The Master of Education (MEd), is a Masters program by coursework in the School of Education. It provides an opportunity for motivated professionals concerned with educational practice to undertake advanced coursework in a field of particular interest to them and to gain an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification. A study of the advanced coursework units will provide students with knowledge and understandings across a range of specialist areas suited to each student's needs and choices. It will support graduates in professional advancement as teachers, leaders and administrators.

Note: The Master degree is not an introductory teaching qualification, nor is it a licence to teach.

Places in the program are available through competitive admission. Selection by the Course Coordinator is based on academic qualifications. Special entry applicants will also be considered by the Course Coordinator. Details as follows:

Academic Qualifications:

(i)   a Bachelor of Education degree; or
(ii)  a Bachelor level degree in any other field, plus a Graduate Diploma of Education or equivalent

Special entry:

(i)  a Bachelor level degree in any other field, plus extensive professional experience; or 

(ii) a three year trained teacher with extensive professional experience 

Evidence to support the applicant’s professional experience will be required when applying for special entry.

For international students, English language competency is required and can be demonstrated via:

1. An Academic IELTS overall band minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 6.5); OR
2. TOEFL - paper based: Minimum score of 600 including a Test of Written English score of 5.0 or better; OR
3. TOEFL - internet based: Minimum score of 95 with no individual score less than 21; OR
4. Pearson English Test: 72 with no score less than 65.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit for previous Postgraduate Studies

Students are encouraged to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for professional learning programs they have participated in or conducted.

Students who have completed a level five ECU Graduate Certificate of Education normally gain entry into the MEd. with 4 units credit/advanced standing.  A maximum of four units credit can be gained for RPL and advanced standing for previous postgraduate studies.

All students are required to complete 120 credit points (8 units) in the degree.  Required units include an applied research methods/methods of investigation unit (RES5101) and an advanced seminar unit (EDU6195). Students can then choose any six other units drawn from a range of areas in the School of Education:

• Behaviour Management
• Educational Leadership
• Learning Difficulties
• Literacy Education
• Special Education
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Two independent studies units (EDU6188 and EDU6189) are available for students who wish to pursue an area of interest in some depth. These units involve the study of a selected topic of interest. Students may conduct a school/work-related project, a small piece of research or develop and/or evaluate an educational resource, such as a curriculum module, software package, assessment resource, policy document, or a reasoned professional reflection or critique.

It is recommended that students complete the two required units (RES5101 and EDU6195) and then select other units to complete their program. Students who wish to conduct small scale research as part of an independent study unit must complete the required units before attempting the independent study unit.