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
OnlineCourse 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 with appropriate methods, 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, health care, 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
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Leadership
- Year
2026 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
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course structure
To complete the Master of Leadership, you must pass:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 4 core units
- 2 Professional Practice credentials
- 2 stackable short courses (microcredentials) and
- one of either
- 2 stackable short courses (microcredentials) or
- 2 Professional Practice credentials.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
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.
| Professional Practice 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.
Two stackable short courses (microcredentials) from:
DMC710-AW Crisis Leadership
MMC705-AW Innovation and Leadership
MMC704-AW Innovation and Organisational Change
MMC715-AW Sustainable Leadership to 2030 (Masterclass not available in 2026)
Stream 1: Plus one credit point from two stackable short courses (microcredentials)#
DMC709-AW Skill Up to Lead Culturally Diverse Teams
MMC711-AW Leading Digital and AI Transformation (Masterclass not offered in 2026)
OR
Stream 2: 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.
# The stackable stream (stream 1) is not available in 2026. Students must complete the Professional Practice credentials stream.
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:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- 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)
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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
Fee rate
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fees range from $25,755 to $29,175.
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
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
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
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
The Graduate Certificate of Leadership is an alternative entry option for students wishing to attain a Master of Leadership but 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.
Alternate exits
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.
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 |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
