Program Overview

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Master of Education (Special Education)

The Master of Education is a higher degree for teachers and educators wishing to pursue advanced studies in their area of interest. Many subjects require the application of research and theoretical insights into actual practice, and it is desirable that students have some workplace/teaching experience.

Specialisations

• Digital technologies for learning
• Educational leadership
• Interdisciplinary studies
• TESOL
• Special education (not available to international students)

Overview

The special education major provides professional training for qualified primary and secondary teachers to assume specialist positions in schools. This focuses on supporting students with additional learning needs, including neurodivergent students, students with physical and intellectual disability, and broad-reaching strategies for inclusive learning.

Non-school teachers who want to enhance their general knowledge and skills in education for students with a disability can also undertake postgraduate study. This major offers sound theoretical foundations and extensive practical skills that address the broader aspects of education and assessment for individuals with a disability.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

This program is approved by the Department of Education (DE) as a postgraduate qualification in special education for primary/secondary trained teachers.

Admissions Information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

Entry Requirements

• A recognised bachelor’s degree with an equivalent mark of 50% in either education or teaching, plus one of the following:
  • A postgraduate qualification in any discipline, OR
  • One year of full-time professional experience in the education field, as deemed appropriate to the program of study by the School.
• OR
• A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline, plus one of the following:
  • A postgraduate qualification in education or teaching, OR
  • Two years of full-time professional experience in the education field, as deemed appropriate to the program of study by the School

English Language Requirements

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

English Test	Overall Score	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
IELTS Academic	6.5	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
TOEFL (Internet-based)	88	18	18	18	18

Workload

As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

Credit for Prior Learning

Applicants with a major study in Education plus three years' teaching experience may be eligible for credit for one session of study (24 credit points). An additional 6 credit points may be granted for completion of the Sydney Catholic Schools Gifted Education Online 1 (GEOG1) and Gifted Education Online 2 (GEOG2) modules.

If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Fees

International Course fees table

Campus	Delivery method	Session fee	Course fee
Wollongong	On Campus	$16,344 (2025)	$49,032 (2025)

• Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year.

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

Key Dates

Autumn Session, 2025 at UOW

• Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
• Orientation: Check your campus details
• Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

Spring Session, 2025 at UOW

• Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
• Orientation: Check your campus details
• Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

• Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session.
• Session Details: For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates.

Application	Date
International	9 December, 2025
Domestic (direct)	31 December, 2025

Spring Session, 2026 at UOW

• Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session.
• Session Details: For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates.

Application	Date
International	5 May, 2026
Domestic (direct)	31 May, 2026