning and opportunities for work-integrated learning or international study experiences.
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Outstanding learning environment
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for facilities and resources, and student support in postgraduate 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 the leadership and management skills to lead healthcare services, teams and programs across hospitals, government, community health, aged care and other health and human services settings.
Health and welfare services manager
Lead health and welfare services, overseeing teams, budgets, programs and operations while developing strategies to improve service delivery, efficiency and health outcomes.
- $128k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- Hospitals and health services
- Clinics and medical practices
- Community health services
- Aged care and residential care
- Mental health services
- Government health departments
“I wanted to know how health services are managed and how they can be improved. That's what led me to go into health management. I chose Deakin because of its unique course map and the wide range of specialisations to choose from.”
RadhikaMaster of Health Management
Stories that start here
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Health services administration focuses on the planning, management and leadership of healthcare organisations and services. It involves overseeing operations, people, budgets, policies and quality improvement initiatives to support the delivery of effective healthcare. Deakin's Master of Health Management develops the leadership and management skills needed to help shape the future of healthcare and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.
A Master of Health Management from Deakin can support roles in health service management, policy, planning, quality, operations and program leadership. Deakin’s Master of Health Management develops skills in health systems, leadership, management and evidence-informed decision-making capability – helping graduates work across hospitals, community health, government, non-governmental organisations and health-related organisations.
No, health service managers do not need to be registered health practitioners. While some health service managers begin their careers in clinical professions such as nursing, allied health or medicine, many come from business, management, policy, administration and other non-clinical backgrounds. Deakin's Master of Health Management is designed for both clinical and non-clinical professionals who want to develop the leadership, management and strategic skills needed to work in healthcare organisations.
In a Master of Health Management, you study health systems, leadership, planning, policy, quality and organisational management. Depending on the course structure, you may be able to shape your program through specialisations, electives or project work connected to health leadership, health systems, planning, finance and service improvement.
A Master of Health Management focuses on leading health services, operations, policy and systems, while a Master of Public Health focuses more on population health, prevention, epidemiology and health promotion. Choose health management for organisational leadership; choose public health for population-level health strategy and programs.
*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.
Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
What will I study in the Master of Health Management?
The Master of Health Management prepares you to lead and manage health services. You will build expertise in healthcare systems, leadership and decision-making while tailoring your studies through specialisations and practical learning experiences.
Develop core health management knowledge
Understand healthcare systems
Learn how health systems operate, including policy, law and ethics, and how services are planned and delivered.
Develop management skills
Strengthen capabilities in leadership, human resource management, resource allocation and decision-making.
Build analytical capability
Interpret data and evaluate performance to inform planning and improve health service delivery.
Deepen expertise and lead practice
Tailor your specialisation
Choose from areas such as public health, health economics, business administration, disability and inclusion, sustainability in healthcare or research.
Apply your learning in practice
Complete work-integrated learning, consultancy, internship or international study opportunities, depending on your chosen specialisation.
Undertake research or projects
Develop research literacy or methods skills, with the option to complete a research project aligned to your career goals.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Health Management you must pass 12 or 16 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 core units and one zero credit point unit
Plus one of:
*Students wishing to complete a minor or major project option are recommended to complete core unit HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development.
The Master of Health Management has six Specialisations: Public Health, Health Economics, Business Administration, Disability and Inclusion, Sustainability in Healthcare and Research. Students completing the 16 credit point pathway must choose one of the following Specialisations, in addition to the core units.
*Students who are eligible for the 12 credit point entry pathway will not complete a Specialisation, and instead must choose two credit points of units selected from any of the specialisations below, in addition to the core units.
NOTE: Completing the Masters within two years is dependent on the type of Specialisation selected.
NOTE: The Sustainability in Healthcare and Disability and Inclusion specialisations are not available to international students commencing in Trimester 3.
NOTE: Trimester 3 is a compulsory study period for students commencing in Trimester 3 who are interested in undertaking the Research specialisation (i.e. students will be required to complete units in consecutive T3 study periods).
Public Health Specialisation
The Public Health Specialisation helps students develop an understanding of global public health challenges. Students learn strategies and practical techniques to address these challenges, prevent disease and promote conditions that optimise population health.
Plus two units from:
* Limited places in this unit are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
Health Economics Specialisation
The Health Economics Specialisation enables students to further their understanding of health economics in Australia and internationally to support evidence-based decision making that improves the way healthcare systems and services operate.
Plus three units from:
Business Administration Specialisation
The Business Administration Specialisation prepares students to lead and administer healthcare services including but not limited to hospitals, welfare, disability, aged care and other non-government organisations. Units in this Specialisation are delivered by the School of Health and Social Development within the Faculty of Health and the Business School within the Faculty of Business and Law (units coded Mxx).
Plus one unit from:
Plus two units from:
Disability and Inclusion Specialisation
The Disability and Inclusion Specialisation provides students with relevant, innovative, and critical experiences and approaches to understanding disability and inclusion, and policy and practice for inclusion. Much of the content of this Specialisation is taught by people with lived experience of disability.
Plus two units from:
#NOTE: These units are only available online- International students intending to pursue this specialisation are encouraged to seek advice from Student Central to plan their enrolment and ensure they complete a sufficient number of units on campus.
Sustainability in Healthcare Specialisation
The Sustainability in Healthcare Specialisation addresses the growing need for health agencies to operate sustainably, supporting climate change ready policies and actions. Units in this Specialisation are delivered by the School of Health and Social Development within the Faculty of Health and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment (units coded SLE).
Plus one unit from:
NOTE: The Sustainability in Healthcare specialisation is not available to international students commencing in Trimester 3.
Research Specialisation
The Research Specialisation provides students with the research skills and experience required to work in health-related research or to undertake a Higher Degree by Research. Students who complete this Specialisation may be eligible to enter Masters by Research and PhD programs at Deakin and other institutions. Note that considering HSH733 and HSH734 are assigned two credit points each, all four units are needed to complete this Specialisation, with no electives able to be completed.
^Students choosing this option must obtain approval from the Course Director and have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 or more.
NOTE: Trimester 3 is a compulsory study period for domestic and international students commencing in Trimester 3 who are interested in undertaking the Research specialisation (i.e. students will be required to complete units in consecutive T3 study periods). International students are encouraged to seek assistance from Student Central to plan their enrolment and ensure they complete the course within their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) course duration.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Master of Health Management is now accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). As a graduate, you may apply for membership with the ACHSM. ACHSM is the peak body for health managers 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.
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.
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 the relevant unit guide.
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.
Students who select the Business Administration Specialisation are required to complete a one credit point work integrated learning unit (eg. either HSH755 Postgraduate Health Practicum unit or one unit coded MWL *** within the Business Administration Specialisation) Students can also undertake HSH755 Postgraduate Health Practicum unit within the Public Health Specialisation.
Other learning experiences
It is possible to complete an international study tour as an elective unit:
HSH760 International Perspectives in Health and Social Development.
Limited places are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
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.
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 a critical and advanced knowledge in the area of health and human services management including research and current professional practices in the areas of:
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| Communicate effectively with a range of individuals and groups, using a variety of modes and methods in a health and human service context. |
| Select and use digital technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate research to address complex health and human service management issues. |
| Critically evaluate and synthesise complex information, problems, ideas, concepts and theories within a health and human services context. |
| Apply creative strategies to address complex and ill-defined health and human services management problems. |
| 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. |
| Interact collaboratively and constructively with a diverse range of people across multiple teams and contexts to achieve targeted health and human services management outcomes. |
| Demonstrate a critical awareness and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political issues in health and human service management contexts. |
- Award granted
- Master of Health Management
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H756
- 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
$30,600
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
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. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
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
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your 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.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit, conditions apply.