Save on your fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for this course. That means if you’re eligible, the government will subsidise some of your fees, and you may also be able to apply to defer the balance through an Australian Government HELP loan.
Why study the online Master of Education (Leadership) at UC?
People-first leadership focus
Gain leadership and management skills that help you connect, inspire and influence. Shape educational environments that acknowledge and celebrate the unique needs of students and teachers.
Research-informed practice
Be at the forefront of the educational sector. Inform, implement, improve and influence educational changes that enhance student and teacher outcomes.
Enhanced professional identity
Build upon your experience and develop your professional authority in modern education. Identify and implement strategies to improve inclusion and wellbeing and enhance your creative problem-solving and communication skills in response to different educational contexts.
Course overview
Whether you’re looking to further your impact inside or outside the classroom, the 100% online Master of Education (Leadership) will give you the confidence and credibility to advance your career in education. By deepening your understanding of contemporary education and developing your leadership and managerial skills you will be able to identify, problem-solve and implement an effective strategy that encompasses inclusion and wellbeing, learning, teaching and curriculum to cultivate positive learning environments that celebrates the unique needs of its staff and students.
What you will learn
Analyse and evaluate seminal and emerging educational theory, curriculum, technology, policy and practice.
Develop, articulate and apply integrated knowledge and skills to curriculum, policies and practices from a variety of perspectives and with a variety of audiences in mind, including equity groups.
Develop reflective, self-aware and adaptable professional practice.
Critically examine the complex challenges facing authentic educational contexts to find solutions.
Your course pathway
The Master of Education (Leadership) has 4 core units and 4 specialisation units. If you need to exit the course early, you have the option to graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership.
Master of Education (Leadership)
8 units | 16 months*
*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information
What you will study
The Master of Education (Leadership) has 4 core units and 4 specialised leadership units which will make up your specialisation.
Educational Research Foundations
Inclusion in Education
Wellbeing in Education
Professional Practice Capstone
Educational Leadership and Change
Leading, Learning, Teaching and Curriculum
Leading and Developing Educators
Educational Management and Administration
Course information
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Master of Education (Leadership), applicants must have:
- Current registration as a teacher at proficient level or higher with an Australian regulatory authority/registration authority.* OR
- A three-year undergraduate degree in Education or relevant field as approved by the University of Canberra, and at least three years' FTE professional experience in education. OR
- Graduate and/or postgraduate education qualifications as approved by the University of Canberra.
*For examples of regulatory authorities in your state, download a course brochure
Ready to learn more?
Download your course brochure for more detailed information including:
- What you’ll study
- Recognition of prior learning
- Entry requirements
- Fees and FEE-HELP
Career outcomes
A Master of Education (Leadership) from the University of Canberra will unlock your professional authority in modern education. Preparing you for the next step of your career, graduate outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- Curriculum Coordinator or Specialist
- Deputy Principal
- Early Childhood Director
- Education Assessment Specialist
- Educational Policy Developer
- Executive Principal
- Executive Teacher
- Head of Department or Faculty
- Principal
- School Leader
- School Policy Adviser or Developer
- Student Wellbeing Manager
- Year Adviser
Taught by the industry’s best
“The University of Canberra's online Master of Education and Graduate Certificate in Education courses have been designed to provide teachers with ideal practical professional development and career-building opportunities, allowing them to shape their future education/professional pathways and enhance their skills and knowledge"
Dr Beth Chapman
Program Director for Postgraduate Education
Taught by the best in the industry
“The Leadership of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum unit explores how these three core elements interconnect to drive school and system success. Students examine foundational curriculum theories and the strategic use of data to foster measurable improvements. By applying these insights, participants learn to successfully implement changes in curriculum and pedagogy”
Mr. Matthew Brown
Associate Professor & Associate Dean, Partnerships
Taught by the industry’s best
“The Leadership of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum unit explores how these three core elements interconnect to drive school and system success. Students examine foundational curriculum theories and the strategic use of data to foster measurable improvements. By applying these insights, participants learn to successfully implement changes in curriculum and pedagogy”
Mr. Matthew Brown
Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Partnerships
Frequently asked questions
No, the Master of Education (Leadership) at UC Postgraduate Online is for current education professionals looking to enhance their skills to step into the phase of their career. However, if you would like to become a teacher, we recommend contacting the University of Canberra Future Students Team to find out which course is right for you.
No. The UC Postgraduate Online Master of Education is for qualified educators and registered teachers who can apply what they learn to their current and future roles in education. Placement is not required.
ACARA is the authoritative source for advice and delivery of national curriculum, assessment and reporting for all Australian education ministers with international recognition. The UC Postgraduate Online Master of Education (Leadership) is developed to correspond with the ACARA requirements, providing students with contemporary methodologies and frameworks for modern educational contexts.
Yes. With a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the government will pay a portion of your fees and reduce the overall cost of your course. This subsidy is not a loan and you will not have to pay it back.
As opposed to writing essays or sitting exams, UC's Master of Education and the included specialisations uses authentic assessment practice, allowing students to demonstrate their learning through real-world tasks that have meaningful application and relevance to their day-to-day work.
Each unit is seven weeks long. The University advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week. The master’s course can be completed in as little as 16 months.
Gaining a Master of Education (Leadership) qualification will not automatically grant you a pay rise. However, postgraduate study can significantly enhance your application for promotions, which can result in a pay rise.
Our online accelerated Master of Education (Leadership) offers six intakes per year and each study period is seven weeks in total. Some study periods will coincide with school holidays, but this will not be the case for all of them. You can find the dates of all our study periods on the UC Academic Calendar.
The University of Canberra is committed to making sure you enjoy a truly flexible and inclusive online learning experience that works for you and with you – no matter who or where you are.
When you enrol, you’ll have the support of a dedicated Student Success Adviser who will be with you from O-Week all the way through to graduation. They’re on hand to provide help whenever you need it, from how to plan your schedule to answering any enquiries about your course.
The ideal leadership degree depends on career goals. Programs may focus on organisational management, educational leadership, or specialised sector leadership. Postgraduate qualifications with practical applications and research components provide strong preparation for advanced roles.
For educators, the UC Master of Education Leadership is highly regarded for developing education leadership skills in school management, curriculum innovation, and educational policy.
It is a postgraduate qualification that develops strategic thinking, management expertise, and leadership skills. Students learn to analyse organisational challenges, implement solutions, and guide teams toward achieving goals.
The UC Master of Education Leadership specifically develops education leadership skills, enabling educators to take on leadership, administrative, and policy-making roles in schools and other educational organisations.
Program quality, accreditation, support, and career outcomes determine which university is ideal. Look for programs with flexible online delivery and practical learning opportunities.
The University of Canberra offers a highly respected and responsive UC Master of Education Leadership online, designed for current and aspiring educational leaders seeking flexible, high-quality postgraduate study.
Question not covered here?
We’re here to help. Our Student Enrolment Adviser can tell you more about:
- Finding your ideal course
- How courses are structured
- How online study works
- How to apply and enrol
Ready to apply?
Start your application to study with UC Online.
