Master of Education

• Critically analyse academic and professional literature to evaluate key debates, theories, and trends in educational policy, practice, and research.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of educational research methodologies and their role in shaping evidence-based theory, policy, and classroom practice.
• Evaluate diverse perspectives on educational issues using theoretical frameworks and evidence to inform critical reflection and propose solutions to identified challenges. 
• Apply scholarly and research-based insights to support learner development, improve educational outcomes, and advance professional practice.
• Communicate expert knowledge and analysis of educational matters clearly and effectively to professional audiences, stakeholders, and the broader public. 
• Integrate interdisciplinary research and educational scholarship to drive innovation and respond to complex educational problems in diverse learning contexts. 
• Apply appropriate skills and approaches that enable engagement and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including parents and other professionals. 

Macquarie University's revamped Master of Education has been developed in consultation with school principals, education experts and the NSW Department of Education. It blends research-led expertise with practical application. It’s been designed to equip both early-career and experienced teachers – including internationally trained educators – with advanced skills to evaluate evidence, design inclusive pedagogies and address sector priorities. 

Recommended study pattern

Essential subjects:

• Research Theory
• Research Methods

Elective subjects - choose two from:

• Design of Technology-Enhanced Learning
• The Science of Learning
• Rethinking Indigenous Education

Choose one specialisation (each is three or four subjects) from:

• Early Childhood - Early Childhood Communities of Practice Specialist Project (double subject) Contemporary Curriculum and Pedagogy in Early Childhood, Contemporary Context and Policy in Early Childhood
• Education Leadership - Education Leadership Communities of Practice Specialist Project (double subject), Leadership for Learning, Leading the Learning of New Teachers
• Inclusive Education - Inclusive Education Communities of Practice Specialist Project (double subject), Realising Inclusive Education, Bilingual Education: Theory and Practice
• Indigenous Education - History of Indigenous Education, Indigenous Languages and Learning, Indigenous Research Theory and Practice, Trauma Informed Education

Award requirements

Completion of 80 credit points. This is seven subjects, except for students who take the Indigenous Education specialisation, for whom it is eight subjects.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Choose from one of four specialisations:

• The Early Childhood Specialisation within the Master of Education provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in early childhood education from birth to 8 years. Through inquiry and critical reflection on current debates and research, students develop a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, and political factors shaping early childhood education. The specialisation focuses on contemporary issues, policy, curriculum, pedagogy, and evidence-based practices relevant to children from birth to 8 years.
• The Education Leadership Specialisation within the Master of Education is designed for aspiring and current leaders across all education sectors; early childhood, primary, secondary, and post-school education. The specialisation equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to lead with vision and purpose. It draws on the latest international and Australian research to develop evidence-based, research-led leadership capabilities.
• The Inclusive Education Specialisation is designed for educators, support professionals, and aspiring leaders who are committed to creating equitable, accessible, and inclusive learning environments for all students. This specialisation provides a rigorous and coherent program of study that integrates research, theory and practice to support students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities and additional learning requirement.
• The Indigenous Education specialisation equips educators to examine how colonial power structures shape and sustain the marginalisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Grounded in Indigenous sovereignty, it foregrounds Indigenous knowledge systems, resistance movements, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination across local, national, and global contexts. This specialisation will deepen your understanding of education as a site of colonial violence and Indigenous resurgence, and strengthen your capacity to act in solidarity by upholding sovereignty, centring Indigenous authority, and contributing to transformative change within and beyond educational institutions.

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

Indicative total fee $29,100

The amounts shown here are 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.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

9

• AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent

or

• Meet two of the following three criteria:AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
• Minimum two years relevant approved work experience at senior management level, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65