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 an elective 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.
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:
leadership and strategic planning
evidence-based decision making
health needs assessment and evaluation
program planning and monitoring
resource and project management
communication and negotiation.
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 students must pass 12 or 16 credit points, and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
For students completing 16 credit points:
DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their 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 their 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.
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.
^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
Students who select the Business Administration Specialisation are required to complete a one credit point work integrated learning unit (eg. either HSH755 Postgraduate Health Practicum unit or one unit coded MWL *** within the Business Administration Specialisation)
Students can also undertake HSH755 Postgraduate Health Practicum unit within the Public Health Specialisation.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
International Perspectives in Health and Social Development *
* Limited places in this unit are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
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
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.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
