Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent*
*Dependant upon chosen research pathway, PhD pathway is delivered via 2 years part-time study.
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
The Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is a postgraduate degree for qualified teachers and educators looking to develop and enhance leadership capabilities.
Are you ready to lead and inspire change in education?
Leaders in education are challenged to inspire new ways of thinking and learning in our communities. They foster growth and development of educational organisations in ways that are responsive to global and local issues. Studying a Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is an opportunity to make a real difference in your organisation.
Your interest and passion for educational leadership will be explored through practical learning experiences, supported by teaching staff with extensive research and education expertise.
You will study eight units in total which can be completed in as little as 12-months if studied full-time, or 2 years if studied part-time, depending on your individual course plan.
The four core units for this course have been designed to build your knowledge and skills in relation to (i) educational context, policy and leadership in challenging times, (ii) evidence, analysis and evaluation for educational improvement, (iii) leadership for staff development and well-being, and (iv) leading and managing innovation, change and improvement.
You will be able to complete the full complement of eight units by selecting unit sequences chosen from additional combinations of research preparation units and a range of specialist elective studies. The course provides a pathway to PhD if you are interested in furthering your research.
Help build the knowledge, skills and networks necessary for inspiring and innovative leaders in education.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Education (Leadership and Learning)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- E725
- 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
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Education (Leadership and Learning), you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 1 of the following combinations* of research units:
- 4 credit points of research units or
- 2 credit points of research units
- 2 credit points of electives (from one chosen elective sequence).
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
*Please note students who complete 4-credit point research unit pathway will be eligible for a PhD pathway. Students who complete the 2-credit point research unit pathway will not be eligible for a PhD pathway.
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
Option 1: PhD Pathway
Option 2: Non-PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of course electives selected from one elective sequence below
Please complete 2 credit points from your chosen elective sequence
Adult, Vocational Education and Training:
Applied Learning ^:
^Not available for international students
Early Childhood:
Higher Education:
Inclusive Education:
International Baccalaureate (For continuing students only)
EIB701 Inquiry Learning Through the International Baccalaureate (PYP) [No longer available for enrolment]
TESOL (For continuing students only)
ETL715 Internationalising the Curriculum [No longer available for enrolment]
Trauma-Responsive Education:
Please note students who complete four (4) credit point research unit pathway will be eligible for a PhD pathway. Students who complete the two (2) credit point research unit pathway will not be eligible for a PhD pathway.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
This is not an initial teacher education qualification. Students wishing to enter the profession of teaching should instead consider one of our Master of Teaching courses
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
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.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor honours degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: teaching, education, education administration, international education.
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to: teaching, education, education administration, international education.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
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 are 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.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$4,739 for 1 yr full-time - 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.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. 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 you have.
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.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan - including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP - depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
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 introduced to research training through a one credit point introductory unit in research design & method; and this training is deepened through an additional research unit and/or completion of research via a Research Paper (two credit points).
Pathways
Applicants who have successfully completed a Deakin-provided Graduate Certificate course in an education-related study will be offered a guaranteed entry.
Career outcomes
- Looking for career progression in the education sector?
- Are you an emerging or experienced educational leader ready to be challenged?
With employment in Education and Training projected to grow by 149,600 by November 2026* there has never been a greater need for leaders in education.
Working across a broad range of educational contexts, including schools, early childhood education, higher education, vocational and professional education Deakin understands the career opportunities are significant and welcome the opportunity to help you achieve your goals.
Develop specialist skills to advance the careers of emerging and established educational leaders in various roles. You may be working in or aspiring to work in one of the following roles:
- School Principal
- School Assistant Principal
- Lead School Teacher
- Year Group Coordinator
- Higher Education Manager
- Early Childhood Director
- Early Childhood Assistant Director
- School or Faculty/Department Manager
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Leader
- Program Leader
- HR Manager
- Organisational Development Manager
- Director – Corporate Services
- Corporate Education Lead
*Employment outlook Industry and occupation trends over the five years to November 2026, National Skills Commission, Australian Government.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
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 | Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of key principles, theories and evidence-informed practice supporting ethical and sustainable leadership in education contexts. |
| Communication | Interpret and justify contemporary and innovative leadership practices that are responsive to current global and local challenges faced by education leaders and utilise effective communication to inform and motivate change. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital technologies to conduct effective research into matters related to educational leadership in local and global contexts and apply digital literacy skills to support effective communication with wider audiences |
| Critical thinking | Critically review current literature and research informing educational leadership contexts, policy and practices, and apply analytic and strategic thinking to implement informed judgements and effective change. |
| Problem solving | Apply research skills to design and conduct an evidence-informed investigation of a local educational leadership problem and communicate findings to the wider audience. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate advanced levels of personal leadership and professional independence to plan and implement effective investigations and change proposals. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively with colleagues and relevant team members to develop, refine and conduct investigations and change proposals. |
| Global citizenship | Engage ethically and productively in matters relating to leadership practice and research, and demonstrate respect and integrity in relation to First Nation’s peoples and diverse communities and cultures in a global context. |
Approved at Faculty Board June 2022
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
