Master of Education

At the end of the program, students of the Master of Education Online can: 

1. Understand the various models of educational leadership styles to create learning environments where everyone can thrive.
2. Advocate for contemporary education with advanced research skills, knowledge of leadership principles and the latest evidence-based case studies to solve problems in educational contexts. 
3. Lead wellbeing initiatives across school communities to build inclusive learning environments with both high-quality teaching and student learning.  
4. Respond to diverse student needs to enhance student and teacher wellbeing.  
5. Adopt a managerial and analytical approach to make decisions aligned with strategic management plans.  
6. Apply high-level business administration skills vital to successful educational institutions.

With a Master of Education from Southern Cross University, you’ll be prepared for all the challenges that come with a fulfilling career in education. Students will become contemporary educational leaders for their school systems, permeating positive change through every level of the school. 

Delivered 100% online, the degree can be completed part-time in as little as 16 months. You can specialise your online postgraduate education degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Wellbeing or Educational Inclusion and Diversity. You also have the option to choose elective units from these specialisations to gain a generalist Master of Education degree. 

With a curriculum tailored to your interests and career ambitions, you can choose to grow in the direction you’re most passionate about.

Recommended study pattern

Core Subjects

• Contemporary Educational Leadership
• Contemporary Educational Contexts
• Leading Professional Learning
• Educational Investigation

Specialisation: Educational Leadership

• Accounting for Managers
• Human Resource Management
• Evaluation for Improved Teaching and Learning
• The Positive Leader or Organisational Behaviour

OR

Specialisation: Educational Wellbeing

• Valuing Diversity
• Educational Support in Difficult Times
• Educational Leadership and Wellbeing
• Enhancing Student Wellbeing

OR

Specialisation: Educational Inclusion and Diversity

• Valuing Diversity 
• Enhancing Student Wellbeing 
• Inclusive Education, Theory Policy and Practice
• Technology and Collaboration to Support Learning and Participation

OR

Choose any four subjects from any specialisation to gain a general Master of Education.

Award requirements

For students to be eligible to receive the Master of Education, 8 subjects (96 credit points) must be completed, comprising:

• 4 core subjects, and
• 1 specialisation, or
• any 4 subjects from the specialisations.

Exit points

To exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education, students must complete 4 core subjects.

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

Indicative total fee $20,960

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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

Explore SCU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

To qualify for entry to the Master of Education online, you must have:

• A four-year Bachelor degree in Education from any Australian university or equivalent; OR
• an undergraduate degree and a fourth-year level teaching qualification from any Australian university or equivalent, OR
• a three year Bachelor degree in Teaching and an education-specific Graduate Certificate from any Australian University, or equivalent.

Non-standard language admission requirements for international students (IELTS) with an overall score of 7.5 or equivalent.

We may recognise and grant credit for past education or qualifications in a process called advanced standing. If you're eligible for advanced standing, this can impact the number of units you need to study, reducing the time and cost of your overall degree. 

Studying online requires: 

• A PC or Mac with the latest operating system; 
• A fast, reliable internet connection; 
• The latest version of Chrome or Firefox;
• the Blackboard app. 

Sometimes, specific software or textbooks are required.