Master of Education
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1-2 years FT, 2-4 years PT
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8913
- CRICOS code 110653C
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $4,500*
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2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $9,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $47,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $98,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Flexible study options
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7 specialisations
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Strong industry links
Application closures for 2026
International applications for all undergraduate programs, as well as postgraduate programs offered by the faculties of Arts, Design & Architecture, Engineering (excluding Master of Information Technology and associated programs) and Science are now closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) for 2026 intakes.
Postgraduate programs offered by the Business School and the faculties of Law & Justice and Medicine & Health remain open. Master of Information Technology (and associated programs) also remain open.
Postgraduate Information Evening
Online | Wednesday, 1 April (6–7pm AEDT)
Join us online for the Postgraduate Information Evening to hear directly from UNSW academics, current students and advisors as they tackle the most common questions about postgraduate study—from flexible learning options and financial support to application tips and recognition of prior learning.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Enhance career options and professional advancement opportunities with the UNSW Master of Education. This flexible program is for qualified teachers seeking the next step, as well as other education professionals, such as trainers, vocational educators, education designers or those who aspire to have a career in educational settings.
Choose from one of seven specialisations:
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Studies
- Education Systems
- Gifted Education
- Special and Inclusive Education
- TESOL
The UNSW Master of Education is an opportunity to follow your interests, learn from industry and research leaders and apply your new skills in your workplace as you study. You’ll graduate ready to shape the future of education and improve the lives and learning of your students.
Please note: The Master of Education does not provide a teaching qualification. If you seek professional accreditation as a teacher, consider the Master of Teaching (Secondary) or the Master of Teaching (Primary).
Graduate with two master’s degrees by combining this program with another eligible Arts, Design & Architecture master’s degree in the Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Combined).
Key features
Study your own way with flexible options
Whatever your professional or personal commitments, there’s a place for you in the Master of Education. Choose from fully online courses, a combination of online and face-to-face learning, as well as school holiday intensives and evening classes.
Accelerate learning based on experience
Depending on your experience, you may be able to complete the Master of Education in as little as 12 months. Our one-year fast-track program is ideal for qualified teachers and professionals with relevant professional work experience, while our longer one-and-half and two-year programs are well-suited for career changers.
Structure your program to suit your interests
Cater for your interests with a range of specialisations and elective courses. Structure your Master of Education to learn from industry and research leaders in subjects that spark your curiosity.
Why study at UNSW?
Join a top university
UNSW is a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) with a stellar international reputation. UNSW is also ranked #1 in Australia and #32 globally for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2026)
Be inspired by game-changing research
UNSW is a Group of Eight university, a prestigious coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities. Our researchers engage across generations, policies, continents, languages and cultures to reimagine the future of education. Take part in your own research with the support and guidance of leading academics and educators.
Master your craft and maximise your earning potential
UNSW is known for having the most employable students seven years in a row (AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026). With a Master of Education from UNSW, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to step into leadership roles and shape the future of education.
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
Depending on your experience, there are three entry pathways to the Master of Education.
One-year fast-track program
- A four-year bachelor’s degree or combined degree in education (including professional experience or practicum) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification (e.g., Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline*, plus three years of relevant professional experience and development**.
1.5-year program
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline* with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, OR
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% plus three years’ relevant professional experience** and development, OR
- An honours degree or graduate diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Two-year program
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
* “Relevant disciplines” may include arts, humanities, media, psychology, social work, business, economics, languages, linguistics, communications, policy studies, behavioural sciences, and social sciences.
** “Relevant professional experience” may include roles such as teacher, trainer, coach, educational developer, languages teacher, lecturer, teacher of English to speakers of other languages, educational leader, and educational administration.
Admission pathways
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the Master of Education, you may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate of Education or the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership. These can provide a stepping stone to the Master of Education.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Depending on your experience, there are three entry pathways to the Master of Education.
One-year fast-track program
- A four-year bachelor’s degree or combined degree in education (including professional experience or practicum) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification (e.g., Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline*, plus three years of relevant professional experience and development**.
1.5-year program
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline* with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, OR
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% plus three years’ relevant professional experience** and development, OR
- An honours degree or graduate diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Two-year program
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
* “Relevant disciplines” may include arts, humanities, media, psychology, social work, business, economics, languages, linguistics, communications, policy studies, behavioural sciences, and social sciences.
** “Relevant professional experience” may include roles such as teacher, trainer, coach, educational developer, languages teacher, lecturer, teacher of English to speakers of other languages, educational leader, and educational administration.
Admission pathways
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the Master of Education, you may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Education or the Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership. These can provide a stepping stone to the Master of Education.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
Depending on your experience, you can complete the UNSW Master of Education in one to two years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent).
Regardless of the duration, you will choose one of seven specialisations:
Full program structure
Students must complete 96 units of credit (UOC). There are three ways to complete the Master of Education, depending on prior experience.
1-year plan: For students granted 48 UOC block credit on entry
If you have been granted 48 UOC of block credit for prior study or experience, you may be able to complete a streamlined version of the program (equivalent to 1 year full-time). You’ll focus solely on your chosen specialisation (48 UOC).
1.7-year plan: For students granted 24 UOC block credit on entry
If you have been granted 24 UOC block credit, you must complete a further 72 UOC of courses as follows (equivalent to 1.7 years full-time). You’ll complete 12 UOC of foundation courses and 12 UOC of education electives alongside your chosen specialisation (48 UOC).
2-year plan: For students with no block credit on entry
Without any block credit on entry, you must complete 96 UOC (equivalent to 2 years full-time) consisting of 24 UOC worth of foundation courses, 24 UOC worth of education electives and your chosen specialisation (48 UOC).
Optional additional courses
You may also choose to take an additional course to develop or renew your confidence in academic writing skills – either Academic Writing for the Humanities or Personalised English Language Enhancement. These courses do not count towards the Master of Education program requirements.
For more information on the different program structures, please visit the Handbook.
Future careers
Graduates of the Master of Education go on to lead diverse, rewarding careers across primary schools, secondary schools, universities, tertiary institutions, government departments and workplaces. Some continue in student-facing roles, while others shape policy or go on to undertake key research with a Doctor of Education.
Australia’s education industry currently employs 1.31 million people and is projected to employ 1.43 million by May 2035 (Jobs and Skills Atlas Australia, 2026). Salaries vary by role – the average salary is $105,000 for a teacher, $110,000 for a learning and development specialist and $135,000 for an education manager (Seek, 2026).
Potential careers
- Curriculum developer
- Curriculum differentiation specialist
- Early childhood centre director
- Education adviser
- Education consultant
- Education manager
- Education policy officer
- Education program coordinator
- Educational researcher
- English language program coordinator
- Gifted education coordinator
- Inclusion support coordinator
- International education adviser
- Learning and development specialist
- Learning enrichment teacher
- Learning support teacher
- Lecturer (Education)
- Policy analyst (Education)
- Professional learning coordinator
- Program coordinator (Gifted Education)
- Special education teacher
- Student wellbeing coordinator
- Teaching and learning specialist
- TESOL lecturer
- TESOL teacher (primary or secondary)
- Training and development specialist
- University tutor
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code in UAC to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
UNSW is ranked #20 university in the world
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
"I found that UNSW’s online courses had so much to offer. This meant that I could navigate my masters and continue my job."
Christine Castle
High School Principal
