Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice (1.5 years)

Graduates will be equipped for careers in a wide range of settings, from early childhood, primary, secondary and post-secondary, vocational and higher education to policy and curriculum advisory, or corporate training contexts.

Potential occupations:

• Teacher/educator/lecturer/trainer/tutor
• School/educational site principal/director
• Teaching and learning coordinator/advisor/director/
• Coordinator of educational programs
• Education policy advisor 
• School counsellor or wellbeing coordinator
• Psychologist working with learners
• Researcher

Potential employers:

• Schools and education sites in all education sectors nationally and internationally
• Post-secondary/higher education providers
• Non-government agencies and community development organisations
• Education research institutions (in Australia and Internationally)
• Organisations in a range of contexts where expertise in teaching, learning, and training is involved (e.g., community organisations, corporate training)

Higher education

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in Education, Teaching or a closely related discipline.

English Proficiency Requirements

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.

This course prepares teachers, educators and leaders in schools, the community, workplaces, universities and training institution to develop an understanding of the cognitive psychology of learning and investigate how this can be applied to problems that arise in learning and teaching. There is an increased recognition from education sectors, of a need for a deeper teacher expertise about learning. The Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice is professionally-oriented and is intended for people currently employed in the field of education, those who would like to be so employed, and those who have an interest in developing their knowledge and practice, with a focus on understanding and innovating teaching and learning in a range of teaching and learning contexts (including distance/online education). It is designed to meet the increasing demand for professional education about teaching-learning issues such as motivation, cognition and metacognition.

Recommended Study Pattern

In the Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice you will study six core topics, and can select from a range of elective topics and minor programs of study to shape the degree according to your needs and interests.

The program provides educators with opportunities to examine their own teaching and to develop evidence‐based models for practice, and facilitates improved professional decision making in learning and teaching practice, experiences and outcomes.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice - 1.5 years, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic

Exit Points

Upon completion of 18 units a student may choose to exit with one of the following awards, subject to meeting the program of study for that award:

• Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice
• Graduate Certificate in Education
• Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education
• Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education
• Graduate Certificate in International Baccalaureate Education
• Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education
• Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health in Education