Why study the SCU Online Master of Education?
Outstanding student support
#1 in Australia for Education Student Support 1
Top 100 Young Universities
Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world that are 50 years old or younger 2
Affordable, online and accelerated
One of Australia’s most affordable Master of Education online degrees
1 Good Universities Guide 2023
2 Times Higher Education 2024 Young University Rankings
Gain business administration skills for effective, strong school leadership
Drive leadership and business strategies in educational contexts with an online Master of Education, specialising in Educational Leadership. You will be equipped with advanced skills, knowledge and research skills to effectively manage people, time and resources to improve education outcomes. A specialisation in educational leadership focuses on business administration skills.
Throughout the course, you will explore diverse leadership styles, reflecting on your practice to establish personal strengths and goals as a leader. You will adopt a managerial and analytical approach to the financial aspects of business management, and hone in on areas that are vital to educational administration.
Quick facts
- Units
8 - Duration
16 months part-time - Fees
$2,753 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, Apr, July, Sep, Nov
The SCU Online benefits
Learn on your own terms
Own your educational journey by having the flexibility to manage your study, work and life commitments, without impacting your overall course progress.
Supporting education research
SCU’s Faculty of Education seeks to innovate and transform the field of education through world-leading educational research in areas of sustainability, environment, school improvement, social policy and more.
Helping communities thrive
At SCU Online, we stand for our community. We’re committed to offering a vibrant teaching, learning, research and cultural environment to help you achieve your career goals.
How does a Master of Education (Educational Leadership) work with SCU?
- With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
- Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
- Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
- Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
- To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.
A typical study period at SCU Online
Early exit option
We know that plans change, which is why we’ve built a flexible completion option into the online Master of Education. If you need to exit early, you could still receive a Graduate Certificate in Education after completing four core units.
Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying
Master Degree
+ 4 Units
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry to the Master of Education online, you must have:
- A four-year Bachelor degree in Education from any Australian university or equivalent; OR
- an undergraduate degree and a fourth-year level teaching qualification from any Australian university or equivalent.
In either case, students need to be proficient in English.
Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Units of study
This unit explores the broad canvas of social and political contexts in which educational leaders operate at a state, national and global level.
This unit is designed to prepare you for educational environments in Australia and around the world.
Provides students with the skills to identify and utilise data to improve educational performance (staff, student or whole school performance).
Explore concepts from the professional learning community, and the latest research literature.
This unit develops knowledge and understanding of generic research and evaluation tools in the educational context.
Specialisations to choose from
Specialise in Educational Leadership to effectively leverage leadership and business strategies in educational administration settings.
- Accounting for Managers
- Human Resource Management
- The Positive Leader
- Evaluation for Improved Teaching and Learning
Specialise in Educational Wellbeing to bring positive change to your education system by focussing on improving teacher and student welfare.
- Valuing Diversity
- Educational Support in Difficult Times
- Educational Leadership and Wellbeing
- Enhancing Student Wellbeing
Learning outcomes
Get prepared to make business-like decisions in an educational context.
Equips you with the skills you need to lead teaching professionals.
Gain invaluable financial and entrepreneurial skills.
What our students do
Our Master of Education students work in a variety of educational contexts around Australia. Below is a snapshot of some of these roles and jobs.
- Deputy Head of School
- Lead Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Principal
- Primary School Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Classroom Teacher
- Assistant Principal
- Community Wellbeing Coordinator
In this video, Master of Education graduate Aleasa Brink speaks about the benefits of engaging in and promoting lifelong learning.
Aleasa Brink: "Education is a lifelong skill. So, lifelong learning is something that I talk about within my school and within the profession I work, so modelling that and continuing on that path is something that's very important for me." Subheading: What are you trying to achieve from online study? Aleasa: "I want to progress myself in my career and professionally, it's quite relevant. The learning that I'm doing with the study is helping with my work and my work is helping with my study." Subheading: What are your tips for students considering online study? Aleasa: "My first tip would be just to have a go! And finding a course that is going to complement what you're doing, so for me - not a load on top of what I'm doing. It really fits in seamlessly with what I'm already doing, and enhancing that."
Our Accreditations and Endorsements
Our online programs meet all of the AQF guidelines, ensuring quality education.
5-STAR Rating for Full-Time Employment, Overall Experience, Student Support, Learning Resources, Teaching Quality and Skills Development.
Southern Cross University is one of the world's Top 100 Young Universities.
Our postgraduate student support and satisfaction both above the national average.
Meet our course coordinator
Immerse yourself in a transformative journey with course coordinator David Lynch, a prominent figure in academic innovation. David has pioneered teacher education and school leadership improvements, shaping modern programs with a focus on whole-school progress. He brings his wealth of experience to our students, offering insights across key areas:
- Diverse teaching experience: Learn from David's innovative approaches to education and leadership, shaped by his work in Australia, Norway, Japan, and the UK.
- Collaborative learning: Engage in an interactive process, testing propositions and contributing to educational improvement.
- Focus on school leadership: Gain practical models and strategies for effective leadership implementation.
- Hands-on learning: David’s experience as a state school principal and global researcher offers a unique, practical approach to education.
All of the education subjects were highly applicable. The assignments were designed in a way that each student could focus on their own school or workplace. The general way each assignment worked was to analyse a particular element of the school and present improvements. In my mind, that's exactly the sort of thing a Principal does and what I aspire to.
The content within the course directly relates to my professional life so I use this time to re-read prescribed texts, research or articles that will help to develop my understanding of the unit as well as develop me professionally. I think it is important to model lifelong learning to my staff and students and this is one way in which I can do that.
I really enjoyed the unit focusing on positive leadership styles and have actually used some of that knowledge to teach my students about different leadership styles in the workplace.
