Master of Disability and Inclusion
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Disability and Inclusion |
| Course Credit Points | 12 |
| Deakin course code | H709 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2021 onwards |
| Final Intake | Offered to continuing students only. The final intake to this course was in teaching period 1 2021. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. |
| 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 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
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
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 you must pass 12 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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
- 1 Major Project which consists of:
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.
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* |
| HDS730 | Disability and Inclusion: Contemporary Theory and Lived Experience |
| HDS731 | Planning for Inclusion Across the Life Course |
| HDS732 | Determinants of Health and Wellbeing in the Lives of People with Disability |
| HDS733 | Community Capacity Building - Theory and Practice for Inclusion |
| HDS734 | Inclusive Design and Technology |
| HDS736 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| HSH733 | Major Project A |
| HSH734 | Major Project B |
*HAI010 Academic Integrity (no longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001)
Electives
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
| ADS701 | Introduction to International and Community Development |
| EXE732 | Social Justice and Difference |
| HSH702 | Contemporary Health Issues and Policies |
| HSH725 | Research Literacy |
| HSH760 | International 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.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.