Study Master of Education at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
MMEM

Fees
AUD$ 33,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
111862H

Entry requirements
Applicants will normally hold an approved Bachelor degree in any discipline, or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education, or equivalent Initial Teacher Education qualifications, e.g. Graduate Diploma in Education, Master of Teaching, or a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum equivalent to 18 units are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education and 2 years of teaching experience in an Australian educational setting (early years, school, tertiary or vocational), or equivalent Initial Teacher Education qualifications, e.g. Graduate Diploma in Education, Master of Teaching and 2 years teaching experience in an Australian educational setting (early years, school, tertiary or vocational), or a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum equivalent to 18 units and 2 years of teaching experience in an Australian educational setting (early years, school, tertiary or vocational) are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Designed to upskill educators or for those interested in a career in education.
Build your educational leadership capacity to advance your career or specialise your practice.
Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow busy professionals to accelerate their studies.
Attend optional on-campus workshops to connect with other professionals.
Tailor your studies and have the option to select from Educational Leadership, Inclusive Education, Digital Learning, and Assessment, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Apply your learnings direct to your workplace.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
Study with the lead institution in Australia for research in Educational Technology¹.
Extend your professional learning and advance your knowledge in an area of interest or passion.
Gain the knowledge and skills to excel in leadership roles in educational settings.
Apply your learnings directly to your workplace, and access the latest research in the field so you can help your workplace meet the challenges of 21st century education.

¹The Australian Research Magazine 2023

Snapshot

This Master degree is designed to upskill educators or for those interested in a career in education.

In this postgraduate degree you’ll explore and apply the latest contemporary education theories and concepts as they relate to your work.

With a focus on developing advanced research and leadership skills you will have the opportunity to interact with others who are studying and researching in similar settings.

You can tailor your studies to your interests by selecting two streams from:

Digital Learning and Assessment
Educational Leadership
Inclusive Education,
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow you to continue to work while you study.

Please note this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.

What you'll learn

In this master’s degree you will explore the latest contemporary education theories and concepts with national and international perspectives. This includes analysing trends, issues, and challenges in education systems and identifying and exploring the structural, social and cultural aspects of educational settings and their impact on learning.

You’ll study core education courses, and tailor your studies by having the option of selecting from:

Digital Learning and Assessment,
Educational Leadership,
Inclusive Education,
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

With a focus on reflective practice to improve the education of learners, you’ll engage in research to understand the range of educational practices and policies that shape your workplace.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Theorists and Theories of Learning and Development	EDUC 5220	4.5	Rule(s): 1,2,3,5
Learning Communities and Cultures	EDUC 5219	4.5	Rule(s): 1,2,3,5
Elective 1		4.5	Rule(s): 2,3
Elective 2		4.5	Rule(s): 2,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
International Comparative Studies in Education	EDUC 5218	4.5	Rule(s): 1,2,3,5
Evidence-Informed Practice in Education	EDUC 5217	4.5	Rule(s): 1,2,3,5
Elective 3		4.5	Rule(s): 2,3
Elective 4		4.5	Rule(s): 2,3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methods and Issues in Education	EDUC 5033	9
Elective 5		4.5
Elective 6		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Project in Education	EDUC 5030	9
Elective 7		4.5
Elective 8		4.5

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Educational Leadership Stream
Leading Learning: Educational Leadership in Globalising Times	EDUC 5234	4.5
Leading Professional Learning Communities	EDUC 5235	4.5
Learner-Centred Curriculum Leadership	EDUC 5248	4.5
Leadership, Accountability and the Challenge of Complexity	EDUC 5247	4.5
Digital Learning and Assessment Stream
Learners in a Digital Age: Innovative Practices	EDUC 5237	4.5
Developing Future Oriented Learning and Assessment Practices	EDUC 5228	4.5
Online Learning Communities: Formal and Informal	EDUC 5239	4.5
Effective Assessment for Effective Learning	EDUC 5229	4.5
Inclusive Education Stream
Learner and Educator Wellbeing for Positive Communities	EDUC 5236	4.5
Inclusive and Special Education	EDUC 5230	4.5
The Networked Educator	EDUC 5240	4.5
New Pedagogy Studies: Frontiers and Provocations	EDUC 5238	4.5
Islamic Pedagogy: Principles and Praxis	EDUC 5262	4.5
Islamic Pedagogy: Quality Teaching and Learning	EDUC 5263	4.5
TESOL Stream
Curriculum Development in TESOL	EDUC 5154	4.5
Learning English as an Additional Language	EDUC 5180	4.5
TESOL Approaches and Strategies	EDUC 5199	4.5
Critical Reflection on TESOL Practice	EDUC 5215	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education, or equivalent Initial Teacher Education qualifications, e.g. Graduate Diploma in Education, Master of Teaching, or a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum equivalent to 18 units are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1.5 years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

2. Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education and 2 years of teaching experience in an Australian educational setting, or equivalent Initial Teacher Education qualifications, e.g. Graduate Diploma in Education, Master of Teaching and 2 years of teaching experience in an Australian educational setting (early years, school, tertiary or vocational) are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL (36 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

3. Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum equivalent to 18 units and 2 years of teaching experience in an Australian educational setting (early years, school, tertiary or vocational) are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL (36 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

4. The Educational Leadership stream is available to students with at least five years of professional experience as an educator and assigned to a recognised leadership role in an educational setting.

5. Upon completion of the four foundational education courses/stream (18 units in total), students are eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Education.

6. At the discretion of the Program Director, in addition to 1.0 EFTSL advanced standing, up to 9 units of credit may be awarded, based on AQF level 9 Education courses successfully completed as part of a UniSA degree, or a degree from a recognised institution for which a credit agreement exists.

Notes

1. Students are encouraged to select their electives from two of the listed streams, or one of the listed streams if a student has 1.0 EFTSL advanced standing. However, with PD approval, courses may be substituted with those from other recommended streams.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning. You can expect assessments to include:

literature reviews
discussion papers
reports
proposals
research project

There may also be essays or assignments.

Why Master of Education

As South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees and World top 100 in Education¹, we are well placed to help you realise your career goals in Education.

The curriculum for this master’s degree is informed by our above world-class research² ensuring you stay up to date with the future needs of education and the latest innovations in the field.

Our courses are practical and real-world focused so you can apply your new knowledge and skills to your education setting immediately. You can also tailor your studies and complete specialist courses that focus on your key areas of interest.

Leverage access to UniSA research and industry experts to propel your career and transform your educational site into an industry leader that’s ready to meet the challenges of 21st century education.

¹2023 THE Subject Rankings
²Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
^*additional entry requirements apply

Real-world connections

We have a strong reputation as a dynamic, vibrant and connected research organisation, and we have extensive national and international research links. These industry relationships are of great benefit to students and will form part of your important industry network.

Our teaching staff and many of our academics are also highly regarded researchers, and you will have the opportunity to work alongside these practising professionals throughout your study.

Informed by the latest research from the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion and the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning, this postgraduate degree gives you access to some of the leading minds in the field. Leverage this access to UniSA research and industry experts to build your leadership capacity and propel your career.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Career outcomes

Your career

This postgraduate degree extends your learning and skills in the areas of education leadership, management, and research. Careers to consider include:

curriculum developer: research relevant and current topics that are beneficial to student learning, and assist teachers by informing them of the most recent techniques and educational approaches
educational leader: review current learning and develop strategies to enhance teaching outcomes
school principal (with further study and experience) : responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of a school and fostering a safe and supportive school environment
education policy adviser: provides expert guidance and advice to government bodies, educational institutions, and organisations about the development, implementation, and evaluation of education policies and reforms
Corporate trainer and training and development consultant: develop, plan or conduct training activities in corporate and other professional settings
English language educator: teach English to speakers of other languages.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I am the Program Director for the Master of Education and the Graduate Diploma in Education Studies (Digital Learning). I am also a Lecturer in English Language and Literacy. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching, Bachelor of Arts(Hons) and Master of Arts in linguistics at Deakin University (Melbourne), and my PhD in linguistics at the University of Sydney.

Dr David Caldwell

Program Director

Enquire

Dr David Caldwell

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

This is the most exciting period of time to be a student. We are in a revolutionary age of learning where technology is accessible and cost effective. Technologies exist because someone built them and I want my students to be those engineers who inspire the next leap in technology.

Emil Zankov

Master of Education

Emil Zankov

Master of Education

Emil Zankov is a graduate of the Master of Education program. Emil specialised in the Digital Technologies Stream and currently works at Pedare Christian College as a Year 10 and 11 Digital Technologies teacher.