What is a Master of Education?
Become an expert in education with this postgraduate course that will take you to the top of the class. Learn how to drive meaningful change in the education sector.
Wondering if a Master of Education is right for you?
This qualification is ideal for those looking to enter educational leadership roles. Perfect for existing teachers, education practitioners and professionals who would like to take the next step in their career by developing proficiency in areas of education theory and practice.
Why study a Master of Education?
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers there is. If you’re already a teacher or working as an education professional, you no doubt already understand the important and wide-reaching role you play and thrive on helping students fulfil their potential.
The education sector has undergone a well-publicised period of rapid change. Major disruption was seen through the pandemic with at-home learning. Teachers have also been reported to be leaving the profession in high numbers and significant changes were made to the national curriculum in 2022. By earning a Master of Education, you could help shape the future of education in Australia and beyond at a time of pivotal change.
What you can specialise in
You will learn the skills needed to tackle complex educational challenges. You will also gain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge across a variety of specialisations, depending on which course provider you choose, including:
- Innovative learning and teaching
- Innovative STEM education
- Cultural and linguistic diversity
- Inclusive literacies
- Inclusive education
- Leading in education
- Wellbeing in education
- Digital learning in education
- International studies in education
- Culturally responsive studies in education
Our student advisors can help you choose a specialisation that suits your interests and makes the most sense for your career.
What is the difference between a Master of Teaching and a Master of Education?
Not sure which direction to go in? While these are both masters degrees in the same field, the learning outcomes are actually quite different.
A Master of Teaching (focusing on either primary or secondary) is a postgraduate course for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree (in a subject unrelated to teaching) who then want to study to become a qualified teacher.
A Master of Education delivers advanced professional learning for those already working in education either as a teacher or in a professional position.
How long does it take?
Traditionally, it will take between 1 and 4 years to earn a Master of Education, depending on the university you choose to study with and whether you want to study full-time or part-time.
However, if you’re looking for even more flexibility, you can tackle your course as little as a subject at a time through Open Universities Australia (more on this below!).
How much does it cost?
A Master of Education can anywhere between $6,600 to $43,000 if you’re an Australian citizen. The price varies depending what university you choose to study with, the subjects you choose, credits you have from a previous work experience and your eligibility for government loans.
All the Master of Education degrees available through Open Universities Australia offer HELP loans, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront if you’re an eligible student. You will only repay your fees once you’ve graduated and are working full-time.
Many of these masters degrees also offer Commonwealth supported places. This is a more affordable way of studying because the government subsidises most of your fees. Visit our Commonwealth supported place page to read more about this and to find an eligible course.
Can you study a Master of Education online?
Yes! Choose from providers that offer 100% online study or a combination of online and on-campus study, depending on your needs.
Subheading: What are the entry requirements for a Master of Education?
Entry requirements will vary slightly depending on which university you choose. In most cases you will need a bachelor degree in either teaching or an education-related subject, or a non-related undergraduate qualification along with professional experience in the education sector.
Not there yet? Our student advisors will be able to advise you of entry pathways to get you where you want to be.
What can you do with a Master of Education?
A Master of Education will prepare you for career opportunities in a number of areas, including schools, education workplaces, and government education departments.
You could explore a role in:
- Leadership and management (for example as a lead teacher or school principal)
- Education policy and consultancy
- Academia or research
- University lecturing
- Curriculum development
- Training and development
- Counselling and guidance
How can Open Universities Australia help?
Overwhelmed by the differences between Master of Education qualifications? Thinking wouldn’t it be great to have an unbiased expert explain it all to you? That’s exactly what we do!
You can use our website to compare your options with different universities (just create an account with us to start favouriting courses). You can then book a call with us if you want to ask questions about what you’ve found.
We can help you choose the right course for you with the right university. If you decide to study with your university through us, we’ll also take the stress out of enrolling by supporting you during every step. We’ll show you how to choose your subjects, submit the right documents, and structure your course for the ultimate flexibility, so you can keep working while studying.
Speak with our locally based student advisors knowing that, as a not-for-profit organisation, the advice you receive will be completely fair and impartial.
Become a learning leader and a master of education now! Explore educational leadership courses available with leading universities online.
