Master of Disability Policy and Practice (1.5 years)

Developmental educators and disability specialists occupy diverse roles across a variety of work areas. Further information can be obtained through the Developmental Educators Australia Inc (DEAI) professional association website.

Professional recognition

Master of Disability Policy and Practice graduates have access to full membership of the Developmental Educators Australia Inc, and status in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other processional sectors as a developmental educator.

Career objectives

Potential occupations include:

• developmental educator
• industry trainer and facilitator
• policy development officer
• community development officer
• community-based rehabilitation specialist
• behavioural specialist
• recreation officer
• case manager
• advocate
• project officer/manager.

Higher education

Applicants must normally hold: 

• An approved Bachelor degree in Disability from an approved tertiary institution; or
• An approved Bachelor degree of four or more years duration in an area closely related to Disability and two years of relevant professional experience
• An Honours degree (or equivalent) in Disability or a closely related discipline from an approved tertiary institution; or
• An approved Bachelor degree of three or more years duration and a postgraduate qualification in an area closely related to Disability

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. 

Practicum placement

Master of Disability Policy students have an option of completing a practical topic. Before commencing, you need to complete a study plan with the masters coordinator and discuss your practical placement with the relevant topic coordinator. For more information visit https://students.flinders.edu.au/my-course/placements/compliance.

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. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit

Become an effective and respected professional in disability. The program aims to broaden the professional opportunities for graduates within an evolving policy and practice context. You will become NDIS aware and develop disability specific knowledge to assist people living with disabilities to participate in all aspects of their everyday life. This could include supporting people with disabilities in their educational, economic, recreational and social participation, and to be recognised as valued members of their local communities.

It is 1.5 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students complete one of two pathways in the course. The coursework pathway requires students to complete three core (compulsory) topics including a research project and nine option topics chosen from a range of option topics available.

The Coursework with Research Project or Dissertation pathway requires students to complete 4-5 core (compulsory) topics including either a Research Coursework Project or Dissertation, and up to seven option topics chosen from a range of option topics available.

These topics aim to provide students with the opportunity to develop expertise required of disability and allied health professions enabling work in a range of Government and non-government organisations in health, education and human service settings.

Award Requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Disability Policy and Practice, students must successfully complete one of two pathways in the course. The coursework pathway requires students to complete three core (compulsory) topics including a research project and nine option topics chosen from a range of option topics available.

The Coursework with Research Project or Dissertation pathway requires students to complete 4-5 core (compulsory) topics including either a Research Coursework Project or Dissertation, and up to seven option topics chosen from a range of option topics available

Exit Points

Given the related pathways of coursework in Disability Studies, students enrolled in the Master of Disability Policy and Practice may be eligible, after completing the appropriate units of study, to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies.