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

Enquire Apply

Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
January
June

Campus
Magill

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMEL

SATAC Code
4CM137 (Internal)
4CM153 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
Online

Fees
$AU 22,700 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2023

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold an approved Bachelor degree in Education or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education and 2 years of teaching experience, or a four-year Bachelor degree in any discipline with studies in educational methodology and curriculum (equivalent to 18 units) and 2 years of teaching experience, or a Graduate Diploma in Education, or a Master of Teaching, are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Brochure Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

Degree overview

Study a qualification designed specifically for experienced educators.
Benefit from flexible learning options with 100% online study.
Complete core courses online and attend on-campus workshops to connect with other professionals.
Gain advanced research, leadership and management skills.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia¹ and World top 100 in Education².
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education³.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2022 QS Subject Rankings
²2023 THE Subject Rankings
³Results for Specialist Studies in Education – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.

Snapshot

This master's degree is specifically designed for educators and professionals who are already working in education, training and development roles within the education sector.

Advanced research skills and leadership skills are highlighted, and you will have the opportunity to interact with others who are studying and researching in similar settings. You will also have the opportunity to cover topics including:

assessment and evaluation
educational leadership
inclusive education
student wellbeing
digital technologies
literacy education
numeracy education

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 4CM137
1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM153

What you'll learn

You will graduate with advanced research, leadership and management skills and will have the opportunity to study topics such as:

assessment and evaluation
educational leadership
inclusive education
student wellbeing
digital technologies
literacy education
numeracy education

This master’s degree is separated into two streams, and you will choose from either the Education Project pathway or the Education Thesis pathway. Students who have at least five years of professional experience as an educator, and have been assigned to a recognised leadership role in an educational setting can also undertake the Educational Leadership stream as part of the Education Project pathway.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
EDUCATION PROJECT PATHWAY
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
New Pedagogy Studies: Frontiers and Provocations	EDUC 5238	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 6
The Networked Educator	EDUC 5240	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 6
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2,6
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2,6
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2
Elective 4		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2
Elective 5		4.5	Note(s): 2
Elective 6		4.5	Note(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methods and Issues in Education	EDUC 5033	9
Project in Education	EDUC 5030	9	Note(s): 3
EDUCATION THESIS PATHWAY
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
New Pedagogy Studies: Frontiers and Provocations	EDUC 5238	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 2
The Networked Educator	EDUC 5240	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 2
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Research Methods and Issues in Education	EDUC 5033	9
Design for Education Thesis	EDUC 5216	9
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Education Thesis A	EDUC 5205	9
Education Thesis B	EDUC 5206	9

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Educational Leadership
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
Assessment and Evaluation
Developing Future Oriented Learning and Assessment Practices	EDUC 5228	4.5
Effective Assessment for Effective Learning	EDUC 5229	4.5
Literacy Education
Issues in Contemporary Literacy Practice	EDUC 5232	4.5
Interacting with Texts: Theory and Research of Literacy Learning	EDUC 5231	4.5
Numeracy Education
Issues in Mathematics Teacher Professional Development	EDUC 5233	4.5
Contemporary Issues in Numeracy and the Development of Mathematics	EDUC 5227	4.5
Digital Technologies
Learners in a Digital Age: Innovative Practices	EDUC 5237	4.5
Online Learning Communities: Formal and Informal	EDUC 5239	4.5
Inclusive Education
Inclusive and Special Education	EDUC 5230	4.5
Learner and Educator Wellbeing for Positive Communities	EDUC 5236	4.5
Creative Body-based Learning (CBL): Theory and Practice	EDUC 5285	4.5
Inclusive Visual and Digital Literacies	EDUC 5286	4.5
Islamic Education
Islamic Pedagogy: Principles and Praxis	EDUC 5262	4.5
Islamic Pedagogy: Quality Teaching and Learning	EDUC 5263	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students can exit with a Graduate Certificate in Education after completing 18 units of courses, including these two core courses plus two elective courses.

2. Applicants who have competed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education and 2 years of teaching experience, or a four year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum (equivalent to 18 units) and 2 years of teaching experience, or a Graduate Diploma in Education, or a Master of Teaching, are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL 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 Graduate Diploma in Education or a Master of Teaching or equivalent and 2 years of teaching experience wishing to enter the Education Thesis should contact the Program Director regarding credit.

4. Students entering the Education Project Pathway and the Education Thesis Pathway with advanced standing will receive study plans as they will need to complete specific courses to graduate with their specified pathway.

5. The Program Director will provide advice to students who enter the program after Study Period 1 or if students have received credit, entered with an articulation agreement, have advanced standing, enter as part of a special cohort, or have any special circumstances.

6. Students with five years of full-time experience or equivalent as an educator and current or recent employment in a recognised educational leadership role will receive credit for the two core courses and two elective courses.

7. 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. The Educational Leadership stream will comprise 36 units in total, with 18 units of credit awarded for professional experience. The Education Leadership stream can only be taken as part of the Educational Project Pathway and will comprise 18 units of educational leadership courses and 18 units of research courses.

8. At the discretion of the Program Director, in addition to 0.5 EFTSL advanced standing, up to 9 units of credit may be awarded, based on successful completion of AQF 9 courses.

Notes

1. These courses are offered in Study Period 1.

2. Students would normally select from the range of electives on offer in the program but, with approval from the Program Director, can select courses of similar level from another Masters by coursework program.

3. Specific cohorts of Education Project Pathway students may complete an extended action research project through a 9 unit Education Dissertation course in place of two 4.5 unit courses, as directed by the Program Director.

4. The Education Leadership stream consists of the following four courses: EDUC 5234 Leading Learning: Educational Leadership in Globalising Times, EDUC 5235 Leading Professional Learning Communities, EDUC 5248 Learner-Centred Curriculum Leadership and EDUC 5247 Leadership, Accountability and the Challenge of Complexity.

5. The Inclusive Education stream consists of the following courses: EDUC 5230 Inclusive and Special Education, EDUC 5236 Learner and Educator Wellbeing for Positive Communities, EDUC 5285 Creative Body-based Learning (CBL): Theory and Practice, EDUC 5286 Inclusive Visual and Digital Literacies.

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, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

literature reviews
discussion papers
reports
proposals
research thesis

There may also be essays or assignments.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Master of Education

We are South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees. The curriculum for this master’s degree is informed by our above world-class research¹. When studying the degree, you will get the opportunity to complete specialist courses that focus on your particular areas of interest.

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. In the 2018 nationwide Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, 100 per cent of our assessed research was rated world-class or above. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

¹Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

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.

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

Teachers have a passion for learning and a dedication to the social, emotional, physical and psychological development of children. Well-developed interpersonal skills, patience, as well as impeccable organisational and communication skills, are key attributes of successful primary educators.

The demand for teachers is strong¹.This master’s degree extends your learning and skills in the areas of leadership, management and research. Careers to consider may 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

^{1Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020}

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

1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM137
1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM153

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, Master of Education (TESOL) 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 do I apply?

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

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

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

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

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.