#13 worldwide for education
Engaging practical learning such as case studies
PhD pathway option or specialist studies
Why choose Deakin
Advance from experienced educator to confident leader with Deakin’s Master of Education (Leadership and Learning). Ranked #13 globally and #3 in Australia for education and education research, Deakin offers a postgraduate course designed for qualified teachers ready to move from the classroom into middle and senior leadership.
Build leadership capabilities, including understanding policy and context, using evidence to improve practice, supporting staff development and wellbeing, and leading innovation and change. Strengthen broader skills that support career progression, including communication, digital literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, self-management and ethical leadership.
Study online, on your terms, and finish in as little as 12 months full-time. Choose specialist study options and a pathway to PhD-level research. Graduates go onto roles such as principal, assistant principal, curriculum leader, program leader or educational administrator.
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Top-ranked for education
Study at the #13 university globally and #3 in Australia for education and educational research.
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Leadership skills for change
Advance into leadership roles such as principal, assistant principal and more.
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Flexible online degree
Study online, on your terms, and finish in as little as 12 months full–time.
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A pathway you can choose
Choose a specialist sequence and research pathway, with a PhD option available.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
With opportunities to work across a broad range of educational contexts, including schools, early childhood education, higher education, vocational and professional education, career opportunities are significant for emerging and established educational leaders.
School principal
Lead a school community, guide teachers and staff, oversee curriculum and operations, and develop policies and practices that support safe, inclusive and effective learning.
- $158k
Typical salary in Australia
- 719
Jobs advertised
School manager
Oversee the non-academic and business operations of a school, focusing on finances, daily operations and staff supervision.
- $120k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 1,977
Jobs advertised
Other jobs
- School assistant principal
- Lead school teacher
- Year group coordinator
- Educational administrator
- Organisational development manager
- Corporate education lead
“I've gained a solid understanding of leadership principles and their application in educational contexts. And I plan to continue applying them in the future - especially to guide and support other aspiring educational leaders.”
JenMaster of Education (Leadership and Learning)
Stories that start here
FAQs
Yes. Deakin's Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is available through flexible online study, allowing you to build advanced knowledge in educational leadership, learning design, professional practice and school improvement while balancing work and other commitments. Online delivery gives you the opportunity to study flexibly and apply your learning directly to your professional context. Check the visa conditions that apply to your circumstances before applying.
Deakin's Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) can support career progression into roles such as principal, assistant principal, curriculum leader, program leader and educational administrator. Through a focus on educational leadership, evidence-informed practice, learning design and school improvement, the course helps educators develop the skills needed to lead change, support teaching and learning, and contribute to educational outcomes across schools, education systems and other learning organisations.
The main difference is in the professional outcome. A Master of Teaching is an initial teacher education qualification designed for people who want to become registered teachers. In contrast, Deakin's Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is designed for qualified educators and learning professionals who want to deepen their expertise in areas such as educational leadership, professional learning, leadership development and evidence-informed practice. It supports career development in educational leadership and organisational improvement rather than initial teacher registration.
Deakin's Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) can help you build the skills needed for leadership, curriculum, professional learning and policy-focused roles across the education sector. Through a focus on educational leadership, evidence-informed practice, learning design and school improvement, the course supports career progression in schools, education systems, training organisations and other learning-focused environments. Graduates may pursue opportunities as school leaders, curriculum leaders, instructional coaches, learning specialists, education consultants or policy advisors.
The cost of a Master of Education in Australia varies depending on the university, course structure and study duration. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the tuition fees section. You may also wish to explore available scholarships, payment options and any credit that could reduce the number of units you need to complete.
Related courses
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Education (Leadership and Learning)?
Build the knowledge and networks to become an inspiring leader. Advance your career in education and make a real difference in your organisation.
Build your leadership foundation
Understand leadership in context
Explore how policy, context and changing local and global pressures shape educational leadership.
Use evidence to improve practice
Strengthen your judgement. Learn to analyse evidence, evaluate improvement efforts and make informed decisions.
Lead people and change
Develop practical approaches to staff development, wellbeing, innovation and improvement. Build the confidence to guide teams and support sustainable change.
Shape your pathway
Build research capability
Strengthen your skills in research design, methodology and inquiry. Investigate leadership questions and turn complex issues into clear, useful findings.
Choose your professional direction
In the non-PhD pathway, pair research with one elective sequence linked to your field.
Match study to your next step
Choose the PhD pathway for sustained research preparation, or the non-PhD pathway for a practice-focused project and targeted specialisation.
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.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
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:
Early Childhood:
Higher Education:
Inclusive Education:
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
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).
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
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
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of key principles, theories and evidence-informed practice supporting ethical and sustainable leadership in education contexts. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Apply research skills to design and conduct an evidence-informed investigation of a local educational leadership problem and communicate findings to the wider audience. |
| Demonstrate advanced levels of personal leadership and professional independence to plan and implement effective investigations and change proposals. |
| Work effectively with colleagues and relevant team members to develop, refine and conduct investigations and change proposals. |
| 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
- Award granted
- Master of Education (Leadership and Learning)
- Year
2027 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
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Apply directly through StudyLink Connect. Depending on your location, you may need to apply through a Deakin Authorised Agent, who can support and submit your application.
See our guide to applying to Deakin for application steps and requirements.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Pathways
Applicants who have successfully completed a Deakin-provided Graduate Certificate course in an education-related study will be offered a guaranteed entry.