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

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMEM

SATAC Code
4CM234 (Internal)
4CM235 (Internal)
4CM236 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
$AU 23,900 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025

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.

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Degree overview

Study a qualification designed specifically for professionals working in education settings.
Build your educational leadership capacity to advance your career or specialise your practice.
Choose to study on campus or fully online.
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.
UniSA is World Top 150 in Education¹.

¹2024 THE Subject Rankings.

Snapshot

This postgraduate degree is specifically designed for educators and professionals who are working in education settings and want to advance or specialise their career. You could be working as a teaching professional, educational administrator, researcher, policymaker or in training and development.

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. Courses are available either online or on campus.

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and be able to complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 1.5 years. Please see the entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM235
1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM234

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. 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.

We offer stackable postgraduate qualifications. Study one (or two) of the Graduate Certificates listed below and gain full credit for all your studies towards the Master of Education.

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.

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.

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: 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.

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below), then click Apply
you will be redirected to the SATAC website to continue your application

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 1.5 years. Please see the entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM235
1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM234

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

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 student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. 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 Certificates in Education Studies (Digital Learning, Educational Leadership, TESOL, Inclusive Education). I am also a Lecturer and Research Supervisor in TESOL. I completed my Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary), and Master of Education in Languages, Cultures, and TESOL at the University of Adelaide in South Australia and my PhD in Collaborative Online Learning at Monash University in Melbourne.

Dr Greg Restall

Program Director

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Dr Greg Restall

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

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.