Deakin University

Master of Leadership

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Challenge and refine how you lead by combining contemporary leadership research with workplace evidence, professional credentials and an applied research project.

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Download your course guide and connect with a university advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

Deakin University’s Master of Leadership is designed for experienced professionals ready to examine how they lead and increase their influence across people, teams and organisations. You will connect contemporary leadership theory with your own professional experience to navigate complexity, drive strategic outcomes and lead responsible change.

Rather than relying solely on traditional coursework, the course combines advanced study with microcredentials and Professional Practice Credentials assessed through evidence from your workplace. You will explore leadership practice, professional development and research methods before applying your learning through an independent leadership research project.

The flexible structure supports professionals across business, government, education, healthcare and community organisations. The course is delivered entirely online over one to 2.5 years part-time, with an accelerated one-year option available to students who complete the required units and credentials within the specified study periods.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be fast-tracked to complete in 3 consecutive trimesters
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,219.3
More Information
Up to $29,175. The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of four credit points (four units) per semester or eight credit points (eight units) per year.
Intake
February, 2027
June, 2027
November, 2026
October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To earn the Master of Leadership, you must successfully complete requirements totalling 6 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 1 credit point.

Core units
  • Leadership Practice with Impact
  • Leadership Research Methods
  • Leadership and Professional Development
  • Leadership Research Project (2 credit points) (Capstone)

Core Professional Practice Credentials

Students must successfully complete both of the following at the Advanced level:

  • Adaptive Mindsets
  • Driving Strategic Results

These credentials are assessed using evidence from the student’s professional practice by a panel that includes academic and industry representatives.

Stackable short courses

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline and at least three years of relevant work experience.
  • Completion of Deakin University’s Graduate Certificate of Leadership.

Relevant experience may include senior managerial leadership involving substantial operational and strategic responsibilities. Part-time experience may be considered on an equivalent basis.

Academic history, work and life experience and individual circumstances may be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission.

Supporting documents

Applicants must submit:

  • A current curriculum vitae clearly demonstrating relevant professional and managerial experience.
  • Contact details for two referees who can verify their work experience.
  • A personal statement explaining their motivation for undertaking the course and any other relevant information supporting their application.
  • Evidence of previous qualifications, where applicable.

English language requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree completed in a recognised English-speaking country.
  • An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.
  • Other accepted evidence of English language proficiency.

Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary leadership theory and practices, creating new discipline knowledge through applied research methods.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills using tools, techniques and media to gather data and engage and inspire others.
  • Discover, analyse, synthesise and disseminate complex information, data and ideas to stakeholders, strategic partners and professional colleagues using various digital technologies and channels.
  • Systematically and critically analyse and test leadership styles, models and theories to optimise leadership impact within a specific cultural and operational context to drive strategy.
  • Apply advanced problem-solving skills to conceptualise, design, construct and advocate for recommended innovative solutions for complex leadership-related issues.
  • Advance personal development and leadership capacity to proactively drive and take responsibility for strategic results.
  • Work across various professions, functions, contexts and teams to optimise collaborative outcomes and improve strategic outcomes.
  • Define and reinforce the vision and values that orient collective effort, social responsibility and ethical decision making.

Career outcomes

The Master of Leadership prepares experienced professionals to pursue leadership opportunities across sectors including:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Not-for-profit organisations
  • Politics
  • Religious organisations
  • Retail
  • Sport

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative coursework fee in 2027: $24,950 (Full-fee paying place)
Plus an indicative accreditation fee: $7,800 

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.