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Advance your professional career and become a leader in your field. You will expand your understanding of educational leadership, contemporary educational developments and transformative education. Explore a range of coursework subjects or focus on a small-scale research project.

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#1 in Queensland

for full-time employment Good Universities Guide 2023, PG Education

Enhance your expertise

Build the skills to progress your career

Flexible study options

Study online or on campus

Online

Available to off-shore students only

Online: February, July

$30,960.00⁺

⁺estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

1.5 years full-time

or part-time equivalent

AQF level 7 degree plus 2 years' professional work experience in education; or AQF level 7 degree in education; or AQF level 8 qualification with minimum 2 years as professional educator; or AQF level 8 qualification in education

English language requirements

Band 2

If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.

113804

What to expect

Ready to take the next step in your career and become a leader in the field of Education? JCU’s Master of Education is designed for professionals currently working in Education or who hold formal education qualifications and wish to take on leadership, management, academic or coordinating roles.

This Master of Education degree has a strong focus on leadership across a range of learning communities and contexts. You will consider how globalisation influences the discipline of Education and its delivery. In subjects such as Educational Leadership and Education for Sustainability, you will explore the ethical practice of educational leadership, the contemporary theories of effective leadership, the elements and methods of leadership development, and strategies for leading change in organisational processes and performance.

You will also learn about how educating for sustainability and educating sustainably is one of the key issues of our time. You will understand the importance of being a leader who emphasises addressing this issue. Gain an awareness of the contemporary approaches to education for sustainability in a range of teaching and learning contexts. Your expert grasp of education policy, curriculum, pedagogy, communication theory and research in education for sustainability will equip you to become a teacher, educator and leader who drives positive, sustainable change.

JCU’s Master of Education is structured to allow you to pursue your interests and personal career goals. You can choose to complete the Master of Education through one of two options: all coursework with a major in Educational Leadership; or coursework with a major in Educational Research, which includes the completion of a research project.

Gain the advanced knowledge, experience and skills to be a teacher, educator and leader in education, making a difference at a personal, organisational and policy level. Learn how to lead for effective change, enhancement or improvement. JCU Master of Education graduates are highly valued for their strong transferrable skills and understanding of the needs and challenges faced by communities in the Tropics.

View the handbook for more information.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Education. Additional information

Masters in Education

Are you a professional in the educational field, looking to advance your career and become a leader? Consider doing a Master’s degree in Education at JCU. This degree is the ideal next step for anyone who is already working in education or has educational qualifications but now wants to progress their career. A Masters in Education can open up new career opportunities, including roles in leadership, management and coordination. Studying at James Cook University will provide you with all the skills and professional tools to make you an attractive candidate for any employer in the educational and academic fields. Learn from expert tutors, gain practical experience and choose between studying online or in person. Advance your knowledge within the industry you’re most passionate about by studying for JCU’s Master’s in Education.

What You Will Learn Through a Master Degree in Education

This degree has been developed for those with work experience or qualifications in education and aims to further develop your knowledge and provide you with the skills necessary for a wide range of advanced roles. You can expect to learn the following:

Leadership skills and contemporary theories of effective leadership
How globalisation influences the discipline of education
The ethical practice of educational leadership
Strategies for leading change in organisational processes
>Why educating for sustainability and educating sustainably is important
Contemporary approaches for educating on sustainability
Education policy
Curriculum
Communication theory, and more

Your Future Career

If you’re passionate about education and you want to be able to go further in your career, this degree is perfect for you. A range of rewarding careers in various roles are available in the fields of management, leadership, coordination, communication and sustainability. Previous graduates have gone on to work as lecturers, teachers, corporate educators, community leaders, policy officers and other roles. The median graduate salary for this degree is $68,700 and the full-time employment outcomes are extremely strong. JCU has been awarded five stars for full-time employment outcomes by the Good Universities Guide 2023, meaning your chances of finding your dream role after completing this master’s are high. JCU graduates are highly valued by employers across Australia because of the skills and experience they gain while studying at JCU.

How an Online Masters in Education Works

You can choose to study this programme at the JCU Brisbane campus or online. Doing an online Master’s in Education provides you with plenty of flexibility to study wherever and whenever you like and fit your degree around other commitments. The degree takes 1.5 years to complete full-time, but you can also choose to study it part-time if that suits you better. There are two options for completing the degree: all coursework with a single or double major, or all coursework with a single major and a minor thesis, which can lead to a higher degree by research study.

The majors you can choose between are Global Contexts and Leadership and Management. Students who study Global Contexts learn about globalisation and culturally responsive educational practice, while students who choose Leadership and Management will become experts in transformative leadership.

If you’re looking for a master’s in Education in Queensland, choose JCU. Apply for the next intake through JCU’s online application portal. Hide additional information

Majors

A Master of Education at JCU offers two majors. Students have the opportunity to specialise in Educational Leadership, or Educational Research, where they will design, plan and execute a substantial research and/or inquiry-based project.

Educational Leadership

Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical practices within educational leadership. Critically reflect on current issues facing the profession and understand the key aspects of both becoming a leader and developing this capacity in others. Embrace the future of education by examining how best to combine teaching philosophies with the changing landscape of digital literacy. Become equipped to face local and global challenges to education and technology. Hone your curriculum design and implementation skills to lead pedagogical changes with confidence.

Educational Research

Investigate a topic or issue of your choice within the field of education. You will undertake a small-scale research project, producing a 10,000 – 12,000-word dissertation under the guidance of supportive research advisors committed to your success. Understand the principles of research design and become skilled in analysing research data and justifying your chosen methodology. Finish your project by drawing conclusions and highlighting the implications of your findings. You will become experienced in communicating your research and ideas to a variety of audiences. Successful completion of this option can lead to a higher degree by research study.

Career Opportunities

JCU Master of Education graduates lead rewarding careers across a variety of roles.

Graduates work in leadership, education, communication, and sustainability in both public and private organisations.

You could find employment as a teacher, lecturer, corporate educator, community leader, policy officer, and other leadership roles in education.

Handbook

Handbook year	Information valid for students commencing in 2023
Course code	113804
Course type	Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9)
Professional accreditation status	This course is not accredited and does not lead to teacher registration
Owner	Academy
College	Arts, Society and Education

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites

Completion of:

An AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a discipline other than Education, with a minimum 2 years professional work experience in a teaching role in Education; or
An AQF level 7 bachelor degree in Education; or
An AQF level 8 graduate certificate in Education from one of the following JCU courses: Graduate Certificate of Education for Sustainability; Graduate Certificate in Research Methods [Education]; Graduate Certificate in Career Development; Graduate Certificate in Catholic Education; Graduate Certificate in Education (Academic Practice); or
An AQF level 8 graduate diploma in Education; or
An AQF level 8 degree in a discipline other than Education, with a minimum 2 years-experience working as a professional educator in a management, leadership or supervisory position; or
Other qualifications recognised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies as equivalent to the above.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points

36 credit points as per course structure

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of the Master of Education, graduates will be able to:

Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary developments and issues in the field of Education.
Integrate and apply knowledge of research or inquiry principles and methods applicable to the field of Education.
Reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship in the field of Education.
Investigate, analyse and synthesise information, problems, concepts and theories to generate and evaluate complex ideas, concepts and developments in Education
Demonstrate technical research and communication skills to interpret and justify theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Demonstrate advanced communication skills to design, analyse, evaluate, implement and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship in Education
Apply professional knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice, with high-level personal autonomy and accountability.
Plan and execute a substantial research or inquiry-based project in the field of Education that applies established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements	Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Master of Education.
Reasonable adjustments	All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

ED5190:03 Introduction to Educational Research

ED5883:03 Global Education

ED5193:03 Educational Research Project (for students undertaking the Educational Leadership major); or ED5881:03 Leading for Change in Curriculum and Pedagogy or ED5882:03 Transformative Digital Learning (for students undertaking the Educational Research major)

OPTIONS

Select a major from Table A

PLUS

Select 15 credit points of specified Level 5 subjects from List 1

List 1

ED5880:03 Educational Leadership

ED5881:03 Leading for Change in Curriculum and Pedagogy

ED5882:03 Transformative Digital Learning

ED5911:03 Education for Sustainability

ED5912:03 Social Learning Perspectives for a Sustainable Future

LB5205:03 People in Organisations

LB5234:03 Leading and Managing Organisational Change

LB5240:03 Cross-Cultural Leadership

LB5241:03 Leadership Futures

TABLE A (MAJORS)

Credit points in major

12 credit points

MAJOR

AVAILABLE AT

NOTES

Educational Leadership

External

JCU Brisbane

Educational Research

External

Location

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
JCU Brisbane	Internal or mixed-mode attendance
External	Part-time study available only

Candidature

Expected time to complete	1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Maximum time to complete	5 years
Maximum leave of absence	2 years

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Accreditation requirements	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure.
Maximum allowed	18 credit points
Currency	Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course.
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 15 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course.
Other restrictions	The maximum credit that will be granted for previous Education studies at AQF Level 8 and recognised prior learning combined is 12 credit points. Applicants who have accrued five years of full-time (or equivalent) professional experience may be granted credit up to 12 credit points for non-core subjects No credit may be granted for studies and/or professional experiences undertaken to fulfil the entry requirements for JCU awards.

Award Details

Award title	MASTER OF EDUCATION
Approved abbreviation	MEd
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Majors will appear on the testamur
Exit with lesser award	Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 12 credit points of study and appropriate subjects, may be eligible to receive the award of Graduate Certificate of Education.
Course articulation	Students who complete the Master of Education with Educational Research Major and obtain at least an average of Distinction for the subjects within the major and a minimum GPA of 5.5 overall, may be eligible to apply for entry to the Doctor of Philosophy [Education] or the Doctor of Education [Research].
Special awards	Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD30,960.00

Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Pathways to JCU

Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.

How to apply

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.

Student

Katie Vander Donk

Master of Education

The university staff are compassionate, understanding, professional and supportive of the holistic needs of their students. Engaging in these postgraduate studies will allow me to leverage my professional knowledge and understandings to greater build community awareness and action around sustainability.
Alumni

James Dalitz

Master of Education

The structure of the course and the subject options enabled me to enhance my capacity in my interest areas while also developing new educational perspectives. I would recommend the JCU Master of Education to all types of educators looking to take their understanding of education to the next level.
Lecturer

Greg Burnett

Course Coordinator, Master of Education

The Master of Education is ideal for teachers and others working in the education sector wishing to upskill for career advancement. Students can study while working, at a pace that suits them due to the online delivery and the overall course structure. They can major in Educational Leadership or Educational Research.
Employer

Colette Wasson

Director, Human Resources Business Partnering, Education Queensland

The Department of Education finds JCU students to be equipped with the knowledge, skill set and willingness to make a difference in Queensland State Schools. Graduates leave JCU with a well-rounded ability to succeed in the classroom, while also stepping outside their comfort zone to begin their professional careers.
Employer

Jacqui Francis

Executive Director, Townsville Catholic Education

JCU graduates come to us ready to take on the role of guiding and teaching our wonderful students. We recognise their enthusiasm, energy and their willingness to continue in professional development that further enhances their skills. JCU graduates enhance our organisation and add value to our students’ lives.