Master of Education (Special Education) (Basic level entry)

It is expected that graduates from this specialisation will be able to:

• discuss the philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives of disability and special learning needs;
• demonstrate skills in advocacy for the child with special needs and their right to inclusive education and practice;
• advocate for and contribute to the generation of curriculum, pedagogical, and policy leadership in special education based on contemporary evidence-based knowledge and practice;
• collaborate and consult with families and professionals to provide transdisciplinary, personalised services to individuals with special learning needs;
• critically discuss and evaluate current theory and research in special education policy, practice and service provision;
• evaluate educational services in regard to their ability to provide appropriate supports for individuals with special needs;
• synthesise knowledge gained from reading, discussion, and writing to generate conceptual frameworks that are used to evaluate educational research, policies and practices;
• generate detailed proposals for educational research, including consideration of ethical research standards, methods and timelines;
• undertake a substantial independent research project in special education;
• communicate findings from analysis and synthesis of reading and personal research using high standards of academic literacy and;
• demonstrate strong knowledge of legal and ethical practice and research standards in disability and special education.

The postgraduate special education program is professionally designed to extend the competence of teachers to educate and support students with special educational needs in a range of educational settings. It is open to members of professions other than teaching who wish to expand their professional expertise into the area of special education.

Special education is the joint responsibility of special and regular teachers working closely together with parents, and in transdisciplinary teams with other professionals such as school psychologists and speech/language pathologists. Education appropriate to each student’s level of development and in the least restrictive environment is a fundamental principle underlying special education. 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 four core (compulsory) subjects in research and twelve subjects chosen from an extensive range of elective subjects available. These subjects aim to extend the competence of teachers to educate and support students with special educational needs in a range of educational settings and provides in-depth study of matters of crucial importance for the education of children needing special education, including curriculum and systems and issues relating to early development.

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 (Special Education) (Basic level entry), students must successfully complete four core (compulsory) subjects in research and twelve subjects chosen from an extensive range of elective subjects available.

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Indicative total fee $40,600

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.

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Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in disability studies, psychology, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or a closely related discipline.

Applicants who hold a bachelor degree or equivalent in Education or related discipline; or hold a bachelor degree in any discipline and also hold the Graduate Diploma in Education from Flinders University or equivalent qualification should apply for the Master of Education (Special Education) (1.5 years)

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