Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information

All course rules are currently under review and new course rules will apply from 2011.
As a result topic details may change. Further information on the new course structures will be made available by mid-2010.

Master of Education

The Master of Education is a 72-unit flexible coursework program that allows students to create individual programs to suit their interests and thus shape their own educational pathways.

Students can choose to apply for admission for either the generic MEd or the following optional specialisation.

THE MASTER OF EDUCATION AND RELATED SPECIALISATIONS DO NOT QUALIFY GRADUATES FOR TEACHER REGISTRATION.

Master of Education (Special Education)

(MEd(SpecEd))

OFFERED ON CAMPUS AND IN DISTANCE MODE

SPECIALISATION AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The specialisation is designed to provide experienced educators or related professionals with in-depth knowledge of a range of local and global perspectives and practices associated with the education of children and young people with special needs. It aims to provide graduates of the specialisation with skills and knowledge to design programs to improve learning and social outcomes for children and young people with special needs and to evaluate the outcomes of such programs. The specialisation also provides opportunities to develop skills to successfully work in collaboration with parents of children who have a disability and other professionals in the field.

Specialisation is available in the areas of learning difficulties, gifted education, behaviour problems, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairment, autism, and psychological perspectives.

Learning outcomes

It is expected that graduates from this specialisation will be able to:

• understand the philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives of exceptionality;
• critically examine the current literature relating to learning and exceptionality;
• develop an increased ability to apply current knowledge in their practice as special educators or in other professions;
• provide curriculum, pedagogical, and policy leadership in special education;
• collaborate and consult with parents and professionals to provide services to individuals with special needs;
• evaluate educational services in regard to their ability to provide appropriate supports for individuals with special needs; and
• critically examine and debate issues relating to special needs.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2009]

To qualify for the Master of Education (Special Education) a student must complete 72 units, including approved credit, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to one of the following patterns:

36 units equivalent to a fourth year of study in the field of special education coursework topics (credit for an approved four year degree or for approved relevant work experience will be granted within this component) and either:

• Option 1: 36 units of coursework topics (credit for an approved graduate certificate in a related field will be granted within this component); or:
• Option 2: 24 units of coursework topics (credit for an approved graduate certificate within a related field will be granted within this component) and a 12-unit coursework project EDSP9012; or:
• Option 3: 18 units of coursework topics (credit for an approved graduate certificate in a related field will be granted within this component) and an 18-unit dissertation EDES9009; or:
• Option 4: 12 units of coursework topics (credit for an approved graduate certificate in a related field will be granted within this component) and a 24-unit research project EDES9019.

The coursework topics are normally selected from the following:

*Available in external mode

# These topics must be taken concurrently.

** Students must enrol in Part 1 and Part 2 to complete the requirements of this topic.