Master of Education

To complete the Master of Education, a student must complete 120-160 credit points (cp).

Specialist areas leading to a named specialisation:

• Allied School Psychology (cohorts only)
• Autism Spectrum Studies *Not offered 2023
• Career Development
• Inclusive Practice *Not offered for International Students 2023
• Integrated STEM *Not offered for International Students 2023
• Literacy Intervention *Not offered 2023
• Mathematics *Not offered for International Students 2023
• Safeguarding Children and Young People *Not offered for International Students 2023 (cohorts only)
• Student Wellbeing *Not offered for International Students 2023
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

For more information about cohort applications please email FEAPG@acu.edu.au

Allied School Psychology (Only available to cohorts)

This course is designed for educators or those working in educational contexts who wish to pursue further studies in the area of school psychology. It will not lead to a teaching qualification or psychology registration.

The aim of this specialisation is to develop teachers with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in the areas of inclusion, differentiation, assessment and intervention (e.g., Learning Support teachers) who can support the work of system-level registered educational psychologists.

Autism Spectrum Studies

The Autism Spectrum Studies study area/specialisation allows professional educators to extend their scholarship and develop their expertise within this particular interest area.

This course is designed for teachers interested in developing knowledge and skills in curriculum development for, and management of, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is the first, and so far only, Master's level course in Australia offering such a focus. The partnership with Eastern Ranges School for Children with ASD offers pathways for teachers already undertaking a Professional Certificate in this area in the Eastern Ranges Professional Learning Centre.

Research shows that teachers lack the confidence to address the learning, social and behavioural needs of this student population and it is believed that the availability of this specialisation will equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills. This specialisation focuses on special education curriculum and on the culture of autism including neuro-typical and atypical characteristics in social communication, behaviour and relationship development.

Career Development

This specialisation is designed for secondary teachers or other professionals who have the responsibility for providing career advice. It focuses on the needs that individuals in schools and other educational settings have in responding to the pressures and opportunities presented by the current and future worlds of work. The Career Development specialisation has been endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA).

Inclusive Practice

This specialisation is designed for teachers and allied professionals who have particular interests in inclusive approaches to practice. Students will have opportunities to extend their knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the history of the movement toward inclusion in schools and the community, specific approaches to developing more inclusive classrooms and other educational and community environments, and the additional needs often expressed by children with additional learning needs including those with special gifts and talents as well as those with complex learning and behavioural challenges.

Full tuition scholarships are available for teachers in a Victorian government school or staff employed by the Victorian Department of Education and Training wishing to study this specialisation. More information.

Tuition scholarships are available for eligible teachers and school leaders in New South Wales government schools employed by the NSW Department of Education wishing to study this specialisation. More information.

Integrated STEM

This specialisation enables teachers and educators to develop, practice and apply specialist knowledge and skills in Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education using an Integrated STEM education approach in primary or secondary schools, aligned with the content in the Australian Curriculum and respective state/territory syllabi.

The aim of this specialisation is to develop leaders in Integrated STEM education curriculum/syllabus implementation, student assessment and integration to support teaching in primary or secondary schools.

Literacy Intervention (Only available to cohorts)

The aim of this specialisation is to provide educators with opportunities to further develop their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in relation to the assessment of primary students’ oral language and literacy skills as well as to enhance their skills in providing appropriate evidence-based adjustments and interventions. Given ongoing concerns about the literacy of students in Australian schools, there is a continuing need for teachers and allied professionals to engage with current perspectives on oral language development and literacy research and practice.

Mathematics

This specialisation is designed to provide current and potential mathematics educators with an opportunity to further develop their mathematics content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. Students will have opportunities to explore theories of learning, the characteristics of high-quality teaching and learning, issues of equity and access for students, and pedagogical approaches to a range of topics of particular relevance to the middle years of schooling (Years 5-9); namely, number development, geometry and measurement, statistics and probability, and algebra and function.

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Only available to cohorts)

The specialisation is designed to provide the opportunity for participants to develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues and responses to safeguarding children and young people, exploring the conditions and factors that facilitate or impede child-safe environments. Central will be framing a response that draws upon the rich moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church and a theological understanding of the child.

Student Wellbeing

This specialisation is designed to provide educators and allied professionals with opportunities to develop advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to creating learning communities that promote the wellbeing of young people. Students will have opportunities to consider a range of perspectives on wellbeing, professional practices that enhance the confidence, resilience, and emotional understanding of young people, approaches to creating enabling, positive learning environments, and engaging families and the community to support the wellbeing and learning of young people.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Designed specifically for educators who wish to teach English to students for whom English is a second or additional language, This specialisation helps students explore theories of second language acquisition and also of different 'language teaching' methods. Students critically examine current research and practice in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in both national and international contexts and learn to apply these theoretical perspectives to particular classroom contexts. Students seeking TESOL accreditation will need to successfully complete 22 days professional experience in educational settings with EAL/D children and young people, under the supervision of a mentor.

View course rules

A student who has completed 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education.

A student who has completed 80 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings may exit with the Graduate Diploma in Education.

Participants with a teaching qualification complete the 120 credit point course with or without a named specialisation. Participants without a teaching qualification complete the 160 credit point course from the Schedule of Unit Offerings outlined in the course handbook on the ACU website.

Graduates of this program may be eligible to progress to a Doctor of Education or a Doctor of Philosophy.

• Unit fee: $3196
• Average first year fee: $25568
• Estimate total cost: $38352

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

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Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.