Program Overview

Master of Education (Professional Practice)

The Master of Education (Professional Practice) is a one-year postgraduate course designed for Education graduates seeking to advance their careers. This engaging and flexible program can be taken full-time or part-time, tailored to meet individual professional needs, and culminates in the presentation of a substantial piece of scholarship.

About this Course

This course provides a deepened knowledge of issues affecting modern education, exploring areas such as contemporary theory, critical research, and the effects of globalization on the education sector. Students will analyze and critique professional knowledge, examine the globalized character of educational theory, curriculum development, policy, and practice, and develop the capacity to apply research principles and methods to their professional field of work and learning.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be well-positioned for career progression within their own workplace, ready to succeed in new roles as senior education professionals, or prepared for additional postgraduate education study. Potential career paths include:

• Principal
• Deputy principal
• Head of department
• Executive teacher
• Year adviser
• Schools policy adviser
• Educational policy developer
• Curriculum developer
• Corporate trainer
• Higher education researcher
• Vocational education and training instructor
• Education assessment specialist

Course-Specific Information

To apply for this course, students must have:

• A four-year undergraduate degree in education or a three-year undergraduate degree plus a one-year Graduate Diploma in Education, and in either case, a minimum of three years’ professional experience in an educational context; OR
• A three-year undergraduate degree in education or a cognate discipline deemed equivalent by the University’s Admissions Committee, and in either case, a minimum of four years’ professional experience in an educational context.

This course is not externally accredited and, therefore, it is not recognized as a teaching qualification in Australia. A clear pathway of study exists between the Graduate Certificate in Education and this degree, with students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Education eligible to apply and receive credit for units within the Master of Education.

Admission Requirements

• A four-year undergraduate degree in education or a three-year undergraduate degree plus a one-year graduate diploma in education, and in either case, a minimum of three years professional experience in an educational context; OR
• A three-year undergraduate degree in education or a cognate discipline deemed equivalent by the University Admissions Committee, and in either case, a minimum of four years professional experience in an educational context.
• Assumed knowledge: None.

Periods Course is Open for New Admissions

The course is open for new admissions in the following periods:

• Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International
  • 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 16 February 2026 |
  • 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 10 August 2026 |
  • 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 15 February 2027 |
  • 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 09 August 2027 |

Credit Arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Course Requirements

The Master of Education (Professional Practice) requires the completion of 24 credit points, including:

• Required: 3 credit points from Education Research Perspectives PG (9087)
• Restricted Choice: 21 credit points from a list of specified units, including:
  • Part A: 15 credit points from units such as Educating Globally PG (9085), Educational Leadership and Change PG (9086), and Engaging Communities in Change PG (9089)
  • Part B: 6 credit points from either Professional Learning Capstone Portfolio PG (10442) or Educational Research Capstone Project PG (10443)

Typical Study Pattern

The typical study pattern for this course varies depending on whether the student commences in Semester 1 or Semester 2, and whether they study full-time or part-time. Examples of typical study patterns are provided for both full-time and part-time students commencing in different semesters.

Course Information

• Course duration: Standard 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent, with a maximum of 4 years from the date of enrolment to the date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes: Graduates will demonstrate a range of skills and knowledge, including the ability to plan and present a substantial piece of research-based scholarship, analyze and critique professional knowledge, and apply research principles and methods to their professional field of work and learning.
• Awards: Master of Education (Professional Practice), abbreviated as MEd ProfPractice.
• Honours: None.
• Alternative exits: Graduate Certificate in Education (Professional Practice) (EDC105).

Download Your Course Guide

For more detailed information about the Master of Education (Professional Practice), including course structure, admission requirements, and career opportunities, download the course guide.