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Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education)

Postgraduate coursework

Gain highly specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the accessibility, participation and success for students with diverse educational needs.

This course is only available for domestic students.

#2 in Australia for education and educational research*

#11 in the world for education and educational research*

Endorsed Special Education program

Key facts

Duration

1 year* full-time, or part-time equivalent 

* full-time PhD Pathway students are required to study in Trimester 3 in order to complete in one year. 

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

The Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) equips qualified primary or secondary teachers with advanced knowledge of contemporary education issues and inclusive education practices within school systems.

Are you passionate about enabling all students to reach their full potential through an equitable standard of education?

Deakin’s Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) gives you the tools to instil positive teaching practices in the classroom and beyond. You’ll gain highly specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the accessibility, participation and success for students with diverse educational needs.

The course explores the implementation of social justice policy and addresses topics of gender, sexuality, social class, race, ethnicity, disability and the intersections between them. You’ll learn how to provide high-quality, inclusive education to students with disabilities and/or additional learning needs. Plus, you will graduate with advanced level, specialist skills that enable you to mentor other teachers and professionals involved in developing personalised, inclusive educational programs.

We maintain close links with the education sector – like the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) and Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) – to ensure our courses are developed and reviewed with industry and professional input. You’ll be taught by staff with experience in the sector that are recognised as leaders and innovators in their fields – so you can be confident that what you learn at Deakin will be relevant to your teaching career.

Plus, our strong links to international universities, including the University of Sheffield (UK) and Aarhus University (Denmark), ensure you (and your career) benefit from a globally aligned approach to inclusive education.

Through a combination of theory, research and professional experience you will gain high-level critical thinking and evaluative research skills that are transferable across a variety of educational settings, including both mainstream and specialist schools. With increasingly diverse student populations driving the amalgamation of mainstream and specialist schools, this highly sought-after skill set will truly set you apart from your peers.

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Course information

Award granted
Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
E768
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

The Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) is 8 credit points.

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity (0 credit point compulsory unit)
  • 2 credit points of compulsory units
  • 2 credit points of professional experience units
  • 4 credit points of study from research option 1 or research option 2

Option 1

Option 2

2

Core credit points

2

Professional experience credit points

4

Research pathway and Elective credit points

8

Total credit points

Core units

  • Social Justice and Difference
  • Educational Psychology
  • Professional experience units

  • Advanced Inclusive Practice
  • Practicum: Specialist Inclusive Education
  • Research Options

    Option 1

    2 credit points of research units

  • Research Design Development and Method
  • Independent Research Project for Professional Practice
  • Plus

    2 credit points of electives

    Option 2

    4 credit points of research units including a 2 credit point research paper

  • Research Design Development and Method
  • Theory and Methodology in Education Research
  • Research Paper A
  • Research Paper B
  • Course Electives List

  • Education and Development of Exceptional Learners
  • Creativity and the Arts
  • Child Protection
  • Supporting Communication in Inclusive Classrooms
  • Educational Context, Policy and Leadership in Challenging Times
  • Leading and Managing Innovation, Change and Improvement
  • Effective Classroom Management: Positive Learning Environments
  • Refugee Trauma and Education
  • Trauma and Learning
  • Decolonising Teaching and Learning: Recognition, Relationships, and Reconciliation On Unceded Land
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Note: This is not an initial teacher education qualification. Students wishing to enter the profession of teaching should instead consider one of our five Master of Teaching courses or E737 Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or masters in the field of Education that is a recognised initial teacher qualification for the purposes of registration as a primary or secondary teacher in Australia) AND at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
    • completion of a Graduate Certificate of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education)

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band less than 7.0) speaking and listening 7.5
    • PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65) speaking and listening 73

    English-speaking education:

    • completion of a bachelor or master degree in a recognised English-speaking country or completion of DUELI English for Teaching program, with a WAM of 60

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $4,627 - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above.

    Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:

    • If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
    • If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose. A limited number of Commonwealth supported places are available for this course.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    Scholarship options

    Inclusive education teaching scholarship

    The Victorian Government is offering support (such as funding tuition fees) to teachers and regional workforces to complete postgraduate study in inclusive education. This includes for Deakin’s Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) online course. Visit Master of Inclusive Education Program for details.

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Research Information

    Students are able to undertake one of two options for research training and research in the course. Each option has a common foundation that is based on an introductory unit of one credit point in research design & method. This research study is then further supported by one of the two research options:

    Option 1: advanced research training of one credit point of either quantitative or qualitative research methods; and Research Paper (2 credit points);

    Option 2: advanced research training of one credit point of either quantitative or qualitative research methods; and Minor Thesis (4 credit points).

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    The contemporary need for teachers to successfully identify and address complex learning challenges in the classroom is growing.

    As a graduate, you will be qualified to meet the Department of Education and Training (DET) requirements for employment related to special educational needs across a range of educational settings in Australia and overseas, including:

    • specialist schools
    • specialist developmental schools
    • mainstream primary and secondary schools.

    You’ll be well prepared to take a critically reflective, research-oriented approach to your practice and better equipped to pursue leadership positions.

    The course also presents a clear pathway for those looking to study a higher degree by research.

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

    Professional recognition

    The Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) holds VIT program endorsement for specialist teaching in combination with an approved pre-service education qualification 

    International students and permanent residents

    Graduates intending to apply for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) will be required to demonstrate:

    • an IELTS average band score of 7.5 across all four skill areas (where there is no score below 7 in any of the four skills areas)
    • a score of no less than 8 in speaking and listening.

    Read the VIT's Qualification for Teachers Registration policy for full details.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Research, critically analyse and synthesise inclusive education scholarship to lead, design and implement practical specialist inclusive pedagogies, curriculum and assessment, responsive to all students, across a range of educational contexts. 
    Communication Critically evaluate and develop a range of accessible communication strategies that effectively supports inclusive leadership and partnerships between specialist and non-specialist stakeholders across a range of educational contexts. 
    Digital literacy Design, implement and evaluate accessible, high quality digital resources to support equitable access, participation and engagement in learning for all students, across a range of educational contexts. 
    Critical thinking Identify and articulate the complex relationships between inclusive philosophies, theories and practices to lead, design and implement accessible, equitable and successful learning experiences for all students, including through specialist and non-specialist partnerships. 
    Problem solving Apply professional and ethical judgement and leadership to provide practical inclusive solutions to complex teaching and learning issues, across a range of learning contexts. 
    Self-management Plan for, demonstrate and lead the development of critically reflective inclusive practice and ongoing professional learning, including through inclusive communities of practice, cross-disciplinary dialogue and research. 
    Teamwork Lead, collaborate and contribute to learning partnerships and multidisciplinary teams, across a range of diverse contexts, to advance the inclusive learning experiences of all learners. 
    Global citizenship Review national and international inclusive education scholarship relating to legal, ethical and policy frameworks to support the inclusion of First Nations knowledge and perspectives and address issues of equity and social justice across diverse communities in a global context. 

    Approved at Faculty Board 2023

    *Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources