Key facts
Duration
1 – 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on Recognition of prior learning
Locations
Course overview
More than 9,500 new jobs are expected to be created for Health and Welfare Services Managers by 2026.* Help meet this demand and open the door to senior roles in health with Deakin’s Master of Health Management. You will build valuable skills in leadership, resourcing and program management, enabling you to improve healthcare delivery and contribute to healthier communities.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career in the fast-growing health and human services sector?
Whether you see yourself managing a clinic or hospital, leading programs promoting mental wellbeing, or shaping policy at a government level, the Master of Health Management will prepare you to take the next step in your career in health. Alternatively, if you are working in a non-healthcare related sector this course will enable you to make a smooth career shift into health management.
As a graduate of the Master of Health Management, you will be empowered to become a leading voice in the health sector – which is Australia’s fastest growing* and one of the most well-funded.^ You will not only learn how to apply business and management skills to a health context, but also how to take a patient and community focussed approach to healthcare. Gain a practical understanding of the dynamic realities of health management and develop core skills in:
- leadership and strategic planning
- health needs assessment and evaluation
- healthcare planning and monitoring
- resource and project management
- communication and negotiation.
Tailor the course to your individual career goals by selecting from one of six specialisations, including public health, health economics, business administration, disability and inclusion, sustainability in healthcare and research. You will also be able to gain real-world experience while you study, with options to undertake a work-integrated learning elective or to join an overseas study tour.
Our work-integrated learning elective will enable you to gain 150 hours of valuable industry experience. This can be an agency-based work placement with one of our many industry partners, or agency-sponsored work based at the Deakin Freelancing Hub. You’ll consolidate your theoretical knowledge in a work setting and will build your professional network by working alongside influential figures in the health sector.
On top of that, you can gain a global perspective of leading management practices by joining an overseas study tour. Gain a greater understanding of cross-cultural health approaches, by connecting with and learning from policy makers, health and human services workers, educators and health agencies in the host country.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Outlook to 2026
^Australian Government, Budget Strategy and Outlook: Budget Paper No. 1: 2020–21, Statement 6: Expenses and Net Capital Investment, p. 6-49 and Australian Government, Final Budget Outcome 2019-20, p. 12.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
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 Management
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H756
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 114205F Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
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 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.
A 16-credit point Master of Health Management includes:
For students completing 16 credit points:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core units***
- 1 specialisation (6 credit points).
For students completing 12 credit points:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core units***
- 2 credit points of elective units (taken from the list of specialisation units)
- Students completing the 12-credit point course will not complete a specialisation.
***Students commencing from Trimester 2 2026, please refer to the course maps and course structure as students will have the option of completing HSH725 Research Literacy or HSH753 Research Methods in Health and Social Development as part of the core unit requirements and other core and specialisation units may have changed.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
All students must complete the following core units and one zero credit point unit
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.
^Specialisations updated below from Trimester 2 2026 intake, for specialisation structure prior to this please see relevant intake course map.
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.
NOTE: The Disability and Inclusion specialisation is not available to international students commencing in Trimester 3.
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.
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:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2024 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2024 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult a Student Adviser at Student Central.
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
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.
Workload
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.
Work experience
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.
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission of credit and complete your course in 1.5 years full-time (2 years part-time).
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet all of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related discipline
- at least two years full time (or part-time equivalent) of relevant work experience
Examples of related disciplines include, but not limited to: Nursing, Allied Health
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Health professional (e.g. physician, dentist, nurse), allied health science professional, medical administrator, health information manager
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor's degree in any discipline
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis, learn more below.
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) in 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.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$30,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
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 and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 you have.
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.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
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.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
The healthcare sector is projected to be Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing sector over the next five years.* With a Master of Health Management, you will have an incredibly important role to play in managing the new projects, services and jobs that emerge from this growth.
Your specialised skills combined with your practical experience will prepare you for management and leadership roles across a variety of areas including:
- public health departments
- hospital management
- nursing home management
- clinic management
- medical practices
- mental health organisations
- community health centres
- rehabilitation centres
- skilled nursing facilities
- healthcare associations
- welfare and human service delivery organisations
- policy roles within government
- major healthcare infrastructure projects
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.
* 2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia
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.
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.
| Deakin 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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