Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education

On completion of this course you will be able to:

1. Analyse, synthesise, and critically reflect on complex and often conflicting research, commentary, concepts, theories, legislation, ethical principles and issues in inclusive and specialised education policy, practice and provision.
2. Design, implement, evaluate, and refine educational opportunities for diverse learners through independent and collaborative practices.
3. Apply research-informed and future-ready knowledge, skills, and dispositions to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner.
4. Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas in the field of inclusive and specialised education to different audiences and for different purposes.
5. Produce a substantial independent research study in an area of personal interest and relevance within the field of inclusive and specialised education.

Are you passionate about ensuring children and young people with special educational needs receive an equitable and high-quality education?  

Inclusive and specialised education courses at Flinders promote the educational entitlement of all learners, in particular those with disabilities, learning difficulties and those who are intellectually gifted. Studying at Flinders will extend your professional skills and build research-informed knowledge and understanding that will enable you to implement and lead inclusive and specialised educational processes and practices in your schools and sites.

Open to both teachers and members of professions other than teaching who wish to expand their professional expertise into the area of inclusive and specialised education, both the Graduate Certificates and the Masters may be completed fully online, providing you with the flexibility to study at your own pace and place.

There is no better time to become an educator who can make a positive difference for diverse students in a range of educational settings.

Recommended study pattern

In the Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education you can select from a range of topics and minor programs of study to shape the degree according to your needs and interests. The course addresses all facets of inclusive and specialised education within multi-tiered systems of support, including:

• evidence-based ‘universal’ practices to promote academic achievement, positive behaviour and wellbeing for all students,
• more intensive, targeted supports for students at-risk or experiencing difficulties, when and how this support is needed, AND
• personalised programming for students with more complex, specialised needs.

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education, students must successfully complete four core (compulsory) topics, option topics and either one or two minors chosen from various areas including behaviour; early intervention; learning difficulties; and gifted education.

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

Indicative total fee $46,624

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.

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in education, disability studies, psychology, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or closely related discipline; or hold the Graduate Certificate in Inclusive and Specialised Education or closely related 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.