Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
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.
Campuses
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
The Master of Leadership is suitable for students who have progressed from the Graduate Certificate of Leadership or meet the additional entry requirements. In addition to completing the core units, successful students will complete ten professional practice credentials plus a research capstone unit, where students undertake a workplace-based research project on leadership.
Recognise the capabilities displayed by pivotal leaders, through integration of theoretical investigation and professional practice, within this specialist program. Learn to drive results while engaging others in the journey and transforming an organisation to deal with technology disruption, changing customer needs and turbulent external environments. The emphasis for this program is on developing relevant skills, contemporary knowledge, and real experience, to develop the business leaders of tomorrow.
Delivered wholly online, this program makes it ideal for busy professionals who want to study and immediately apply the knowledge and skills obtained through the unit, in their own workplace. The Professional Practice Credential Assessment complements this course, where students provide evidence of their knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience for assessment, to obtain a suite of credentials that recognise their professional expertise.
Read MoreCourse structure
The Master of Leadership requires the completion of 4 credit points of units and 10 Professional Practice credentials, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module.
For further information on credentials refer to the credentials tab below.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Core
Credentials
Students must successfully complete ten Professional Practice credentials which include four Leadership Specialist Knowledge credentials and six employability credentials.
Successful attainment of Professional Practice credentials is based on evidence provided from professional practice, hence recognition through authentic learning experiences. All 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. Please refer to the table below for the list of credentials.
Learn more about the details of each credential (PDF, 7.7MB)
| Master Credential Requirements | ||
| Credentials | Minimum Level*^ | Currency* |
| Core credentials | ||
| CRCOM-A1 Communication | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRCOL-A1 Collaboration (Formerly CRTWK-A1 Teamwork) | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRLDP-A1 Leading and developing people | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CREMO-A1 Empowering others | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRADC-A1 Adaptive mindsets | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRDSR-A1 Driving strategic results | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRDIL-A1 Digital literacy | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRCRI-A1 Critical thinking | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRPSV-A1 Problem solving | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRCEN-A1 Cultural engagement (Formerly CRGCZ-A1 Global citizenship) | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 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 and these are aligned with recognised "exit points" from the education sector, the AQF, work levels and industry frameworks. Level 5 is aligned to the AQF Masters Level.
Capstone unit
Key information
2021 course information
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Cloud (online)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Cloud (online)
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Cloud (online)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
This course was previously titled: Master of Professional Practice (Leadership)
Additional course information
Course duration - additional 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.
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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
Successful students typically spend about 150 hours in learning and assessment for each one credit point unit. The time required to prepare evidence for credential assessment varies based on the student’s existing documentation.
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.
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
Entry information
Minimum admission criteria:
- Bachelor degree and at least five years of relevant work experience* OR
- Associated Graduate Certificate of Professional Practice OR
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
*full-time (or equivalent part-time) managerial, leadership in innovative or entrepreneurial business or ventures or equivalent
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated fee rate: $14,500 tuition fees plus $4,950 for Professional Practice Credentials
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of 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.
Learn more about tuition fees.
The course includes a combination of tuition fees for four credit points of study and ten Professional Practice Credentials.
Professional Practice degrees are designed for those who wish to be credentialed for outcomes towards which they have already made significant progress through their extensive experience in a relevant professional field.
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 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
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.
Apply nowFill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
The Graduate Certificate of Leadership is an alternative entry option for students wishing to attain a Master of Leadership but who have not completed a Bachelor Degree.
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
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.
| 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 |