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Master of Health Management

Postgraduate coursework

Build your leadership, managerial and analytical skills to influence positive change in healthcare and open the door to senior roles within the sector.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

Duration

1 – 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on Recognition of prior learning

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

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.

If you are currently working in a management role in the health and human services sector and would like to progress into a senior leadership or executive role, you may be interested in our MBA (Healthcare 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.

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Course information

Award granted
Master of Health Management
Year

2024 course information

Deakin code
H756
CRICOS code?
114205F Burwood (Melbourne)
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.

Course structure

To complete the Master of Health Management students must attain 16 credit points. All units except Major Research Project units are equal to 1 credit point.

The course comprises 10 core units (these are compulsory) and 6 Specialisation units (you can choose which ones to study according to the prescribed units in each of the Specialisations in the course structure).

All commencing Faculty of Health course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0 credit point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Core units

All students must complete the following core units and one zero credit point unit

  • Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)
  • Fundamentals of Digital Health
  • Principles and Practice of Public Health
  • Health Economics 1
  • Economic Evaluation 1
  • Research Literacy
  • Resource Allocation and Priority Setting
  • Health Law and Ethics
  • Financial Interpretation
  • Emerging Issues in International Operations
  • Human Resource Management
  • Electives

    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.

    Public Health Specialisation

  • Contemporary Health Issues and Policies
  • Epidemiology 1
  • Biostatistics 1
  • Comparative Health Systems
  • Plus two units from:

  • Healthcare Operations
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Equity and Human Rights
  • Minor Project A -must be taken as a pair with HSH732
  • Minor Project B - must be taken as a pair with HSH731
  • Postgraduate Health Practicum
  • International Perspectives in Health and Social Development *
  • * Limited places in this unit are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.

    Health Economics Specialisation

  • Economics and Health Policy Analysis
  • Biostatistics 1
  • Economics for Managers
  • Plus three units from:

  • Healthcare Operations
  • Postgraduate Health Practicum
  • Financing Health Care
  • Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice
  • Health Economics in a Global Context
  • Comparative Health Systems
  • Health Technology Assessment 1
  • Business Administration Specialisation

  • Managed Change
  • Economics for Managers
  • Business Strategy and Analysis
  • Plus one unit from:

  • Postgraduate Health Practicum
  • Business for Social Impact
  • Consultancy Experience
  • Entrepreneurship Experience
  • Internship
  • Plus two units from:

  • Healthcare Operations
  • Financing Health Care
  • Economics and Health Policy Analysis
  • Marketing Management
  • Foundations in Leadership
  • Disability and Inclusion Specialisation

  • Disability and Inclusion: Contemporary Theory and Lived Experience
  • Planning for Inclusion Across the Life Course
  • Determinants of Health and Wellbeing in the Lives of People with Disability
  • Community Capacity Building - Theory and Practice for Inclusion
  • Plus two units from:

  • Auslan and the Deaf Community: Health and Wellbeing
  • Inclusive Design and Technology
  • Healthcare Operations
  • Health Equity and Human Rights
  • Community Consultation and Participation
  • Epidemiology 1
  • Biostatistics 1
  • Economics and Health Policy Analysis
  • Postgraduate Health Practicum
  • Sustainability in Healthcare Specialisation

  • Financing Health Care
  • Economic Evaluation - Theory and Practice
  • Risk Assessment and Control
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
  • Plus one unit from:

  • Postgraduate Health Practicum
  • Systems and Strategic Thinking
  • Research Specialisation*

  • Epidemiology 1
  • Biostatistics 1
  • Major Project A
  • Major Project B
  • 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 CoE course duration. Please refer to course maps.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    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.

    Additional course information

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    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.

    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.

    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.

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    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    $28,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.  The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. 

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. 

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.  

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Health Management (16 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
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    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.

    Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    If you have a Bachelor in the same discipline or major sequence in a related discipline, you may be eligible for credit for up to 4 credit points (units), which means you need to complete 1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent (12 credit points). If you have a Bachelor (Honours), in the same discipline or related discipline, you may be eligible for credit for up to 8 credit points (units, which means you need to complete 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent (8 credit points). If you have a graduate certificate in the same discipline or related discipline, you may be eligible for credit for up to 4 credit points (units), which means you need to complete 1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent. If you have a graduate diploma in the same discipline or related discipline, you may be eligible for credit for up to 8 credit points (units), which means you need to complete 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent. If you have a Masters degree in a related discipline, you may be eligible for credit for up to 10 credit points (units), which means you need to complete 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent.

    Tap image to expand

    A 'same discipline' award for this course can be in management, health economics or public health, a 'related discipline' award for this course is health sciences, business administration or other related field.

    Alternative exits

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    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

    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.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    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:

    • 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.