#1 Melbourne university for business course satisfaction
#2 business school in Melbourne for career impact
Top 3 business school in Melbourne
Why choose leadership at Deakin
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.
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Proven employability outcomes
Study at a top 3 business school in Melbourne, recognised for strong career outcomes and leadership capability development.
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Industry-informed leadership skills
Build contemporary leadership capability through a program shaped by industry and real organisational challenges.
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Flexible degree for professionals
Balance work and study with a postgraduate leadership program designed for working professionals and career progression.
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Applied learning approach
Apply leadership theory through projects and reflective practice to strengthen decision-making in complex environments.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
With a confident leadership practice grounded in current leadership theory, you will be prepared to take on senior roles across business, government and industry ready to lead people and organisations to new horizons.
General manager
Take responsibility for an organisation's overall performance, leading strategy, operations and people to drive growth, profitability and long-term business success.
- $175k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1
Job satisfaction
Chief executive officer
Lead an organisation's overall direction, working with the board to set strategy, manage risk and guide performance, culture and growth at the highest level.
- $230k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.2
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Chief operating officer
- Chief financial officer
- Managing director
- Entrepreneur
- Board director
- Business owner
FAQs
Yes. Deakin's Master of Leadership is delivered fully online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world without needing to relocate to Australia. You'll have access to interactive learning materials, industry-connected teaching and a flexible study experience that can be balanced alongside your professional and personal commitments.
A masters in leadership can help you build global capability in strategy, change, innovation, decision-making and organisational performance. Deakin’s Master of Leadership supports pathways into management, consulting, team leadership and organisational development.
To be eligible for Deakin's Master of Leadership, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in any discipline and at least three years of relevant professional experience. The course is designed for current and aspiring leaders, so your experience should demonstrate leadership responsibilities, strategic decision-making and the ability to influence or manage people, projects or organisational outcomes.
Yes — with the right study pace. Deakin's Master of Leadership is available online to international students outside Australia, and is a part-time program that can be completed in as little as one year if you study full load across three consecutive trimesters. Visit the course details for full details.
*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.
What will I study in the Master of Leadership?
Over the course of your study, you will develop contemporary leadership capability, progressing from personal leadership awareness to influencing outcomes in organisational contexts. You’ll build a strong foundation that prepares you for further study or expanded leadership responsibility.
Build leadership foundations
Develop leadership capabilities
Build your understanding of leadership styles, behaviours and impact across organisational contexts.
Strengthen professional practice skills
Enhance your ability to communicate, collaborate and lead effectively in diverse teams.
Learn research and analytical approaches
Develop skills in evaluating evidence and applying research to inform leadership decisions.
Extend your leadership impact
Apply leadership in complex contexts
Explore how leadership operates in dynamic environments, including change, crisis and innovation.
Tailor your leadership focus
Choose from a range of electives to align your learning with your leadership goals and interests.
Complete a leadership project
Undertake a substantial project that integrates your learning and demonstrates your leadership capability in practice.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Leadership, you must complete 6 credit points.
This course is part-time only.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
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.
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
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.
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.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
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.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
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)
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| 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 |
- 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
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.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
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.