Master of Educational Leadership

    Master of Educational Leadership

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 31,444 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

    Master of Educational Leadership

    About

    Prepare for leadership positions with the UNSW Master of Educational Leadership. This postgraduate degree provides aspiring and current educational leaders with an understanding of theory, research, and practice in educational leadership.

    Gain the confidence to apply disciplinary principles and practices to complex educational environments as a school leader, principal or executive. Study the latest educational leadership theory and research at UNSW to deepen and expand your knowledge. Empower yourself with diverse practical and analytical skills for a range of educational leadership contexts. 

    • We’re benchmarked with the highest global rating for Education research (Excellence in Research Australia)
    • Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
    • Learn through research-informed teaching
    • Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
    • Access world-class alumni connections
    • Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

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

    1-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%.
    2-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.

    Credit transfer
    You can apply to have credit points from previous studies applied to the Master of Educational Leadership. The maximum credit transfer you can apply for is 50% (24 units of credit, or three courses). Recognised courses must have been completed within the last ten years, provided the content is relevant and/or meet BOSTES requirements.

    English Program Requirements

    Faculty Undergraduate Postgraduate coursework Postgraduate research
    Arts, Design & Architecture

    6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

     

    Exceptions:

    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary): 7 overall (min 6.5 in writing & reading, 7.5 in speaking & listening)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours): 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in each subtest)
    • Bachelor of Social Work (Honours): 7 overall (min 7.0 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking)

    6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

     

    Exceptions:

    • Master of Teaching (Primary & Secondary): 7.5 overall (min 7.0 in writing & reading, 8.0 in speaking & listening)

    7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

    Career

    Future careers

    Graduates of the UNSW Master of Educational Leadership have gained positions as principals, deputy principals, head teachers and education authorities in government departments.

    The excellence of research produced by UNSW is widely recognised among our peers in Australia and beyond. In the field of education specifically, our research is benchmarked with the highest global rating of 5 by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), the highest possible rating and well-above world standards. The NSW Institute of Teachers also endorses all subjects and degrees taught by UNSW's School of Education.

    Career opportunities

    • Lead education in schools from all sectors
    Software Developer

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    31,444 / year
    Application Fee 150

    Master of Educational Leadership

    University of New South Wales

    University of New South Wales

    Australia

    Australia, Sydney