Master of Disability Practice and Leadership - 2 years

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Critically discuss and evaluate contemporary literature and research in field of disability practice, policy and leadership.
2. Demonstrate a detailed professional knowledge around a range of conceptual disability perspectives.
3. Work in alliance with people with disability, families and advocates to promote the well-being of people with disability.
4. Apply evidence-informed knowledge to professional practice in an area of specialised knowledge pertaining to disability.
5. Use specialised knowledge and human rights approach to facilitate inclusion and citizenship of people with disability.
6. Critically evaluate and apply research, problem solving frameworks and reflection skills in ethical decision-making and professional practice.
7. Contribute to professional practice, workforce development and leadership in disability and human services.
8. Develop an understanding of, and competency in, research and evaluation as it applies to the disability field.
9. Contribute to the informed construction of disability policy, whether local, national or global.
10. Demonstrate professional knowledge around conceptual perspectives and embodied experience of disability.
11. Value and incorporate ongoing critical self-reflection and continued professional development in own role.

The Master of Disability Practice and Leadership is a postgraduate degree, taught in English and is two years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time.

Graduates have enhanced leadership skills required to work within a rapidly changing disability and human services field. This includes specialised knowledge that can be applied to support the inclusion and citizenship of people with disability, generate policy and build workforce capability allied with these goals. Graduates are knowledgeable in perspectives from social policy, education, psychology, philosophy, sociology, and health.

Recommended study pattern

Students will explore key topics such as disability rights, policy development, leadership in disability services, and inclusive practices. The program combines theoretical learning with practical experiences, case studies, and research, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership and specialist roles in the disability sector.

Core Topics

• Disability Theory and Practice
• Leadership and Change in Disability Services
• Inclusive Service Design and Delivery
• Disability Policy, Legislation, and Advocacy
• Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Disability
• Ethics and Human Rights in Disability Services
• Innovative Approaches in Disability Support

Elective Topic Examples

• Mental Health and Disability
• Assistive Technology and Inclusion
• Behavioural Support and Intervention Strategies
• Community-Based Disability Support

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Disability Practice and Leadership - 2 years, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Exit points

• Graduate Certificate in Disability Practice and Leadership: Students who successfully complete 18 units of study (including core topics) may be eligible to exit with this qualification.
• Graduate Diploma in Disability Practice and Leadership: Students who successfully complete 36 units of study may be eligible to exit with this award.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $33,984

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent: from an Australian university or an approved overseas institution.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.

The program includes practical components, enabling students to apply leadership and management principles in real-world disability service settings.

Students may be required to complete work-integrated learning (WIL) placements in disability organisations, government agencies, or community-based programs from anywhere in Australia.

A National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check may be required for students undertaking placements.

Some placements may require current immunisations or additional compliance checks, depending on the host organisation.