Key facts
Duration
1 to 2.5 years part-time
Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in one year by completing all units in three consecutive trimesters and all credentials within the first two trimesters of study.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2025 close 26 October 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Gain the contemporary skills, knowledge and experience needed to be a business leader of tomorrow. Deakin's Master of Leadership gives you a deep understanding of the theories, concepts and issues surrounding leadership. Study at a top 3 business school in Victoria* to combine academic and research-focused study and be recognised for the skills you’ve already developed in your professional career.
Are you an experienced manager looking to upskill in leadership and strategy?
The Master of Leadership is an opportunity for you to hone your skills alongside other senior leaders in strategic roles. You will focus on developing contemporary knowledge, and real experience, to ensure you graduate as a business leader.
Through integration of theoretical investigation and professional practice, you will learn to recognise and harness the capabilities of pivotal leaders. You will also put theory into practice through a workplace-based research project. This unique learning opportunity will require you to identify and define a problem, review relevant literature, design a study method, present findings, interpret results and present conclusions and recommendations with the support of a mentor who is expert in the field.
As a graduate you will be primed for leadership roles in all sectors, including corporate, not-for-profit, government, IT, mining and education.
Delivered via our premium online learning platform, this flexible program is designed for busy professionals who need to balance study with competing demands. You can also customise your course by choosing from a range of microcredentials.
*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2024
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Leadership
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M797
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Master of Leadership, you must pass 6 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 6-credit point Master of Leadership includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 5 credit points of core units
- 2 Professional Practice credentials (0-credit-point)
- 2 stackable short courses (microcredentials) (equivalent to 1 credit point) and
- one of either
- 2 stackable short courses (microcredentials) (equivalent to 1 credit point) or
- 2 Professional Practice credentials (0-credit-point).
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
Core units
^This unit is worth 2 credit points.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Core professional practice credentials (0-credit point)
Students must successfully complete the two core Professional Practice credentials.
Successful attainment of Professional Practice credentials is based on evidence provided from professional practice, hence recognition through authentic learning experiences. The professional practice credentials are linked to the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes and will be assessed within the context of the leadership discipline. The credentials may be attempted separately or simultaneously and are assessed by an assessment panel that includes both academic and industry representatives.
Learn more about the details of each microcredential (PDF, 5.1 MB)
| Master Core Credential Requirements | ||
| Credentials | Minimum Level^* | Currency* |
| CRADC-G1 Adaptive mindsets (Advanced) | Advanced | 5 years |
| CRDSR-G1 Driving strategic results (Advanced) | Advanced | 5 years |
*Applicants who have not satisfied the level requirement, or who have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe may be permitted to seek re-credentialling.
^There are five levels of Professional Practice credentials, and these are aligned with recognised "exit points" from the education sector, the AQF, work levels and industry frameworks. Advanced level is aligned to the AQF Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma level.
Course electives
Two stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) from:
DMC710-AW Crisis Leadership (0.5cpt)
MMC705-AW Innovation and Leadership (0.5cpt)
MMC704-AW Innovation and Organisational Change (0.5cpt)
MMC715-AW Sustainable Leadership to 2030 (0.5cpt)
Plus one credit point from two stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials)
DMC709-AW Skill Up to Lead Culturally Diverse Teams (0.5cpt)
MMC711-AW Leading digital and AI transformation (0.5cpt)
OR
completion of two Professional Practice credentials:
| Professional Practices credentials | Minimum level | Currency |
| CRLDP-G1 Leading and developing people (Advanced) | Advanced | 5 years |
| CREMO-G1 Empowering others (Advanced) | Advanced | 5 years |
*Applicants who have not satisfied the level requirement, or who have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe may be permitted to seek re-credentialling.
^There are five levels of Professional Practice credentials, and these are aligned with recognised "exit points" from the education sector, the AQF, work levels and industry frameworks. Advanced level is aligned to the AQF Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma level.
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
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.
Other course information
Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in one year by completing all units in three consecutive trimesters and all credentials within the first two trimesters of study.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. 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.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
To complete the Professional Practice Credentials, students will be required to draw on their current and past leadership experience.
Try this course for free
Interested in a free taster of this course?
The first two-week block of this course is available free on FutureLearn, an easy-to-use online learning platform. Try it out and discover just how flexible and rewarding online learning with Deakin can be. You’ve got nothing to lose!
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.
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 any discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience
- completion of associated Graduate Certificate of Leadership.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: experience as a full-time (or equivalent part-time) senior managerial leadership with a high level of operational and strategic leadership responsibilities.
English language proficiency requirements
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) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
You must provide the following with your application:
- a current CV that clearly demonstrates professional / managerial experience
- current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience
- a personal statement outlining your motivation for study and other information that you deem helpful for assessing your application
Admissions information
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
The estimated tuition fees range from $24,575 to $28,085
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.
This course includes a combination of tuition fees for five credit points of study and a combination of Professional Practice credentials and stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Your time is important, so we provide one-on-one support to make your application and enrolment process as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Give us a call
Chat to one of our enrolment advisers before you begin the application process. They’ll provide advice on whether the course is suitable for you. If you decide to apply, they’ll guide you through the process.
Call an enrolment adviser on 1300 043 524 or request a call back
We're available (AEST):
Monday-Thursday: 9am-6pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Step 2: Gather your documents
Your enrolment adviser will tell you which documents you’ll need to complete your application. This usually includes transcripts and certificates verifying previous studies, as well as evidence of five years’ managerial experience.
Step 3: Apply online
After speaking with your enrolment adviser and gathering your documents, you’re ready to start your application.
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
The Graduate Certificate of Professional Practice is an alternative entry option for students wishing to attain a Master of Professional Practice but who have not completed a Bachelor Degree. Students entering through this pathway will be given credit for common units and credentials achieved at AQF level 9.
Students who enrol in a Master Degree may transfer to the associated Graduate Certificate and graduate on completing the requirements for this course.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Chat to one of our enrolment advisers on 1300 043 524 or request a call back before you begin the application process. They’ll provide advice on whether the course is suitable for you. If you decide to apply, they’ll guide you through the process.
Careers
Career outcomes
Career opportunities
Deakin’s Master of Leadership prepares you for leadership positions in fields as diverse as:
- business
- education
- entertainment
- government
- health care
- not-for-profits
- politics
- religious organisations
- retail businesses
- sports.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Course learning outcomes
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 | Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary leadership theory and practices, creating new discipline knowledge through applied research methods |
| Communication | Demonstrate advanced communication skills through the use of tools, techniques and media to gather data, and engage and inspire others |
| Digital literacy | Discover, analyse, synthesise and disseminate complex information, data and ideas to stakeholders, strategic partners and professional colleagues using a range of digital technologies and channels |
| Critical thinking | Systematically and critically analyse and test leadership styles, models and theories to optimise leadership impact within a specific cultural and operational context to drive strategy |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced problem solving skills to conceptualise, design, construct and advocate for recommended innovative solutions for complex leadership related issues |
| Self-management | Advance personal development and capacity as a leader to proactively drive and take responsibility for strategic results |
| Teamwork | Work across a range of professions, functions, contexts or teams to optimise collaborative outcomes, to improve strategic outcomes |
| Global citizenship | Define and reinforce the vision and values that orient collective effort, socially responsibility and ethical decision making |
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