Please note – the MHA has been discontinued. Prospective applicants should consider the new Master of Humanitarianism and Development at Deakin University which will be offered from Trimester 1, 2024.
Regardless of your career path or experience level, the Master of Humanitarian Assistance (MHA) is a diverse and highly practical accreditation designed to make you more effective in your chosen humanitarian field.
The course combines theory, practical skills, action-learning through intensive simulations, and access to a network of world-leading humanitarian specialists and organisations from throughout the sector, with opportunities for professional placements.
Graduates are awarded a Master of Humanitarian Assistance from Deakin University.
- Course delivery and learning experience
While most units can be completed online, this course includes two week-long intensive units taught face-to-face at Deakin University’s Burwood Campus and field visits to our NGO partners.
- Duration
1–2 years full time, depending on your entry point. The course is flexibly designed to support working humanitarians or those looking to start in the sector; relevant experience or prior qualifications may reduce completion time.
- Scholarship eligibility
Prospective students may be eligible for one of Deakin University’s postgraduate by coursework scholarships.
- Apply now
Applications are not currently being accepted at this time.
About the course
A qualification for the next chapter in your humanitarian career.
The Master of Humanitarian Assistance is the first master’s level course in the Asia Pacific region focused on topics relating to humanitarian assistance.
Wherever you are in your career, this course delivers the necessary skills, understanding, mentoring, and practical experience to prepare you for more effective humanitarian practice, in Australia and around the world.
This course can strengthen your capacity as a working humanitarian through accredited knowledge of the theories that underpin the sector. It can provide a springboard to help you up-skill and transition to contribute in crisis environments. Or, it can provide the skills and knowledge required to start your humanitarian journey.
Regardless of your goals or standing coming into the course, skilled accredited humanitarian practitioners are set to be in high demand given the intensity and frequency of climate-related disasters projected to rise.
What you get
Sector-applicable skills and experience backed by academic rigour.
The Master of Humanitarian Assistance will enhance your career potential in your chosen field.
The course incorporates opportunities to complete internships in Australia or overseas.
Graduates have gone on to work in exciting roles using skills developed in their degree, including:
- Service provision.
- Logistical support.
- Communications.
- Program management and support.
- Community engagement.
- Humanitarian program support.
- Program funding.
- Program Coordination.
- Monitoring.
- Evaluation.
See where this accreditation has taken past graduates around the world.
Eligibility
Is this course right for you?
Do I need to have experience working in the humanitarian sector?
No. Although it is beneficial for students, sector experience is not necessary. The Master of Humanitarian Assistance is suitable to new graduates or experienced professionals who would like to work in the humanitarian sector.
What are the costs and fees associated with this course?
The Master of Humanitarian Assistance is administered through Deakin University. Fees and charges depend on a variety of factors, including your fee category and the year you begin the course. Find out more about Deakin University’s fee structures.
Are there any scholarships available for the Master of Humanitarian Assistance?
Yes. Prospective students for the Master of Humanitarian Assistance may be eligible for one of Deakin University’s postgraduate by coursework scholarships. A range of academic merit and access and equity scholarships are offered. More information about Deakin University scholarships, including application details, is available at the Deakin website.
