Master of Education (Leadership and Learning)
2023 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2023 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) |
| Course Map | These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023: These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023: Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part time equivalent* *Dependant upon chosen research pathway, PhD pathway is delivered via 2 years part-time study. |
| Deakin course code | E725 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9. |
Note: This is not an initial teacher education qualification. Students wishing to enter the profession of teaching should instead consider one of our five Master of Teaching courses or E737 Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) | |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Research information
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Research and research-related study
Course overview
The Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is a postgraduate degree for qualified teachers and educators looking to develop and enhance leadership capabilities.
Are you ready to lead and inspire change in education?
Leaders in education are challenged to inspire new ways of thinking and learning in our communities. They foster growth and development of educational organisations in ways that are responsive to global and local issues. Studying a Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is an opportunity to make a real difference in your organisation.
Your interest and passion for educational leadership will be explored through practical learning experiences, supported by teaching staff with extensive research and education expertise.
You will study eight units in total which can be completed in as little as 12-months if studied full-time, or 2-years if studied part time, depending on your individual course plan.
The four core units for this course have been designed to build your knowledge and skills in relation to (i) educational context, policy and leadership in challenging times, (ii) evidence, analysis and evaluation for educational improvement, (iii) leadership for staff development and well-being, and (iv) leading and managing innovation, change and improvement.
You will be able to complete the full complement of eight units by selecting unit sequences chosen from additional combinations of research preparation units and a range of specialist elective studies. The course provides a pathway to PhD if you are interested in furthering your research.
Help build the knowledge, skills and networks necessary for inspiring and innovative leaders in education.
Career opportunities
- Looking for career progression in the education sector?
- Are you an emerging or experienced educational leader ready to be challenged?
With employment in Education and Training projected to grow by 149,600 by November 2026* there has never been a greater need for leaders in education.
Working across a broad range of educational contexts, including schools, early childhood education, higher education, vocational and professional education Deakin understands the career opportunities are significant and welcome the opportunity to help you achieve your goals.
Develop specialist skills to advance the careers of emerging and established educational leaders in various roles. You may be working in or aspiring to work in one of the following roles:
- School Principal
- School Assistant Principal
- Lead School Teacher
- Year Group Coordinator
- Higher Education Manager
- Early Childhood Director
- Early Childhood Assistant Director
- School or Faculty/Department Manager
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Leader
- Program Leader
- HR Manager
- Organisational Development Manager
- Director – Corporate Services
- Corporate Education Lead
*Employment outlook Industry and occupation trends over the five years to November 2026, National Skills Commission, Australian Government.
For more information go to 'DeakinTALENT '
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Research information
Students are introduced to research training through a one credit point introductory unit in research design & method; and this training is deepened through an additional research unit and/or completion of research via a Research Paper (two credit points).
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of key principles, theories and evidence-informed practice supporting ethical and sustainable leadership in education contexts. |
| Communication | Interpret and justify contemporary and innovative leadership practices that are responsive to current global and local challenges faced by education leaders and utilise effective communication to inform and motivate change. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital technologies to conduct effective research into matters related to educational leadership in local and global contexts and apply digital literacy skills to support effective communication with wider audiences |
| Critical thinking | Critically review current literature and research informing educational leadership contexts, policy and practices, and apply analytic and strategic thinking to implement informed judgements and effective change. |
| Problem solving | Apply research skills to design and conduct an evidence-informed investigation of a local educational leadership problem and communicate findings to the wider audience. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate advanced levels of personal leadership and professional independence to plan and implement effective investigations and change proposals. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively with colleagues and relevant team members to develop, refine and conduct investigations and change proposals. |
| Global citizenship | Engage ethically and productively in matters relating to leadership practice and research, and demonstrate respect and integrity in relation to First Nation’s peoples and diverse communities and cultures in a global context. |
| Approved by Faculty Board June 2022 | |
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) students must complete 8 credit points comprising:
Four (4) credit points of core units
- ECM720, ECM721, ECM722, ECM723
- AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
And one of the following combinations* of research units:
Option 1: PhD Pathway
- 4 credit points of research units (EDX701, EDX712, EDX703, EDX704)
OR
Option 2: Non-PhD Pathway
- 2 credit points of research units (EDX701, EDX707), plus
- 2 credit points of course electives from the recommended elective sequence units
*Please note students who complete four (4) credit point research unit pathway will be eligible for a PhD pathway. Students who complete the two (2) credit point research unit pathway will not be eligible for a PhD pathway.
Course structure
Core units
| ECM720 | Educational Context, Policy and Leadership in Challenging Times |
| ECM721 | Evidence, Analysis and Evaluation for Educational Improvement |
| ECM722 | Leading for Staff Development and Well-Being |
| ECM723 | Leading and Managing Innovation, Change and Improvement |
Option 1 or 2
Option 1: PhD Pathway
| EDX701 | Research Design Development and Method |
| EDX712 | Theory and Methodology in Education Research |
| EDX703 | Research Paper A |
| EDX704 | Research Paper B |
Option 2: Non-PhD Pathway
| EDX701 | Research Design Development and Method |
| EDX707 | Independent Research Project for Professional Practice |
Plus 2 credit points of course electives from a recommended elective sequence
Course Electives - Recommended Elective Sequences
Education Business Leadership
| ELT700 | Education Business Planning and Capacity Building |
| ELT703 | Understanding Funding and Finance for Educational Outcomes |
TESOL
| ETL715 | Internationalising the Curriculum |
| ETL705 | Pedagogic Grammar |
Adult, Vocational Education and Training:
| EEE735 | Designing, Teaching and Assessment in Adult, Vocational Education and Training |
| EEE736 | Contextualising Learning and Teaching in Adult, Vocational Education and Training |
Applied Learning ^:
| ECN704 | Applied Learning: Theories and Practice |
| ECN725 | Teaching Strategies for Vocational Pathways * |
^Not available for international students
*Includes a 15-day vocational education professional experience
International Baccalaureate:
| EIB701 | Inquiry Learning Through the International Baccalaureate (PYP) |
| EIB703 | Assessing and Documenting Learning in the Global Early Years Context |
Trauma-Responsive Education:
| ETR701 | Refugee Trauma and Education |
| ETR703 | Trauma and Learning |
Inclusive Education:
| EIE702 | Teaching and Learning in the Inclusive Classroom |
| EXE732 | Social Justice and Difference |
Early Childhood:
| ECE731 | Diverse Environments and Pedagogies |
| ECE733 | Teacher as Leader |
Higher Education:
| EEE740 | Designing and Teaching Student-Centred Learning Programs in Higher Education |
| EEE741 | Designing and Implementing Assessment for Learning in Higher Education |
Please note students who complete four (4) credit point research unit pathway will be eligible for a PhD pathway. Students who complete the two (2) credit point research unit pathway will not be eligible for a PhD pathway.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Research and research-related study
Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.