Key facts
Duration
Trimester 1 entry: 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.
Trimester 2 entry: 1.5 years* full-time, or part-time equivalent
*full-time PhD Pathway students are required to study in Trimester 3 in order to complete in 1.5 years.
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
The Master of Education (Specialist Inclusive Education) equips qualified primary or secondary teachers with advanced knowledge of contemporary and inclusive education in schools, ensuring the accessibility, participation and success of students with diverse educational needs.
Developed with input from the Victorian Department of Education and the Victorian Institute of Teaching, the course reflects current sector needs. You will explore social justice policy and address topics of gender, sexuality, social class, race, ethnicity, disability and more. Learn how to provide high-quality, inclusive education to students with disabilities and/or additional learning needs. You will graduate with specialist skills that enable you to mentor other teachers and professionals involved in developing personalised, inclusive educational programs. Professional experience is completed in a specialist practicum, including a 15-day placement. Graduate with a highly sought-after skillset.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
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 (Specialist Inclusive Education)
- Year
2027 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
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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 (Specialist Inclusive Education) 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 (Specialist Inclusive Education) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of professional experience units
- one of:
- option 1:
- 2 credit points of research units
- 2 credit points of course electives
- option 2:
- 4 credit points of research units including a research paper.
- option 1:
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Option 1
2 credit points of research units
Plus
2 credit points of electives
Option 2
4 credit points of research units including a 2 credit point research paper
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 Master of Teaching (Primary)
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.
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 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).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: working in an educational setting (e.g., policy development, implementation and practice; social workers; early childhood education centres; schools; specialist settings; hospital settings), experience caring for and advocating for an individual with particular educational needs.
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
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) ?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'.
$4,908 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution will be determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
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 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.
Deakin alumni discount
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.
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).
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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Apply professional and ethical judgement and leadership to provide practical inclusive solutions to complex teaching and learning issues, across a range of learning contexts. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
