Master of Education

Why study the Master of Education at UNE?

The Master of Education is a course designed for professional educators who shall be admitted on the basis of their prior qualifications and who, in most cases, will be working in school settings. Successful completion of this course will deepen students' knowledge in a range of educational disciplines and engage students with contemporary practice and theory in those disciplines.

The course has, in addition to an undesignated program pathway with a large range of curriculum options, eight specialisations that are designed to meet the needs of educators in a variety of professional contexts. These specialisations are: Comparative Education, eLearning, Gifted and Talented Education, Indigenous Australian Education, Special Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Literature and New Literacies.

The design of the Master of Education includes a nested program of Graduate Certificates that provide optional exit points. The course, with its focus on the needs of busy professionals, is available in full and part time mode using a variety of online learning technologies.

The Master of Education (Special Education) is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Career Opportunities

Professional enrichment of educators and education decision-makers; re-orienting chosen teaching allocation; specialisation pathways.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1 or 1.5 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

Full Fee
International

2017 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation MEd
Course Type Postgraduate
CRICOS Code 006327F
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Off Campus
Course Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 6 years Part-time
Fees Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 72
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 four year pre-service teaching qualification of a recognised Australian University or tertiary institution (or overseas equivalent as assessed by Australian Education International National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR)); or

(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 7 or Level 8 or Level 9 one or two year pre-service teaching qualification of a recognised Australian University (or overseas equivalent as assessed by AEI-NOOSR); or

(c) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in eLearning or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Comparative Education) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Gifted and Talented: Teaching for High Potential) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Literature and New Literacies) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or the Graduate Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education or the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Australian Education or the Graduate Certificate in International Schooling, Education and Development or the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership or the Graduate Certificate in Special Education or the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages award of the University of New England or equivalent*; or

(d) hold the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Education Studies of the University of New England; or

(e) hold an AQF Level 7 non-initial teacher education Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 8 degree of Bachelor with Honours or Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of a University in a non-relevant discipline**; or

(f) hold a minimum AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree or overseas equivalent as assessed by AEI-NOOSR, and satisfy the School by the provision of evidence (employer's letters on company letterhead documenting a minimum two years' full time equivalent relevant teaching experience) of adequate preparation for candidature**; and

(g) comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule.

*Candidates admitted under Rule (c) who hold the Graduate Certificate in eLearning or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL) or the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages may speicalise in the same or different area or not specialise. Candidates admitted under Rule (c) who hold the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Comparative Education) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Gifted and Talented: Teaching for High Potential) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Literature and New Literacies) or the Graduate Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education or the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Australian Education or the Graduate Certificate in International Schooling, Education and Development or the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership or the Graduate Certificate in Special Education must choose a different specialisation or not specialise.

**Candidates admitted without a pre-service teaching qualification shall not be permitted to undertake the following specialisations: Indigenous Australian Education; Literature and New Literacies; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Additional Requirements

The Special Education specialisation requires, and TESOL specialisation may require, contact with children in an educational setting (professional experience). Students will not be permitted to attempt this unless they have first completed online Anaphylaxis training, an online Child Protection module, and have obtained a valid NSW Working with Children Check clearance (for those students wishing to complete their placement in NSW) or equivalent (for those students wishing to complete their placement outside NSW). Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a), (e) and (f) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on: units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based; or demonstrated relevant professional experience.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) or (d) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on: units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based; or demonstrated relevant professional experience.

No advanced standing shall be granted for special topic or dissertation units.

Academic Colours

Violet (BCC 179)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Master of Education in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 four year pre-service teaching qualification of a recognised Australian University or tertiary institution (or overseas equivalent as assessed by Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR)); or
(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 7 or Level 8 or Level 9 one or two year pre-service teaching qualification of a recognised Australian University (or overseas equivalent as assessed by Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR)); or
(c) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in eLearning or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Comparative Education) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Gifted and Talented: Teaching for High Potential) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Literature and New Literacies) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or the Graduate Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education or the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Australian Education or the Graduate Certificate in International Schooling, Education and Development or the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership or the Graduate Certificate in Special Education or the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages award of the University of New England or equivalent*; or
(d) hold the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Education Studies of the University of New England; or
(e) hold an AQF Level 7 non-initial teacher education Bachelor degree and an AQF Level 8 degree of Bachelor Honours or Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of a University in a non-relevant discipline**; or
(f) hold a minimum AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree or overseas equivalent as assessed by AEI-NOOSR, and satisfy the School by the provision of evidence (employer's letters on company letterhead documenting a minimum two years' full time equivalent relevant teaching experience) of adequate preparation for candidature**; and
(g) comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule.

*Candidates admitted under Rule (c) who hold the Graduate Certificate in eLearning or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL) or the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages may specialise in the same or different area or not specialise. Candidates admitted under Rule (c) who hold the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Comparative Education) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Gifted and Talented: Teaching for High Potential) or the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Literature and New Literacies) or the Graduate Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education or the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Australian Education or the Graduate Certificate in International Schooling, Education and Development or the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership or the Graduate Certificate in Special Education must choose a different specialisation or not specialise.
**Candidates admitted without a pre-service teaching qualification shall not be permitted to undertake the following specialisations: Indigenous Australian Education; Literature and New Literacies; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Additional Requirements

The Special Education specialisation requires, and TESOL specialisation may require, contact with children in an educational setting (professional experience). Students will not be permitted to attempt this unless they have first completed online Anaphylaxis training, an online Child Protection module, and have obtained a valid NSW Working with Children Check clearance (for those students wishing to complete their placement in NSW) or equivalent (for those students wishing to complete their placement outside NSW). Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a), (e) and (f) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on: units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based; or demonstrated relevant professional experience.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) or (d) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on: units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based; or demonstrated relevant professional experience.

No advanced standing shall be granted for special topic or dissertation units.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), (e) and (f), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (b), (c) or (d), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award, and except with the permission of the School, a candidate shall:
(a) pass units to the value 72 credit points including a minimum of 36 credit points at 500-level as specified in Schedule A or Schedule B;
(b) if admitted under Rule (a) or (e) or (f) pass units to the value of 18 credit points at 400 level as specified in Schedule A or Schedule B within the first six months of candidature as a full-time candidate or first year of candidature as a part-time candidate.

Program of Study - Schedule A

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), Rule (e) or Rule (f)
Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 12-24 cps
Listed Units 48-60 cps
Total 72 cps

Schedule A - To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b) or Rule (c) or Rule (d)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block or Specified Advanced Standing 24 cps
Core Units 12-24 cps
Listed Units 24-36 cps
Total 72 cps

Schedule A - To view complete Program of Study click here

Program of Study - Schedule B

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), Rule (e) or Rule (f)
Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 12-24 cps
One Approved Specialisation 30 cps
Listed Units 18-30 cps
Total 72 cps

Schedule B - To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b) or Rule (c) or Rule (d)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block or Specified Advanced Standing 24 cps
Core Units 12-24 cps
One Approved Specialisation 24 cps
Listed Units 0-12 cps
Total 72 cps

Schedule B - To view complete Program of Study click here

Approved Specialisations

Comparative Education
eLearning
Gifted and Talented Education
Indigenous Australian Education
Literature and New Literacies
Special Education
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Award of Degree

(a) A candidate who meets the course requirements and does not specialise shall be awarded the Master of Education.
(b) A candidate who meets the course requirements and does specialise shall be awarded the Master of Education in one of the following: Comparative Education; eLearning; Gifted and Talented Education; Indigenous Australian Education;Literature and New Literacies; Special Education; and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Exit Pathways

(a) Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rule (a), (e) or (f) may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies on completion of 24 credit points from Schedule A including at least 18 credit points at 400-level and not more than 6 credit points at 500-level. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to the current course requirements of the Master of Education. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

(b) Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rule (a), (e) or (f) may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in eLearning on completion of 24 credit points including EDIT426 and 18 credit points from EDIT415, EDIT425, EDIT427, EDIT513, EDIT517, EDIT518 and EDIT521 with not more than 6 credit points at 500-level. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to the current course requirements of the Master of Education. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

(c) Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rule (a), (e) or (f) may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL) on completion of 24 credit points from Schedule B - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to the current course requirements of the Master of Education. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Dissertation

1. A candidate who satisfies the entry requirements for EDUC599B shall submit a conventional dissertation or dissertation by journal article format (minimum one article plus an applied research portfolio, or two publishable journal articles) embodying an original investigation of a topic within their chosen specialisation.
2. Depending on the topic under investigation, the approval of the relevant Ethics Committee must be sought if required.
3. The School, on advice of the course coordinator, shall appoint a supervisor, who shall be a member of the teaching or research staff of the University or an associate of the University and on the UNE register of supervisors. The supervisor shall advise and supervise the candidate during the period of candidature.
4. Except with the permission of the School, on the recommendation of the supervisor, the dissertation shall not exceed 22,500 of text, excluding appendices for EDUC599B.
5. Candidates shall be required to enrol in and complete the dissertation in one or more consecutive teaching periods.

Submission of Dissertation

1. Electronic submission of the dissertation is highly recommended. Alternatively two soft bound and one unbound copy of the dissertation together with a certificate from the supervisor certifying that the dissertation is in a form suitable for examination can be submitted to the School following liaison with the course coordinator.
2. At least one month prior to the date of submission candidates shall inform the School of Education of their intention to submit a dissertation.
3. The Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School shall, on the recommendation of the course coordinator, appoint two examiners. Normally, at least one examiner shall be external to the University.
4. Each examiner shall be informed of the name of the other examiner. The examiners may consult. They shall inform the Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School if, before submitting their reports, they have consulted.

Examination of Dissertation

1. (a) Normally within one month of receipt of the dissertation the examiners shall decide whether to recommend that the dissertation be given the grade of Fail, Pass, Credit, Distinction or High Distinction, or that it be revised for re-examination.
(b) In cases where a candidate has been required to revise the dissertation for re-examination, the dissertation shall be given the grade of Pass or Fail.
(c) The examiners may consult with the supervisor prior to preparing their reports.
(d) The examiners shall submit to the Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School their report(s) on the dissertation, along with their recommendation(s) on the grade.

2. (a) In the event of a disagreement between the examiners, they may be asked to consult and report to the Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School.
(b) If the examiners are unable to reach an agreement, the Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School shall refer their reports to a sub-committee appointed by the Chair for a recommendation.

3. (a) After considering the examiner's recommendation(s) and report(s), any comments from the supervisor and any recommendations from the appointed sub-committee, the Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School may:
(i) recommend that the dissertation be awarded the grade of Fail, Pass, Credit, Distinction or High Distinction;
(ii) allow the candidate to revise the dissertation for re-examination;
(iii) appoint an additional examiner or examiners.
(b) The candidate, the supervisor and examiners shall be informed of the decision and the candidate shall be provided with a copy of the examiners report(s).

4. After the Teaching and Learning Committee of the relevant School has awarded the grade of Pass or higher, the course coordinator shall be contacted for advice on archival processes for the completed dissertation.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

This course aims to provide professional educators with specialised knowledge and skills for professional practice, scholarship, research and/or further learning. It is a flexible distance education program which allows students to study in a particular specialty area or to choose from a wide range of electives that suit particular learning needs.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge of education as an academic discipline, including knowledge of education research principles and methods;
  2. demonstrate specialised cognitive and technical skills in analysing complex information, researching and applying current and relevant research literature in their field of study;
  3. apply knowledge and skills in the discipline of education to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility to their professional situation;
  4. develop a personal theory of education as it relates to their field of study;
  5. conduct research pertaining to a particular aspect of education that draws together skills, knowledge and understanding acquired during the course of their studies; and
  6. be effective communicators of education by communicating ideas and research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a variety of written and oral communication modes.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will be able to demonstrate a command of a significant body of knowledge in a range of areas related to education, and be able to explain, and apply relevant theories and frameworks across the spectrum of educational specialisations. They will be able to demonstrate a global understanding and philosophical awareness of the global context of education and apply their skills effectively in a multicultural or global context.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to present well-reasoned arguments coherently and confidently across the broad range of professional and academic education studies both online and in written or oral form for specialist and peer review as well as for general audiences.

Problem Solving

Graduates will demonstrate an intellectual curiosity to enable them to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; to critically engage with research issues and will have the ability to formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to acquire, evaluate and use information with understanding while demonstrating an awareness of the cultural, ethical, economic, legal and social issues surrounding its use; and be able to organise and present information using technology.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates of this course will demonstrate ethical action and social responsibility and a respect for, and acknowledgement of, ideas and knowledge of others; they will acknowledge the social and ethical implications of their actions; recognise social justice issues relevant to their discipline and professional area and demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the ability to reflect on and evaluate their current knowledge; to identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; to learn new skills and recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to independently apply their knowledge and skills in their professional practice. They will be able to work collaboratively and network effectively to achieve common goals and to solve problems; appreciate cultural differences in collaborative work; and use initiative while operating in a range of supportive and leadership roles within teams.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways. This course is only available on-campus in the TESOL specialisation.

For more information, click here

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