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
Study Deakin’s Master of Leadership at a top 3 business school in the Australian state of Victoria and build the confidence to lead people, teams and organisations through change. Delivered fully online with flexible study options, the course is designed for busy professionals so you can balance learning with work and life.
Explore contemporary leadership theory alongside practical units in innovation, communication, ethics and leading in complex systems. Drawing on your professional experience, you will learn from industry and academic experts and apply new ideas to real workplace challenges. Supported by strong industry connections and lifelong access to Deakin’s award-winning career service, you will graduate ready to progress into more senior roles, lead high-performing teams and shape positive change in your organisation and sector.
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
2027 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
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Leadership you must pass 6 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 core units
- 2 Professional Practice Credentials
- 2 stackable short courses
- And one of:
- 2 stackable short courses or
- 2 Professional Practice Credentials.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Core Professional Practice Credentials
Students must successfully complete the two core Professional Practice credentials.
CRADC-G1 Adaptive mindsets (Advanced) ^
CRDSR-G1 Driving strategic results (Advanced) ^
Successful attainment of Professional Practice credentials is based on evidence provided from professional practice, hence recognition through authentic learning experiences. The credentials may be attempted separately or simultaneously and are assessed by an assessment panel that includes both academic and industry representatives.
* Applicants may be permitted to seek re-credentialling if they:
a) have not satisfied the advanced level requirement, or
b) have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe of five years
^ There are three 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 the minimum level of attainment required for this award.
Must select 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 2027)
As a Master of Leadership student, when you are ready to enrol in your stackable short courses, please contact a Course Adviser or students@leadership.deakin.edu.au
Please refer to Deakin Current Students information for the handbook and important information on key dates, as well as Microcredential learner support.
Additionally, all students must select and complete either Stream 1 or Stream 2 as listed below:
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 2027)
OR
Stream 2: completion of two Professional Practice credentials*:
CRLDP-G1 Leading and developing people (Advanced)
CREMO-G1 Empowering others (Advanced)
*Applicants may be permitted to seek re-credentialling if they:
a) have not satisfied the advanced level requirement; or
b) have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe of five years.
There are three 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 the minimum level of attainment required for this award.
# The stackable stream (stream 1) is not available in 2027. 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 for 2027 is not currently available.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment for this course and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course, unit enrolment and Credentials you choose. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
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.
Deakin alumni discount
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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary leadership theory and practices, creating new discipline knowledge through applied research methods |
| Demonstrate advanced communication skills through the use of tools, techniques and media to gather data, and engage and inspire others |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Apply advanced problem solving skills to conceptualise, design, construct and advocate for recommended innovative solutions for complex leadership related issues |
| Advance personal development and capacity as a leader to proactively drive and take responsibility for strategic results |
| Work across a range of professions, functions, contexts or teams to optimise collaborative outcomes, to improve strategic outcomes |
| Define and reinforce the vision and values that orient collective effort, socially responsibility and ethical decision making |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
