Master of Special and Inclusive Education

The Master of Special and Inclusive Education is a program designed to enhance skills in special and inclusive education. This program builds upon existing education or health qualifications, blending theory, research, practice, reflection, and innovation with an emphasis on applying best-practice evidence-based approaches to support the learning and development of people with disability and/or additional need.

Program Overview

This program is for educators working in inclusive and specialist settings, including practicing and accredited teachers wishing to gain additional qualifications to work as a special education teacher, and qualified allied health professionals wishing to enhance their capacity to support children and adolescents with disability and/or additional need and work as part of multi-disciplinary teams.

Study Options

Study at a time and pace that works for you with flexible learning options. Take control of your professional future by choosing one of four specializations:

Deaf Studies and Deaf Education
Early Childhood Intervention
Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Problems
High Potential and Gifted Students with Disability
General Special Education

A Graduate Certificate in Special and Inclusive Support, Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support, Graduate Certificate in Emotional and Behavioural Support in Education, and a Graduate Certificate in High Potential and Gifted Education are also available to study and can be used as a pathway into the master's program.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion, qualified educators will be equipped with skills and knowledge to assess student need, ability, and address identified learning difficulties or challenge-specific areas. Career pathways include inclusive or specialist support education settings, early childhood intervention services, and disability support.

For graduates with a prior degree in an allied health-related field, you can be part of a brighter future in community and disability support services. Note that the program does not provide a pre-service teaching qualification.

Career Paths

Education Administration, Leadership, and Teaching roles:
- Special and inclusive education teachers
- School-based executive positions (e.g., Assistant Principal Special Education, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support)
Non-teaching roles:
- Educational administrator
- Disability support worker
Career pathways for those with an allied health degree:
- Special care worker
- Therapeutic support staff

Program Details

Program Code: 40123
Duration (Full-time/Part-time): 1 year up to 4 years
Next Start Date: 17 Aug, May, Aug 2026
CRICOS Code: E
Indicative Fee: AUD 41,175

Admission Information

Duration (Full-time/Part-time): 1 year up to 4 years
Next Start Date: 17 Aug, May, Aug 2026
Start Dates (Online):
- Semester 1 — 27 Jan 2026
- Semester 2 — 17 Aug 2026
- Trimester 1 — 27 Jan 2026
- Trimester 2 — 11 May 2026
- Trimester 3 — 17 Aug 2026

What You Will Study

The Master of Special and Inclusive Education covers a range of general and specialized courses driven by your passion for supporting the learning outcomes of students with a diverse range of abilities and disabilities.

Core Courses

EDUC6085 Education of Students with Learning Difficulties
EDUC6088 Teaching Methods and Techniques in Special and Inclusive Education
EDUC6165 Research in Inclusive Education

Specializations

Deaf Studies and Deaf Education:
- Compulsory Courses:
  - EDUC6052 Introduction to Hearing, Audiology, and Assistive Listening Technology
  - EDUC6053 Understanding How Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Learn
  - EDUC6054 Speech and Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  - EDUC6055 Language and Literacy of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Course List Option 1: For qualified teachers who wish to teach students who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Course List Option 2: For all other students, choose 10 units from the list to complete the DSDE major requirements
Early Childhood:
- Compulsory Courses:
  - EDUC6160 Supporting Communication Skills
  - EDUC6161 Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Intervention
  - EDUC6162 Social-Emotional Learning and Positive Behaviour Support for Children 0-5 years
  - EDUC6163 Collaborative and Inter-disciplinary Approaches in Early Childhood Intervention
- Course List: Choose 10 units from the list to fulfill the requirements for this specialization
Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Problems:
- Compulsory Courses:
  - EDUC6079 Assessment, Programming and Intervention in Behaviour Problems
  - EDUC6080 Whole School Approaches to Supporting Student Behaviour
  - EDUC6081 Using Resources in Behaviour Problems
  - EDUC6086 Introduction to Challenging Behaviour and Positive Support
- Course List: Choose 10 units from the list to fulfill the requirements for this specialization
High Potential and Gifted Students with Disability:
- Compulsory Courses:
  - EDUC6690 Curriculum for High Potential and Gifted Learners
  - EDUC6691 High Potential and Giftedness in Special Populations
  - EDUC6692 Teaching High Potential and Gifted Students
  - EDUC6693 Meeting the Needs of High Potential and Gifted Students with a Disability
- Course List: Choose 10 units from the list to fulfill the requirements for this specialization
General Special Education:
- Compulsory Courses:
  - EDUC6082 Policy, Administration and Collaboration in Special and Inclusive Education
  - EDUC6086 Introduction to Challenging Behaviour and Positive Support
  - EDUC6087 Educating Students with Developmental Diversity
- Course List: Choose 20 units from the course list to fulfill the requirements for this specialization

How to Apply

Apply as a Domestic Student

Review the Program Handbook
Review the Admission Requirements
Review the Program fees and costs
Decide on your preferred commencement date
Note: Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University of Newcastle's English Language Proficiency requirements

Apply as an International Student

Review the Program Handbook
Review the Admission Requirements
Review the Program fees and costs
Decide on your preferred commencement date
Note: Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University of Newcastle's English Language Proficiency requirements
English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS overall minimum: 6.5
- IELTS section minimum: 6.0

Scholarships

If you are a current student or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for. Scholarships are available for current, future, and international students, asylum seekers, graduate research, abroad and exchange study, and opportunities with external providers.

Similar Degrees

Graduate Certificate in Special and Inclusive Support:
- Indicative Fee: AUD 20,590
- Full-time duration: 0.5 years
- Part-time duration: up to 3 years
- Locations: NAIHE Singapore, Online, Newcastle
Graduate Certificate in Emotional and Behavioural Support in Education:
- Indicative Fee: AUD 20,590
- Full-time duration: 1 year
- Part-time duration: up to 3 years
- Locations: Online
Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Disability Support:
- Indicative Fee: AUD 20,590
- Full-time duration: 1 year
- Part-time duration: up to 3 years
- Locations: Online

Master of Special and Inclusive Education

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