Program Overview

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# Master of Education

Advance your professional career and become a leader in your field. Expand your understanding of educational leadership, career development or educational research. Explore a range of coursework subjects or focus on a small-scale research project.

#1 in Queensland

for full-time employment and skills development 2025 Good Universities Guide, PG Education

Enhance your expertise

Build the skills to progress your career

Flexible study options

Study online or on campus

Fast Facts

You’re a domestic student if you are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, are an Australian permanent resident, or hold an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

• Domestic
• International

Location

JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.

• Online
• Brisbane

Commencing

The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.

• Online: January, May, September
• Brisbane: January, May, September

Fees

Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.

• $4,627.00+ (estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load)
• $25,255.00^ (estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load)
• Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
• Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

Duration

The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.

• 1.5 years full-time

Entry Requirements

This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge

• 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

Course Code

The course code is JCU's unique identifier for this course.

Course detail

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.

If you have five or more years of full-time professional experience within education, you may be eligible to apply for credit. Successful applications may result in up to 12 credit points (equivalent to four subjects). Discover more about your credit options.

Develop your expertise in educational research, policy, leadership, curriculum and pedagogy. Critically reflect on current issues facing the profession, understand how to become an effective leader and develop capacity in others. Hone your curriculum design and implementation skills to lead pedagogical change with confidence.

JCU’s Master of Education gives you the flexibility to pursue your interests and personal career goals. Choose a major in Educational Leadership or Career Development, which feature coursework only, or a major in Educational Research, which includes the completion of a small-scale research project. Have your experience recognised with up to12 credit points of credit for elective studies. This is for five or more years of full-time equivalent professional experience.

Gain the advanced knowledge, experience and skills to be a leader in Education, making a difference at a personal, organisational and policy level. Learn how to lead for effective change, enhancement and improvement. JCU Master of Education graduates are highly valued for their strong transferrable skills and understanding of diverse communities’ educational needs.

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.

Majors

A Master of Education at JCU offers three majors. Students can specialise in Educational Leadership, Career Development or Educational Research.

Educational Leadership

Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical practices within educational leadership. Critically reflect on current issues facing the profession and understand key aspects of becoming a leader and developing capacity in others. Embrace the future of Education by engaging with contemporary theories of educational leadership, learning how to work effectively with people in organisations and navigating the changing landscape of transformative digital learning. Become equipped to face local and global challenges to Education. Hone your curriculum design and implementation skills to lead pedagogical change with confidence.

Career Development

Boost your career prospects with a major in Career Development and gain the skills and knowledge to help others navigate their future career pathways. Learn about theories, assessment and professional practice in career development. Engage with contemporary labour market information and reflect on the future of work. Apply career development theories and counselling approaches to practice. This major provides skills for job opportunities within various work and educational contexts. Opportunities include roles within schools, vocational and further education (TAFE), universities, government agencies and industry organisations, such as career advisors within school settings, and career counsellors for community or government programs.

This major is endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia. Graduates are eligible to be listed on the Australian Register of Professional Career Development Practitioners.

Educational Research

Investigate a topic or issue of your choice within the field of Education. Plan and undertake a small-scale research project under the guidance of supportive lecturers committed to your success. Understand the principles of research design and become skilled in analysing and interpreting research data. Draw conclusions and highlight the implications of your findings for educational theory, policy or practice. You will become experienced in communicating your research and ideas to a variety of audiences. Successful completion of this major can lead to a higher degree by research.

Career Opportunities

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

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

You could find employment as a school leader, corporate educator, community leader, policy officer and other leadership roles in Education.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD4,627.00

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD25,255.00

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

A Graduate Certificate in this subject area can be used as a pathway into this course.

Explore JCU’s available Graduate Certificates or contact our friendly JCU Future Students Team to find out more.