Overview

The Master of Education (Special and Inclusive Education) program is designed to help candidates develop the skills, knowledge and values needed to specialise in teaching children with disabilities, or to qualify for appointments as leaders, consultants and resources personnel in special and inclusive education.

The program explores building inclusive educational contexts that support a diverse range of learners. This includes developing specialist knowledge to support learners with disabilities across a range of educational contexts, how to support and promote social behaviour, and design educational programs for students challenged by the demands of education programs. You’ll gain a broad perspective on the issues, practices, legislation and philosophies in special and inclusive education.

Graduates are in high demand in mainstream education for their contributions to school communities, and in specialist education settings – where less than half of all teachers have a formal qualification in special and inclusive education. Graduates are highly skilled in working with colleagues to build their capacity to provide access, participation and progress for all learners in age related educational programs. 

Participants in the program come from a broad range of backgrounds, including early childhood, primary, secondary, and post-secondary education; public and private schools; mainstream, support and specialist school teachers; and allied health and support agencies. The program draws on experiences of educators from across the globe.

The master's program – but not the graduate certificate or graduate diploma – is recognised by the NSW Department of Education as a formal qualification in special and inclusive education, provided that the candidate currently holds a teaching qualification and all the units studied are from the Special and Inclusive Education designation. Evidence of completing professional experience requirements is located within the capstone.

Awards and requirements

Please refer to the course resolutions in this handbook for information on the specific admission criteria and course requirements for different coursework award courses.

The table of units for this stream are available in the unit of study table.

Contacts and further information