Why study with us?
We’re ranked 25th in the world for education by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
Study in acclaimed research institutes including the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Charles Perkins Centre.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
If you are an educator looking for your next professional challenge, the Master of Education offers advanced learning and development opportunities across a range of specialisations. Taught by active researchers and designed for experienced educators, leaders and future leaders of education, this flexible and rigorous degree will enhance your knowledge and practice, and deepen your understanding of educational theory and research.
This program is designed to develop and support the careers of trained teachers who are teaching professionals, educational administrators, researchers and policymakers.
You can choose to complete your course with units of study that suit your interests from our field offerings, including digital technologies, educational management and leadership, educational psychology, international education, special and inclusive education, sports coaching, and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
The following streams are available in the Master of Education:
If you're seeking a professional teaching qualification and hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline, please refer to the Master of Teaching.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP, an earlier closing date may apply – check the closing dates section below. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of Education you must complete to complete 48 credit points including:
The balance consists of units from the Master of Education.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
A capstone unit is completed in the final semester of enrolment. It provides an opportunity to integrate ideas and understandings drawn from units of study taken in the course. The capstone is a compulsory requirement and is undertaken by completing a semester-long special project (6 credit points; 6000 words) or a year-long dissertation (12 credit points; 12,000 words).
Students who intend to undertake a higher degree by research (MPhil, PhD, EdD) in future should enrol in the dissertation. Entry requirements apply for this unit of study - consult your Course Coordinator for further details.
Admission to candidature for the Master of Education requires:
If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.
This course does not lead to professional recognition. Candidates who hold a teaching qualification and complete eight units of study from the Special and Inclusive Education specialisation are recognised by the NSW Department of Education and Communities as a special education teacher.
Upon completion of the Master of Education, you will have the skills and knowledge to further your career as a teaching professional, educational administrator, researcher and/or policy maker within specific areas of education practice.
If you successfully complete a dissertation as part of your program and receive an average mark of 75% or above, you may be eligible for entry to a higher degree by research.
The Sydney School of Education and Social Work offers a wealth of experience and expertise in the development and delivery of professional development activities. Find out about the range of consultancy and customised programs, conferences, colloquia and symposia, and professional learning courses offered by the School.
The Sydney School of Education and Social Work is endorsed to provide NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Registered Professional Development for teachers accredited at Proficient Teacher and Highly Accomplished Teacher.
