Skills of the future
Australia's need for skilled leaders is growing, with managerial roles forecasted to increase by up to 10% over the next decade, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The Future of Jobs 2025 report also reveals that 33% of workers will need upskilling by 2030 to meet evolving workplace demands. To stay ahead, modern leaders should focus on:
- Adaptability: Be ready to pivot strategies in response to rapid changes.
- Technological Literacy: Develop expertise in emerging tools and trends.
- Emotional Intelligence: Inspire and connect with teams effectively.
- Lifelong Learning: Commit to growing creative and problem-solving capabilities.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Build innovative and resilient teams through inclusive practices.
These skills and priorities are essential not only for professional success but also for driving growth in a fast-changing job market.
Why Deakin?
With over 50 years of excellence, Deakin University is globally recognised for its commitment to teaching, research, and student success.
#1 for overall Student Satisfaction
Deakin is #1 in Victoria for Overall Student Satisfaction* and has been for 14 years, and one of the top universities in Australia on this measure.
Top 1% worldwide for business and management
Deakin’s business and management subject offerings have been ranked in the top 1% worldwide by the QS University subject rankings.
#1 Victorian Uni for teaching quality*
To be the best, learn from the best at Victoria’s #1 university for teaching quality.
#1 University in Victoria
Australian Financial Review Best Universities 2024.
*2023 Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys.
Entry requirements
Entry into the Master of Leadership degree will be based on:
- A bachelor's degree in any discipline and at least three years of relevant work experience#, OR
- Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Leadership
#Applicable to applicants with a bachelor degree. Work experience must be full-time (or equivalent part time) senior managerial leadership with a high level of operational and strategic leadership responsibilities. ^Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in as little as one year by completing units in three consecutive trimesters and all other components within the first two trimesters of study. Completion time dependent on individual study path and unit availability. *2025 course fees. Fees may be subject to change. **Deakin is the first university in Australia to develop Professional Practice degrees, combining online coursework units along with several Professional Practice credentials, which recognise capabilities: the skills and knowledge you already have and which you apply in your work. This recognition is gained through written and video testimonies and a portfolio of evidence.
Ready to Apply?
With the following documents on hand, you can finish your application in just 20 minutes:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Your CV detailing employment history and references
- Proof of English language proficiency (if it’s not your first language)
Got a question? Call 1300 043 524 and our Enrolment Advisors will assist you.
Frequently asked questions
If you already know enough about accounting, finance, marketing and operations management, or can learn these on the job, but want to improve your ability to build high-performing teams, then the Master of Leadership is for you. This course will build on your existing leadership experience and provide you with an understanding on how to have a strategic impact on your business with leadership skills that deliver positive change. You will be able to apply your learning whether you're working in business, the not-for-profit sector, as a school principal or in government. In this way, the Master of Leadership is a shorter course that recognises your pre-established leadership experience while allowing you to learn new concepts. You can learn more by visiting our blog.
Yes, you need to be in a current leadership position where you hold operational and strategic responsibilities. You also need to have at least three years of relevant work experience.
To earn a credential, you will draw on your recent leadership experience (i.e. within the last two years) and go through a three step process of identifying and documenting your skills, experience and knowledge. You will obtain each credential by writing a short reflective essay, submitting evidence and providing an additional video testimony about your professional experience, where you will describe how they demonstrate each criterion. You are free to prepare for and submit multiple credentials at the same time – credentials are designed to be completed between work and other commitments, and you can work on them at any time throughout the year. We recommend you spend around 8-10 hours over a 4-5 week period for each credential. Get ahead with your submissions by compiling your evidence and writing your reflection during your trimester breaks, and submit them once the new trimester starts. Preparing for the first credential may take the longest, but you will find that the process gets easier as you move through your submissions.
This 15,000-word research project comprises three smaller assignments that you will complete over one to two trimesters. It will give you the opportunity to investigate and address a real-life issue by creating a strategic plan for it. You may pick an issue that you are facing as a leader, or you may pick one that you find interesting in your workplace, giving you also the opportunity to work with your colleagues or managers in your organisation. You will gain additional support through an academic supervisor, who will help you refine the scope of and support you through your research project. In this way, you will demonstrate your expertise and contribute to your field in a meaningful way.
We've designed this course so that you have flexibility in the way you study and manage it amid other life and work responsibilities. Aside from having no exams, the course is designed specifically for a 100 per cent online experience.
You may. If you haven't done an undergraduate degree, then the Graduate Certificate of Leadership might be a good option for you. Starting with the graduate certificate will not require any extra study or cost you any more than starting directly in the master's degree.
We have three intakes in a year: March, July and November. When you submit your application early, you can take your time in finalising your FEE-HELP application, make full use of your Orientation Week and get ahead in familiarising yourself with your study plan. Should you not have completed your application before the closing date, our Student Enrolment Advisers will get in touch with you to offer any assistance through the enrolment process and answer any questions you may have.
