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Endorsed Special Education program
Key facts
Duration
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, the Master of Specialist Inclusive Education is typically between
- 1 year full-time (2 years part-time) - 8 credit points, and 1.5 years full-time (3 years part-time) - 12 credit points
Deakin courses can also be studied part-time over a longer period
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2024 close 18 February 2024
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 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 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Specialist Inclusive Education
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- E734
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- 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 Specialist Inclusive Education is typically 12 credit points.
The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) – your professional experience and previous qualifications – which can save you time and money.
To be awarded a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education, students are required to successfully complete the following:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity (0 credit point compulsory unit)
- 3 credit points of compulsory core units
- 2 credit points of professional experience units
- 7 credit points of study that combine research and course elective units (list A) in one of the following three options:
Option 1
2 credit points of research units (EDX701 and EDX707)
And
5 credit points of course elective units selected from ESP701, ECP711, ECP703, EIE704, ECM720, ECM723, IND720
[ECM720 replaces ECM712]
Option 2
4 credit points of research units including a 2 credit point research paper (EDX701, EDX712, EDX703, EDX704)
And
3 credit points of course elective units selected from ESP701, ECP711, ECP703, EIE704, ECM720, ECM723, IND720
Option 3
6 credit points of research units which include a minor thesis (EDX701, EDX712, EDX705 and EDX706)
And
1 credit point of Course Elective from List A
3
Core credit points
2
Professional experience credit points
7
Research pathway and Elective credit points
12
Total credit points
Core units
Professional experience units
EEI703 Personalised Program Planning [No longer available for enrolment]
Research Options
Option 1
2 credit points of research units
Plus
5 credit points of electives
Option 2
4 credit points of research units including a 2 credit point research paper
Plus
3 credit points of electives
Option 3
6 credit points of research units which include a minor thesis
Plus
1 credit point of Course Elective from List A below
Course Electives List A
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
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- 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)
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet 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
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
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 102 (with minimum score of 24 in reading and speaking, 27 in listening and writing)
- 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 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
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.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education (12 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
You may be eligible for a Department of Education and Training Inclusive Education Grant For information and guidelines visit the Department of Education and Training website.
Please note, applications must be submitted directly to the Department of Education and Training through the Smarty Grants website.
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.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, 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.
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 three 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 three research options:
Option 1: application of the research training through a one credit point research based project for professional practice;
Option 2: advanced research training of one credit point of either quantitative or qualitative research methods; and Research Paper (2 credit points);
Option 3: 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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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
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 | Integrate, analyse, evaluate and critically review inclusive education theoretical foundations and practices, and create and apply specialist pedagogies, curriculum and assessments across a range of educational contexts. |
| Communication | Develop personal, professional and scholarly communication strategies for application to varied channels of communication (including oral, written, digital and/or augmented) that effectively supports partnerships between specialist and non-specialist stakeholders of inclusive learning in diverse contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Critically analyse, design, implement and evaluate high quality, credible, adaptive digital resources to support equitable access, participation and engagement in learning for all students. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse the interrelationship between philosophies, theories and practices of inclusive education to inform strategies that advance equitable access and positive learning outcomes for students and complex learning partnerships. |
| Problem solving | Critically analyse, reflect and use professional and ethical judgement to realise creative, positive and inclusive solutions to complex teaching and learning problems across a range of learning partnerships. |
| Self-management | Actively engage in critical reflective practice and ongoing professional learning and support the development of inclusive communities of practice, cross-disciplinary dialogue and scholarship. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate, build, contribute to and lead learning partnerships and multidisciplinary teams across a range of diverse contexts to advance the inclusive learning and development of all learners. |
| Global citizenship | Analyse national and international practice and theory of inclusive education in relation to legal, ethical and policy frameworks to address issues of equity and social justice across diverse communities in a global context. |
| Approved by Faculty Board July 2017 | |
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Footnotes
* U.S. News & World Report, Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2022–2023