Master of Disability and Inclusion

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2025 course information

Award granted Master of Disability and Inclusion
Deakin course codeH709
Course version1
Faculty

Faculty of Health

Course Information

For students who commenced from 2021 onwards

Campus

This course is only offered Online

Duration

1 1/2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

The final intake to this course version was Trimester 1 2021.

Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course,course map and enrolment information.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Be a part of social change that facilitates inclusion with a Master of Disability and Inclusion. Study a course that’s informed by national and international research, policy and practice. Follow your passion for human rights and equality into research and leadership roles within a growing industry.

Want to be the driving force behind a more inclusive society?

The Master of Disability and Inclusion is deeply connected to the disability industry, the organisations that work within it and the communities they serve. Many of our students have lived experience with disability – either their own or that of someone close to them. Our academics are embedded within the field and contribute to research of global significance. The Master of Disability and Inclusion is responsive to developments in disability, adopting the values and policies of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and national and international approaches including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia.

The topics you’ll cover are informed by leading disability theory and practice. In fact, the curriculum has been carefully designed to focus on core concepts in disability and inclusion through contemporary theory, government policy and practice; and to critically engage with theory, policy and practice in the context of the lived experiences of people with disabilities. People studying in Australia will have the opportunity to learn about and apply their knowledge in areas including planning and community capacity building within the NDIS.

Projects are anchored to developments and policies within the sector. You might be challenged to critically analyse recent updates to legislation, government disability planning where you live and work, and international projects that are working to progressively realise the rights embedded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. If you’re currently working in disability or community inclusion, you also have the option of basing your assessment tasks on the work you are doing with people with disabilities, families and communities. This will enable you to apply your skills to your current practice and have an instant impact on the communities in which you are working.

The course is also a pathway to further research studies including a PhD. It introduces you to important academic skills to enable you to develop and conduct research through the major research project. Undertaking the major project, you will use critical research skills that will set you up for further research studies, research roles and other roles working in decision-making, project planning, development and evaluation. The major project will link you to researchers in the disability field, including senior researchers at Deakin and our research partners in industry and the community, ensuring your research experience contributes to contemporary national and international research of significance.

A highlight of the course is building relationships with your fellow students and the academic team. Students in the Masters of Disability and Inclusion come from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, ensuring your learning experience is vibrant and engaging. Our academic staff are leading nationally and internationally recognised researchers, making them great mentors, as well as teachers. On top of that, our partnerships with key organisations such as the NDIS, the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID), Gen U in Geelong, Inclusion Melbourne, and other peak government and non-government disability organisations, means the door will be open to professional networks and exciting employment opportunities. A constant connection to people with lived experience of disability makes your study experience richer and more relevant. It also allows you to see the world through the eyes of a person with a disability, giving you a real and valuable perspective on inclusion.

Indicative student workload

As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 150 hours of learning and assessment activities for each credit point, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.

Professional recognition

Not applicable

Career opportunities

he disability sector in Australia isn’t just growing, it’s evolving. According to an NDS report, the disability support workforce growth rate was 11.1% per year (between 2015-2017). This compares with growth of 1.6% for the entire Australian workforce at the time.* This means there are a range of positions being developed to support the continued implementation of the NDIS.

As a graduate of the Master of Disability and Inclusion, you’ll be perfectly suited for positions including leadership roles in policy, practice and research in Australia and internationally.

In particular, the course was designed to align with areas of knowledge and skills identified in current disability position descriptions. These include:

  • knowledge of disability systems including disability research, legislation and policy
  • high-level communication skills for working with people with disability and their families
  • self-directed approaches to service planning
  • community-capacity building knowledge and skills.

In addition to these roles, there are a huge range of areas within the sector you can explore once you graduate, such as:

  • policy and legislation
  • education
  • health and human services
  • community development
  • roles within state and federal government, government agencies, community organisations and disability service providers.

You’ll also be well-equipped for research opportunities once you graduate, including employment in the higher education sector as a research assistant. Or, you might like to continue your studies into a PhD program such as the Doctor of Philosophy (Public Health and Health Services).

https://www.nds.org.au/images/workforce/ADWR_Third_Edition_July_2018.pdf

** State_of_the_Disability_Sector_Reports/SoTDS_2020.pdf

Participation requirements

Not applicable

Mandatory student checks

There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.

Pathways

The 12 credit point Masters is a pathway into a PhD in Disability and Inclusion.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion (H508)
Graduate Diploma of Disability and Inclusion (H608)

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Apply expert knowledge and research skills in the area of Disability and Inclusion that includes application of theory and evidence-based approaches to policy, participation and social inclusion of people with Disabilities.

Communication

Communicate using a range of modes, theoretical positions, methodologies and professional decisions on Disability and Inclusion in an effective manner, being mindful of the target audience.

Digital literacy

Use digital technologies to source, use and disseminate ideas, information and research findings relevant to Disability and Inclusion to a range of audiences including people with disability.

Critical thinking

Use specialised knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise complex information related to policy, theory and research in the area of Disability and Inclusion.

Problem solving

Apply specialised research and cognitive skills to find evidence-based solutions to complex policy related problems in the area of Disability and Inclusion.

Self-management

Plan and execute a substantial research based project in the area of Disability and Inclusion and demonstrate expert judgement and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

Teamwork

Contribute to the productive functioning of a multi-skilled team working in the area of policy, research and advocacy for people with disability.

Global citizenship

Demonstrate a high level of awareness and respect for diversity in line with contemporary human rights obligations and apply ethical and inclusive approaches to disability research and practice.

Course rules

To complete the Master of Disability and Inclusion students must pass 12 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate: 

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
  • 6 credit points of core units
  • 6 credit points which comprises of:
    • 1 Major Project which consists of:
      • 2 credit points Major Project A
      • 2 credit points Major Project B
      • 2 credit points of course electives

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Course structure

Core units

All students must complete the following 8 core units and 1 zero credit point unit:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin '(0 credit points)' replaces HAI010*

HDS730Disability and Inclusion: Contemporary Theory and Lived Experience

HDS731Planning for Inclusion Across the Life Course

HDS732Determinants of Health and Wellbeing in the Lives of People with Disability

HDS733Community Capacity Building - Theory and Practice for Inclusion

HDS734Inclusive Design and Technology

HDS736Unit description is currently unavailable

HSH733Major Project A

HSH734Major Project B

*HAI010 Academic Integrity (no longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001)

Elective units

Students must also select 2 electives. These may be chosen from the course elective list below.

Students must select 2 course elective units from the following list

ADS701Introduction to International and Community Development

EXE732Social Justice and Difference

HSH702Contemporary Health Issues and Policies

HSH725Research Literacy

HSH760International Perspectives in Health and Social Development

Work experience

Not applicable


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.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.