Your guide to postgraduate Education at JCU
If you’re thinking about postgraduate study in Education, and curious about where it can take you, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together a quick, straightforward guide on postgraduate Education courses that are available at JCU, allowing you to identify the course that best suits your strengths, goals and interests.
Some pathways lead to the classroom, others focus on student wellbeing, and they are all rewarding in their own, unique way.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)
If your goal is to become a secondary school teacher, this is the course for you.
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is designed for graduates and career changers who want to step into the classroom for the first time. It focuses on how students learn, how to plan and deliver lessons, and how to manage a classroom with confidence.
This course is offered in Cairns and Townsville, and can be completed in 2 years full-time, or 4 years part-time.
Career outcomes include:
- Secondary school teacher
- Subject specialist educator
Master of Guidance and Counselling
The Master of Guidance and Counselling brings together contemporary counselling theory and hands-on practice to prepare you for the real-world complexities of professional counselling.
The course is professionally accredited in Australia by the Australian Counselling Association and in Singapore by the Singapore Association for Counselling, supporting local and international career pathways.
The course is offered online and in Townsville, with some subjects available online only. It can be completed in 1 year and 1 trimester full-time, or 2 years and 2 trimesters part-time.
Career outcomes may include:
- Guidance officer
- School counsellor
Graduate Certificate of Career Development
Sometimes, the biggest questions aren’t about Education, they’re about the future.
Questions like: What should I study? Where could this lead? What are my options?
The Graduate Certificate of Career Development focuses on how people make decisions about study, work and life pathways. It explores career planning, labour market trends and the tools needed to help people navigate a changing world.
The course is offered online and can be completed part-time in 8 to 10 months.
Career outcomes may include:
- School career practitioner
- University careers advisor
- Career employment advisor
The Graduate Certificate of Career Development can also act as a stepping stone into further postgraduate study. This course is endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia.
Master of Education
Already working in education, but ready to take the next step?
The Master of Education is designed for professionals who want to move beyond day-to-day teaching and into broader roles - whether that’s leadership, research or specialised areas of practice.
It allows you to build deeper expertise and focus on where you want to make your impact.
The Master of Education can be completed in 2 years part-time (online), with options to accelerate.
Career outcomes may include:
- Educational leadership roles
- Policy or research positions
- Specialist roles within education
For those not ready to commit to a full Master’s, the Graduate Certificate of Education offers a shorter (7 months full-time) flexible option to build skills in areas like leadership or research - and can be used as a pathway into the Master of Education.
Master of Education – Master of Business Administration
If you’re looking to combine education with business and leadership skills, this joint degree offers a broader pathway.
The Master of Education – Master of Business Administration is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in both Education and organisational leadership. It prepares graduates to lead across schools, organisations and industries.
The course is offered in Brisbane, with flexible study options available. It can be completed in 2 years full-time, or part-time equivalent.
Career outcomes may include:
- Education management or leadership roles
- Business or organisational leadership roles
- Academic or administrative leadership positions
Doctor of Education (Research)
The Doctor of Education (Research) is designed for experienced Education professionals who want to contribute to the field through original research.
It focuses on investigating real-world issues in education - from policy and practice to teaching and learning - and developing new knowledge that can shape how education is delivered.
The course is offered in Townsville, Cairns and online. It can be completed in 4 years full-time, or part-time equivalent.
Career outcomes may include:
- Academic or university teaching roles
- Education research positions
- Senior leadership roles in education
- Policy or advisory roles
So, which path is right for you?
There’s no single version of a career in education, just different ways to make a difference, depending on where you want to go.
Some pathways take you into the classroom, building the skills to teach and engage students every day, others centre on helping individuals navigate challenges beyond their studies. There are also options that focus on guiding career decisions and future pathways, alongside opportunities to step into leadership, research or specialist roles.
If you’d like personalised advice and insight as you consider postgraduate study, our friendly advisors are here to help you take your next step with confidence.
are here to help you take your next step with confidence
TIP: When you’re exploring your area of study, make sure to look into scholarships and Commonwealth Supported Places.