University of New South Wales

Master of Education (Special Education)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

A specialist special education stream in the Master of Education designed to address the increasing demands for knowledge and skills in teaching children and adults with special needs.The stream covers a wide range of topics, e.g. autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioural disabilities, communication disorders, intellectual disabilities, learning assistance, assistive technology as well as inclusive education. The Masters of Education in Special Education is designed both for teachers in mainstream schools who wish to facilitate inclusion of students with disabilities, as well as for those who want to work as special educators in specialised settings.

Delivery mode

University of New South Wales offers this course through the following delivery modes:

Blended

Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.


Locations
  • UNSW Sydney, High St, Kensington

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Depending on your experience, there are three entry pathways to the Master of Education.

One-year fast-track program

  • A four-year bachelor’s degree or combined degree in education (including professional experience or practicum) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification (e.g., Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline*, plus three years of relevant professional experience and development**.

1.5-year program

  • A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline* with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, OR
  • A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% plus three years’ relevant professional experience** and development, OR
  • An honours degree or graduate diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

Two-year program

  • A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

* “Relevant disciplines” may include arts, humanities, media, psychology, social work, business, economics, languages, linguistics, communications, policy studies, behavioural sciences, and social sciences.

** “Relevant professional experience” may include roles such as teacher, trainer, coach, educational developer, languages teacher, lecturer, teacher of English to speakers of other languages, educational leader, and educational administration.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $0 - $8,375 $74,515 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Standard Tuition:
$8,375
Standard Tuition:
$74,515
Full Fee Tuition:
$8,375
Full Fee Tuition:
$74,515
Enquire with University of New South Wales to find out more.
Study mode Blended
Duration 12 Months
Estimated fee* $0 - $8,375 $74,515 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Master of Education (Special Education) will prepare you for the following roles.

About University of New South Wales

Since our foundation in 1949, UNSW Sydney has made an ongoing commitment to improve and transform lives in Australia and globally.

The essence of UNSW Sydney is not found in our impressive facilities or beautiful grounds. It is found in our students, our staff, our alumni and our generous donors. Our collective difference reflects the unique perspectives of our people, place and purpose as we play our part in the creation of a just society.

Our guiding motto, Scientia Corde Manu et Mente–Knowledge by Heart, Hand and Mind–embodies our commitment to embrace diversity of thought, integrity, innovation, and our deep connections with the community.

UNSW is a vibrant, multicultural campus with students and staff from over 120 different nationalities. We believe our cultural diversity is one of our main strengths, as it exposes us to alternative perspectives and experiences in our working, learning and research environments.