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

It is expected that graduates from this specialisation will be able, in the field of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice, to:

• Critically read, analyse and synthesise current theory and research;
• Demonstrate, through writing and discussion, extended knowledge of related areas of contemporary theoretical and applied research;
• Relate theories and the findings from research studies to authentic teaching-learning practices;
• Critically review research procedures that can be used to address teaching-learning issues;
• Design a research proposal for an independent research project, including selection and justification of research methods and design of an educational intervention;
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge about research ethics;
• Conduct and critically evaluate an independent original research project;
• Lead informed debate about research, practice and policy;
• Generate recommendations for future research, practice and policy in the field of cognitive psychology and educational practice;
• Demonstrate high standards of academic literacy.

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 1.5 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 six 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) (Progressive level entry), students must successfully complete six core (compulsory) subjects and six elective subjects chosen from an extensive range of electives.

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

Indicative total fee $30,450

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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

22

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in education, teaching or in a closely related discipline; or hold an approved bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline and hold the Graduate Certificate in Education (Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice) from Flinders University or equivalent qualification.

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