Master of Health Management
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Health Management |
| Course Credit Points | 16 |
| Deakin course code | H756 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Duration | 1 – 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on Recognition of prior learning |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2026:
These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2026:
Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 114205F Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9 |
| Supplementary Information | Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2024 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2024 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult a Student Adviser at Student Central. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
More than 9,500 new jobs are expected to be created for Health and Welfare Services Managers by 2026.* Help meet this demand and open the door to senior roles in health with Deakin’s Master of Health Management. You will build valuable skills in leadership, resourcing and program management, enabling you to improve healthcare delivery and contribute to healthier communities.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career in the fast-growing health and human services sector?
Whether you see yourself managing a clinic or hospital, leading programs promoting mental wellbeing, or shaping policy at a government level, the Master of Health Management will prepare you to take the next step in your career in health. Alternatively, if you are working in a non-healthcare related sector this course will enable you to make a smooth career shift into health management.
As a graduate of the Master of Health Management, you will be empowered to become a leading voice in the health sector – which is Australia’s fastest growing* and one of the most well-funded.^ You will not only learn how to apply business and management skills to a health context, but also how to take a patient and community focussed approach to healthcare. Gain a practical understanding of the dynamic realities of health management and develop core skills in:
- leadership and strategic planning
- health needs assessment and evaluation
- healthcare planning and monitoring
- resource and project management
- communication and negotiation.
Tailor the course to your individual career goals by selecting from one of six specialisations, including public health, health economics, business administration, disability and inclusion, sustainability in healthcare and research. You will also be able to gain real-world experience while you study, with options to undertake a work-integrated learning elective or to join an overseas study tour.
Our work-integrated learning elective will enable you to gain 150 hours of valuable industry experience. This can be an agency-based work placement with one of our many industry partners, or agency-sponsored work based at the Deakin Freelancing Hub. You’ll consolidate your theoretical knowledge in a work setting and will build your professional network by working alongside influential figures in the health sector.
On top of that, you can gain a global perspective of leading management practices by joining an overseas study tour. Gain a greater understanding of cross-cultural health approaches, by connecting with and learning from policy makers, health and human services workers, educators and health agencies in the host country.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Outlook to 2026
^Australian Government, Budget Strategy and Outlook: Budget Paper No. 1: 2020–21, Statement 6: Expenses and Net Capital Investment, p. 6-49 and Australian Government, Final Budget Outcome 2019-20, p. 12.
Indicative student workload
In the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. 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.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Master of Health Management is now accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). As a graduate, you may apply for membership with the ACHSM. ACHSM is the peak body for health managers in the Asia Pacific, their accreditation not only ensures quality and industry relevance, but also enhances graduate employability and networking opportunities. The accreditations and professional recognition indicate the industry’s appreciation of the quality and relevance of the program to industry needs.
Career opportunities
The healthcare sector is projected to be Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing sector over the next five years.* With a Master of Health Management, you will have an incredibly important role to play in managing the new projects, services and jobs that emerge from this growth.
Your specialised skills combined with your practical experience will prepare you for management and leadership roles across a variety of areas including:
- public health departments
- hospital management
- nursing home management
- clinic management
- medical practices
- mental health organisations
- community health centres
- rehabilitation centres
- skilled nursing facilities
- healthcare associations
- welfare and human service delivery organisations
- policy roles within government
- major healthcare infrastructure projects
Recent graduates have gone on to work in international agencies with a presence in public health, divisions of general practice, health administration departments, hospitals and associated networks.
* 2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
Alternative exits
| Graduate Certificate of Health Management (H556) | |
| Graduate Diploma of Health Management (H656) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a critical and advanced knowledge in the area of health and human services management including research and current professional practices in the areas of:
|
| Communication | Communicate effectively with a range of individuals and groups, using a variety of modes and methods in a health and human service context. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use digital technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate research to address complex health and human service management issues. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate and synthesise complex information, problems, ideas, concepts and theories within a health and human services context. |
| Problem solving | Apply creative strategies to address complex and ill-defined health and human services management problems. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate critically reflective self-management with relevant workloads, commitments and timeframes while displaying a commitment to ethical health and human services management practice and lifelong learning. |
| Teamwork | Interact collaboratively and constructively with a diverse range of people across multiple teams and contexts to achieve targeted health and human services management outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate a critical awareness and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political issues in health and human service management contexts. |
Course rules
To complete the Master of Health Management you must pass 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Health Management includes:
For students completing 16 credit points:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core units
- 1 specialisation (6 credit points).
For students completing 12 credit points:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of elective units (taken from the list of specialisation units)
- Students completing the 12-credit point course will not complete a specialisation.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
All students must complete the following core units and one zero credit point unit
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HME704 | Fundamentals of Digital Health |
| HME711 | Health Law and Ethics |
| HSH701 | Principles and Practice of Public Health |
| HSH717 | Health Economics 1 |
| HSH719 | Economic Evaluation 1 |
| HSH725 | Research Literacy |
| HSH762 | Resource Allocation and Priority Setting |
| MAA702 | Accounts, Accountability and Governance |
| MMM710 | Emerging Issues in International Operations |
| MPM722 | Human Resource Management |
Specialisations*
The Master of Health Management has six Specialisations: Public Health, Health Economics, Business Administration, Disability and Inclusion, Sustainability in Healthcare and Research. Students must choose one of the following Specialisations, in addition to the ten core units.
*Students who are eligible for the 12 credit point entry pathway will not complete a Specialisation, instead must choose two credit points of units selected from any of the specialisations below, in addition to the ten core units.
NOTE Completing the Masters within two years is dependent on the type of Specialisation selected.
Note Sustainability in Healthcare not available to International Students
Public Health Specialisation
The Public Health Specialisation helps students develop an understanding of global public health challenges. Students learn strategies and practical techniques to address these challenges, prevent disease and promote conditions that optimise population health.
| HSH702 | Contemporary Health Issues and Policies |
| HSH744 | Epidemiology 1 |
| HSH746 | Biostatistics 1 |
| HSH770 | Health Protection |
Plus two units from:
| HME712 | Healthcare Operations |
| HSH703 | Health Promotion |
| HSH728 | Health Equity and Human Rights |
| HSH731 | Minor Research Project A - must be taken as a pair with HSH732 |
| HSH732 | Minor Research Project B - must be taken as a pair with HSH731 |
| HSH755 | Postgraduate Health Practicum |
| HSH760 | International Perspectives in Health and Social Development * |
| HSH769 | Comparative Health Systems |
* Limited places in this unit are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
Health Economics Specialisation
The Health Economics Specialisation enables students to further their understanding of health economics in Australia and internationally to support evidence-based decision making that improves the way healthcare systems and services operate.
| HSH746 | Biostatistics 1 |
| HSH766 | Economics and Health Policy Analysis |
| MPE781 | Economics for Managers |
Plus three units from:
| HME712 | Healthcare Operations |
| HSH755 | Postgraduate Health Practicum |
| HSH761 | Health Technology Assessment 1 |
| HSH763 | Financing Health Care |
| HSH764 | Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice |
| HSH768 | Health Economics in a Global Context |
| HSH769 | Comparative Health Systems |
Business Administration Specialisation
The Business Administration Specialisation prepares students to lead and administer healthcare services including but not limited to hospitals, welfare, disability, aged care and other non-government organisations. Units in this Specialisation are delivered by the School of Health and Social Development within the Faculty of Health and the Business School within the Faculty of Business and Law (units coded Mxx).
| MMH707 | Managed Change |
| MPE781 | Economics for Managers |
| MPM703 | Business Strategy and Analysis |
Plus one unit from:
| HSH755 | Postgraduate Health Practicum |
| MWL705 | Business for Social Impact |
| MWL716 | Consultancy Experience |
| MWL717 | Entrepreneurship Experience |
| MWL718 | Internship |
Plus two units from:
| HME712 | Healthcare Operations |
| HSH763 | Financing Health Care |
| HSH766 | Economics and Health Policy Analysis |
| MMK732 | Marketing Management |
| MPM780 | Foundations in Leadership |
Disability and Inclusion Specialisation
The Disability and Inclusion Specialisation provides students with relevant, innovative, and critical experiences and approaches to understanding disability and inclusion, and policy and practice for inclusion. Much of the content of this Specialisation is taught by people with lived experience of disability.
| 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 # |
Plus two units from:
| HDS727 | Auslan and the Deaf Community: Health and Wellbeing |
| HDS734 | Inclusive Design and Technology |
| HME712 | Healthcare Operations |
| HSH728 | Health Equity and Human Rights |
| HSH736 | Community Consultation and Participation |
| HSH744 | Epidemiology 1 |
| HSH746 | Biostatistics 1 |
| HSH755 | Postgraduate Health Practicum |
| HSH766 | Economics and Health Policy Analysis |
# Note these units are only available online- International students intending to pursue this specialisation please ensure all other core units are completed on campus.
Sustainability in Healthcare Specialisation *Specialisation not available for International students*
The Sustainability in Healthcare Specialisation addresses the growing need for health agencies to operate sustainably, supporting climate change ready policies and actions. Units in this Specialisation are delivered by the School of Health and Social Development within the Faculty of Health and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment (units coded SLE).
| HSH763 | Financing Health Care |
| HSH764 | Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice |
| SLE720 | Risk Assessment and Control |
| SLE725 | Environmental Management Systems |
| SLE740 | Climate Change, Adaptation and Mitigation |
Plus one unit from:
| HSH755 | Postgraduate Health Practicum |
| SLE742 | Systems Thinking for Sustainability and Resilience |
Research Specialisation^
The Research Specialisation provides students with the research skills and experience required to work in health-related research or to undertake a Higher Degree by Research. Students who complete this Specialisation may be eligible to enter Masters by Research and PhD programs at Deakin and other institutions. Note that considering HSH733 and HSH734 are assigned two credit points each, all four units are needed to complete this Specialisation, with no electives able to be completed.
| HSH733 | Major Research Project A |
| HSH734 | Major Research Project B |
| HSH744 | Epidemiology 1 |
| HSH746 | Biostatistics 1 |
^Students choosing this option must obtain approval from the Course Director and have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 or more.
Note International on-campus students who commence in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3 intakes pursuing the Major Project stream are required to enrol into Trimester 3 of their second year in order to complete the course within their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) course duration. Please refer to course maps.
Work experience
Other learning experiences
It is possible to complete an international study tour as an elective unit:
HSH760 International Perspectives in Health and Social Development.
Limited places are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
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.
Research and research-related study
The number of units dedicated to research-related study and independent research varies by elective group from a minimum of 2 units to a maximum of 8 units.
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.