Home - ACU (The Australian Catholic University)

Site Navigation

ACU Education launches Master of Educational System Leadership program

MESL launch
Australian Catholic University recently launched its newest offering - the Master of Educational System Leadership. A unique offering for the Australian market, the course is specifically designed to address the needs of those in senior leadership roles leading systems or clusters of schools .

The program addresses improvement of professional practice in educational contexts through application of advanced knowledge, skills and research findings to the problems, issues and challenges faced by professionals responsible at ‘system-level’ leadership. With specific focus on the praxis of educational system leadership and administration within a Catholic context it aims to challenge, engage and assist candidates to infuse moral and ethical frameworks in workplace system competencies and actions.

This launch of the Master of Educational System Leadership is especially significant to the University as it addresses an existing gap in the Catholic education market in Australia.

“There is great diversity in the operational structure of Catholic Education Offices in Australia based on geographical and demographical factors within the Catholic diocesan system. There are varying degrees of centralisation of function, including religious education and ethos, finances, educational oversight and direction, human resource practices, and models of governing boards and councils. We are excited about this course as it will meet the professional needs of leaders in Catholic school systems and enable them to engage in leadership which acknowledges the societal, cultural and ecclesial dimensions of education,” explained Professor Marie Emmitt, Executive Dean of Education.

Professor Michael Gaffney, Head of School of Educational Leadership said, “Our innovative individualised profiling exercises help candidates ensure that they avail of the learning options best suited to their needs. Teaching and learning within this course is governed by three key principles – sufficient flexibility so that each participant’s program is built on their individual profile, a significant integrative experience; and action-research on real issues from participants.”

ACU Chancellor General Peter Cosgrove was the guest speaker at the launch which was attended by Vice Chancellor Professor Greg Craven, Associate Vice Chancellor (Sydney) Professor Marea Nicholson, Executive Dean of Education Professor Marie Emmitt, Director of Parramatta Catholic Education Office, Bishop David Walker, Futurist Ross Dawson, Greg Whitby and key academic staff and adjunct members of the National School of Educational Leadership and the Centre for Creative and Authentic Leadership.

This first intake in January saw 20 participants from 10 dioceses and 6 States/territories in Australia, including Tasmania, WA, country Victoria, ACT, city and rural Queensland and NSW.

For submitting Expressions of Interest or for more information on the program visit www.acu.edu.au/courses/education  or contact
Professor Michael Gaffney
Head - School of Educational Leadership
Email: hosed.edl@acu.edu.au

Sub-site navigation

About ACU