Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice

On completion of this course you will be able to:

1. critically read, analyse and synthesise current theory and research in the field of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice
2. relate theories and the findings from research studies and apply to authentic teaching-learning practices
3. critically reflect upon knowledge about theory, research, practice and policy to improve professional decision making
4. articulate scholarly views for informed, constructive debate increasing professional reflective practice in the field of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice
5. examine learners motivation, cognition and metacognition in relevant to them contexts
6. apply knowledge gained from reading, discussion and writing into educational practices in exploration of increased self-regulated learning
7. design, conduct, and evaluate an independent research project in the field of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice that is relevant to your personal or professional context
8. apply a range of understandings about research ethics and demonstrate high standards of academic literacy
9. generate recommendations for future practice, research, and policy in the field of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice
10. demonstrate high standards of academic literacy

What is going on when students are trying to understand texts or diagrams, or when they are trying to solve problems?

Can you help students change their motivational states?

Can you influence learners’ self-regulation of learning in the face-to-face and online environments?

Study Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice, and you will uncover the answers to these questions and more. This unique program is designed to meet the increasing demand for professional education about teaching-learning issues such as motivation, cognition and metacognition.

If you are a classroom teacher, lecturer, tutor, trainer, coach, principal, educational consultant, professional working in the education sector, leading or advising about teaching and learning in your organisation, or if you simply want to understand your own learning processes, this course will equip you to apply the cognitive psychology of learning to problems that arise in learning and teaching.

This course is also suitable to develop your research capacity and transition into educational research and lead educational change. Enhance your research skills, become an informed consumer of research, analyse educational policy and practice and gain insights to ultimately improve professional decision making.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

The Masters can be completed fully online, providing you with the flexibility to study at your own pace and in your own time. These courses do not lead to teacher registration in South Australia. It is 2 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

In the Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice you will study six core topics, and can select from a range of elective topics and minor programs of study to shape the degree according to your needs and interests. The program provides educators with opportunities to examine their own teaching and to develop evidence‐based models for practice, and facilitates improved professional decision making in learning and teaching practice, experiences and outcomes.

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Master of Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice, students must successfully complete six core (compulsory) topics and ten option topics chosen from an extensive range of option topics available aimed at expanding students’ knowledge and practice with a focus on understanding and renewing teaching and learning.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $41,760

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification or hold a the Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice or closely related qualification.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience. Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.