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Adelaide University

Master of Education

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Tackle big questions of equity, inclusion and engagement by redefining how systems operate to serve communities better and lead the charge toward a smarter, more adaptive future.

Course overview

The Adelaide University's Master of Education is designed for professionals working in the education industry, including school leaders, teachers, educational consultants and trainers, wishing to pursue leadership opportunities within schools. It is also suitable as preparation for higher education teaching or to transition into research.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the latest educational theories, research, practices and debates. Reflect on and expand your leadership and management skills across diverse settings. Build a formidable toolkit to help you drive meaningful change.

Key features

  • Evaluate different leadership models and strategies.
  • Build advanced skills for research and literature reviews.
  • Examine educational policy from ethical, sociological, cultural and historical perspectives.
  • Explore systems-level approaches for community wellbeing, resilience and cohesion.
  • Benefit from flexible learning to accommodate busy professional schedules.
  • Undertake an advanced research project.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
More Information
This degree can be studied mostly online, but in-person participation is mandatory for certain core courses, workshops and clinical placements.
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Magill Campus
Mawson Lakes Campus
Intake
July, 2026
Units
16
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students must complete 96 units comprising:

  • 54 units for all core courses.
  • 36 units for discipline courses.
  • 6 units for electives.

Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.

Core courses

Complete 54 units for all of the following:

  • Research Design in Education
  • Introduction to Wellbeing in Education
  • International Comparative Studies in Education
  • Education Policies and Systems
  • Evidence-Informed Practice in Education
  • Research Communications
  • Education Leadership in Diverse Contexts
  • Mixed Methods Research
  • Assessment and Evaluation
Discipline courses
Electives

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

  • A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
  • A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in Education or equivalent Initial Teacher Education qualifications, e.g. Graduate Diploma in Education, Master of Teaching or a four-year Bachelor's degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum equivalent to 24 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 two 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 two 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 24 units and two 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 one year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

  • Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
  • Academically sound.
  • Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

  • Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
  • Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
  • Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate from this degree ready to lead meaningful change in education. You might revolutionise teaching with gamified learning platforms. You could pioneer virtual reality classrooms or establish an international think tank. Perhaps you’ll transition into a PhD or publish a best-selling book.

You could also be a:

  • Principal
  • Vice Principal
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Education Consultant
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Special Education Specialist
  • Educational Counsellor

Fees and CSP

Fee information not provided.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.