Master of Leadership in Education (1.5 years)

The Master of Leadership in Education focuses on working with aspiring, middle and senior leaders to:

• understand how they might grow their leadership as change agents with knowledge and relational sensibilities to work with others for a better world
• identify where traditional notions of leadership must change; and
• support leadership which recognises local and global contexts, judgement, and relationships as fundamental to the way forward.

The Master of Leadership in Education focuses on working with aspiring, middle and senior leaders to understand how they might grow their leadership as change agents with knowledge and the relational sensibilities to work with others for a better world. It reflects the need to think about how traditional notions of leadership must change, to support leadership which recognises local and global contexts, judgement, and relationships as fundamental to the way forward.

Recommended study pattern

In the Master of Leadership in Education you will study core topics and you may select from a range of option topics and minor programs of study to shape the degree according to your needs and interests.

The topics integrate theory with practice, action with reflection, and questions with investigation. We provide students with the opportunity to examine research principles and methods and to apply those principles and methods in the evaluation and design of research into current educational issues in middle and senior leadership contexts.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Leadership in Education, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic

Exit points

Upon completion of 18 units a student may choose to exit with one of the following awards, subject to meeting the program of study for that award:

• Graduate Certificate in Education
• Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education
• Graduate Certificate in International Baccalaureate Education
• Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education
• Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health in Education

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

Indicative total fee $33,099

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 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a degree or equivalent qualification in Education, Teaching or a closely related discipline from an approved tertiary institution.

The course requires that applicants have not less than two years’ work experience in an organisation.

The course requires that applicants have not less than two years’ work experience in an organisation.

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.