Master of Education

Specialist areas leading to a named specialisation:

• Allied School Psychology (cohorts only)
• Autism Spectrum Studies 
• Career Development
• Inclusive Practice
• Integrated STEM
• Leading Learning
• Mathematics
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Student Wellbeing
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This advanced education course will enable students to enhance professional knowledge and pedagogical practices, and to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of recent research.

Further your knowledge of the latest and most effective pedagogical practices and gain a greater understanding into leading research in this area. This degree asks you to analyse the challenges and changing demands of education in the context of social justice, equity and ethics so you can transform and improve the educational setting you work in.

This course is designed for educators or those working in educational contexts who wish to pursue further studies in a specialised area. It will not lead to a teaching qualification. You’ll have the opportunity to complete a named specialisation, chosen from a number of areas, including Inclusive Practice, Integrated STEM, Mathematics, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The course enhances career advancement opportunities for teachers and other professionals engaged in lead educational roles such as education administrators, researchers, policy makers, career counsellors, psychologists, members of the defence forces, youth ministers and family/parish educators. This course does not lead to a teaching qualification.

Limited CSP places are available for some specialisation. Check ACU website for more detail

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for the Master of Education a student must complete 120cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings

Pathway 1 (120 cp)

To qualify for the Master of Education, a student must complete 120 cp from the schedule of subject offerings, consisting of:

1. 50 cp from 600-level Education subjects;

40 cp from electives 1;

1. 30 cp from capstone subjects.

Pathway 2 (120 cp)

To qualify for the Master of Education with a named specialisation in:

• Autism Spectrum Studies (cohorts only)
• Career Development
• Inclusive Practice
• Integrated STEM
• Leading Learning
• Literacy Intervention (cohorts only)
• Mathematics
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Student Wellbeing
• TESOL

a student must complete 120 cp from the schedule of subject offerings, consisting of:

1. 10 cp from 600-level Education subjects;
2. 40 cp from one specialisation group;
3. 40 cp from electives1;
4. 30 cp from capstone units (The capstone must be in the specialisation).

Pathway 3 (120 cp) 

To qualify for the Master of Education with a named specialisation in Allied School Psychology (cohorts only), a student must complete 120 cp consisting of:

1. 10 cp from 600-level Education subjects;
2. 60 cp from Allied School Psychology Specialisation group;
3. 20 cp from electives1;
4. 30 cp from capstone units (the capstone must be in Allied School Psychology).

Pathway 4 (160 cp) Students admitted under Admission Requirment B

To qualify for the Master of Education, a student must complete 160 cp consisting of:

1. 90 cp from 600-level Education units;

40 cp from Electives 1;

1. 30 cp from Capstone units 

1 Students may take electives drawn from the schedule of subject offerings and/or other units drawn from relevant ACU postgraduate programs; or by cross-institutional study with prior approval of the course coordinator. A maximum of 40 cp of elective units can be at 500-level.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Education with or without a named specialisation a student must complete 120cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings

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

Indicative total fee $29,412

The amount shown here is 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.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

Explore ACU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

(A) Bachelor degree in education*; or a bachelor degree and a recognised teaching qualification or

(B) Bachelor degree in an area other than Education

IELTS overall score of 7.0. Individual score of 6.0 in all tests.

Students with a postgraduate qualification in education may apply for credit and complete the degree in less time.

Students seeking TESOL accreditation will need to successfully complete 22 days professional experience in educational settings with EAL/D children and young people, under the supervision of a mentor. There is also a 30 day Special and Inclusive Education placement for students studying the relevant specialisations.

Police and/or Working with Children checks (or equivalent) may be required prior to practicum.