A Masters in Leadership is a postgraduate program to strengthen your ability to manage and lead. Candidates come from different professional backgrounds. Specialised programs are available for leaders in fields such as education, healthcare, medical science, sustainability, and technology.
Explore these online degrees from Australia to find the ideal development program for you.
Best Masters of Leadership in Australia
LEADERSHIP
Deakin University - Master of Leadership
The Master of Leadership from Deakin University is designed for efficient career progression. It focuses on professional practice and allows you to demonstrate skills mainly through workplace activities. The online program boasts features like high affordability, a 12-month completion time, minimal career interruption, and strong engagement levels with instructors and classmates. The curriculum includes communication, digital literacy, teamwork, adaptive mindsets, leading and developing people, and strategic achievement.
MANAGEMENT
UNSW Online - Master of Management
The Master of Management from UNSW Online enhances one's career prospects by developing practical business management skills. Topics include managing yourself and others, financial management, economics for business, marketing foundations, regulations and ethics, and disruption strategies. You can also choose electives such as Analytics and Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Managing with Digital Technology. Theory and practical application merge through experiential learning and projects.
Related: Master of Management Online Programs
ADMINISTRATION
RMIT University - Master of Business Administration
The online MBA from RMIT University boosts business and executive skills. Core subjects include leadership and management, financial analytics for managerial decisions, strategy, and business consulting. The leadership specialisation covers personal branding and being an authentic leader, people and organisational management, digital entrepreneurship, and leading in digital contexts. The 12-subject part-time degree targets professionals seeking to enhance their ability to lead in modern workplaces.
James Cook University - Master of Business Administration Global
The online MBA Global from JCU is designed for future business leaders. Over 24 months, students complete 12 subjects in 7-week study periods. The curriculum explores Global Perspective & Strategies, Data-driven Decision Making, and Organisational Leadership & Management. The program ends with an Integrated Global Capstone Project aligning business strategies with global issues. Flexible entry allows admission based on work experience or academic credentials. This MBA prepares graduates for global executive careers.
UTS Online - Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration from UTS Online is expertly designed to enhance leadership skills. Participants are able to combine a strong foundation in core business subjects with the flexibility to specialise in leadership-oriented subjects. Core units such as Leading People and Change, Data-Driven Decision Making, Governance and Sustainability, and Strategy and Negotiation are integral to the curriculum. The flexible online format allows for immediate application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Related: What Is an MBA?
DATA SCIENCE
RMIT University - Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership
Become a key player in data-driven organisations. The Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership from RMIT University is for professionals who want to combine data science with business strategy. Over two years, this fully online course covers practical data science, analytics, and visualisation. Directorial subjects include Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption and Shaping Organisations with Artificial Intelligence. The part-time program culminates in a Data Science Strategy Consulting Project.
EDUCATION
Edith Cowan University - Master of Education (Leading Education)Â
Edith Cowan University's online Master of Education (Leading Education) is a part-time program for current and aspiring school leaders. The 16-month degree consists of eight core units, offering insights into educational guidance, driving improvement, effective teaching practices, and community engagement strategies. Designed for flexibility, it includes six study periods yearly, suiting professionals with other commitments. Graduates are prepared for roles like Head of Department, Deputy Principal, and School Principal.
SCU Online - Master of Education (Educational Leadership)
The Master's degree in Education from Southern Cross University is designed for modern educators looking to advance their careers. This 16-month, part-time program provides flexibility for busy professionals. In the Educational Leadership specialisation, students take subjects such as Accounting for Managers, Human Resource Management, and Evaluation for Improved Teaching and Learning. They also choose between The Positive Leader or Organisational Behaviour. Graduates are prepared for senior educational roles.
UTS Online - Master of Education (Learning and Leadership)
The Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) from UTS Online is for professionals from different backgrounds who are involved in education and training. Participants gain knowledge and tools needed for innovation in learning across education and corporate settings. The course emphasises community engagement, outlining strategies to connect with communities and boost an organisation's profile. The accelerated 8-subject course goes beyond traditional teaching to develop skills necessary for educational change.
Related: Masters of Educational Leadership
HEALTHCARE
UTS Online - Master of Health Services Management (Leadership)
The Master of Health Services Management from UTS provides critical skills for senior health professionals. It's delivered fully online. The course focuses on strategic planning and evaluation of health and social care services. Its goal is to improve and deliver safe, high-value, and accessible healthcare. The 12-subject part-time program covers Leading Health and Social Care; Health Systems and Change; Organisational Management in Health Care; and Managing Quality, Risk, and Cost in Health Care.
HUMAN RESOURCES
RMIT University - Master of Human Resource Management
The online Master of Human Resource Management from RMIT University focuses on the pivotal role of people and culture in business success. Designed for those aiming to advance in HR management, it emphasises direction and the modern workforce's evolving nature. Students gain skills to interact with senior management and lead cultural shifts. Learners gain legal, ethical, social, and management insights for tackling today's HR challenges. Graduates are empowered to create better workplaces through strategic direction.
SCU Online - MBA (Managing and Leading People)
The SCU Online MBA offers a pathway to career advancement over 24 months part-time. The Managing and Leading People specialisation includes studies in Organisational Change and Development, and Human Resource Management. This program is open to professionals from business and non-business backgrounds, with or without a bachelor degree. Graduates are prepared for roles like General Manager and HR Manager. The course supports flexible learning with six start dates a year and Recognition of Prior Learning.
MEDICAL SCIENCE
UTS Online - Master of Medical Science Leadership
The Master of Medical Science Leadership from UTS Online is for professionals seeking senior positions in medical science. It integrates leader development with the latest in science education, including subjects on precision medicine, engaging the public with health data, and high performance in science. This program prepares you to stay ahead in medical technology, enhance your communication skills, and excel in patient-centered roles. Graduates perform jobs such as policy advisor, clinical project manager, and research director.
NURSING
James Cook University - Master of Nursing (Leadership and Management)
The online Master of Nursing from JCU is for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This 24-month, part-time program is structured for flexibility, with subjects covering clinical governance, informatics, and evidence-based practice improvement. Nurses specialising in Leadership & Management explore topics such as leading in health, ethics, business finance, and conflict resolution in healthcare. The course prepares graduates for directing roles where they enhance patient care and health services delivery.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SCU Online - Master of Project Management
The Master of Project Management from Southern Cross University aligns with the PMBOK Guide and is endorsed by the AIPM. The 100% online program consists of 7 core units, 3 electives, and a double-weighted industry project. SCU has designed the degree to be compatible with full-time employment. Subjects are completed one at a time over 7-week study blocks. You can earn the full master's degree in 2 years while working. Topics include leading and managing projects, commencement and planning, contract management, and risk and quality control of projects.
PUBLIC HEALTH
UTS Online - Master of Public Health (Leadership)
The Master of Public Health from UTS Online is for individuals aiming to make an impact in community and population health. Offered part-time, this program contains a leadership specialisation focusing on health system change. This pathway is designed to prepare you for key roles in health project management and policy reform. Core subjects include epidemiology, communicable disease, health promotion, and global health systems. The flexible course structure supports a balance between professional commitments and study.
SUSTAINABILITY
UTS Online - Master of Sustainable Leadership
The Master of Sustainable Leadership from UTS is for future leaders in sustainability. It includes 12 subjects focusing on sustainability practices, innovations in energy, leading people and change, and science stewardship. Students explore sustainable practices, policy making, and directing teams. With electives ranging from sustainability to business analytics, students can customise their learning to match career goals. Graduates perform roles such as sustainability consultant, renewable energy leader, and project coordinator.
TECHNOLOGY
UTS Online - Executive Master of Technology Management
The Executive Master of Technology Management from UTS is for professionals focused on the future, aiming to elevate their career. It offers an accelerated path for individuals with a technical degree and significant work experience. The 16-month part-time program develops strategic and leadership skills to complement technical knowledge, preparing you for executive roles in tech-driven organisations. Apply what you learn immediately to enhance your current role and ready yourself for a technology-led future.
Is a Leadership Degree Worthwhile?
If you have management experience and are poised for greater responsibilities, a program for developing leaders is a great investment. Participants cultivate strategies and communication skills to excel at directing, organising, and inspiring others.
With an array of different specialisations available online, there is also the opportunity to find the right course for you. Your curriculum is typically customisable as well through electives and work-integrated learning activities. You normally have the option to start with a four-subject graduate certificate.
Unicurve founder Andrew Lancaster discovered that many of the most senior public servants in Australia have completed executive training. "I used to wonder how my bosses became so fluent in talking about management and had organisational strategies for every situation. I eventually learned that they participated in leadership courses for executives, allowing them to gain cutting-edge knowledge and share insights with each other."
Related: Is a Masters in Leadership Worth It?