Master of Education (Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice) (Basic level entry)

The courses are designed to meet the increasing demand for professional development of current teachers and other professionals. The programs are not designed to be an initial preparation for teaching and do not lead to teacher registration.

Professional recognition

This degree does not lead to teacher registration in Australia.

Higher education

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification.

Applicants who hold a degree or equivalent in Education or related discipline; or hold a bachelor degree in any discipline and also hold the Graduate Certificate in Education or equivalent qualification should apply for the Master of Education (Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice) (1.5 years).

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

What is going on when students are trying to understand texts or diagrams, or when they are trying to solve problems? What does being an active learner mean? Can you help students change their motivational states? Is discussion really valuable as a form of learning?

These are some of the questions that are addressed in the cognitive psychology and educational practice specialisation within the Master of Education degrees at Flinders University.

In this specialisation you will develop an understanding of the cognitive psychology of learning and investigate how this can be applied to problems that arise in learning and teaching.

This specialisation may interest classroom teachers, special education teachers, lecturers or tutors in further or higher education, private tutors or trainers and those wanting to understand their own learning processes. These courses do not lead to teacher registration in South Australia.

It is 2 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students complete six core (compulsory) topics and ten option topics chosen from an extensive range of option topics available aimed at providing students with an understanding of the cognitive psychology of learning and investigate how this can be applied to problems that arise in learning and teaching.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four subjects per semester and part-time students undertake two subjects per semester. 

Award Requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Education (Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice) (Basic level entry), students must successfully complete six core (compulsory) subjects and ten elective subjects chosen from an extensive range of electives