Master of Instructional Leadership
    Go to University of Melbourne

    Master of Instructional Leadership

    University of Melbourne
    University of Melbourne
    Australia
    Australia, Melbourne
    University Rank:#19
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 34,306 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026
    Master of Instructional Leadership

    About

    Overview

    ✓ Designed for school-based leaders or those looking to upskill into leadership

    ✓ Evidence-based approach to leadership study

    ✓ Course built on research

    ✓ Network with other leaders

    ✓ The only specific Instructional Leadership course in Australia

    The Master of Instructional Leadership allows you to build your skills and knowledge to enhance effective teaching and learning, and contribute to greater student achievement. The Master of Instructional Leadership focuses on the impact of evidence-based approaches to the leadership of teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on research.

    Promotion opportunities

    If you're seeking specialist qualifications for advancement into middle and senior positions, the Master of Education degree is for you.

    Who is the course for?

    The Master of Instructional Leadership has been created for a variety of education professionals. The content is tailored to both current school-based leaders and principals, as well as aspiring leaders looking to attain leadership roles. The course is particularly useful for teachers as they learn to better understand themselves as a leader, as well as gaining knowledge on how to best implement leadership strategies and tactics.

    Why choose the Master of Instructional Leadership with us?

    Our Master of Instructional Leadership is the only specific course of its kind in Australia. The course aligns with the Australian Professional Standard for Principals, developed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, an organisation chaired by the Faculty of Education's Professor John Hattie. On the program, you’ll be taught by a number of internationally recognised education experts. As well as strong leaders and educators, the course has also been built for practical application in the real world, with a focus on upskilling into leadership positions and gaining confidence through study.

    The reputation of the University of Melbourne is strong and globally recognised, particularly for education and training, where we have been regularly ranked #1 in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). We are at the cutting edge of teaching and research.

    Support while you learn

    We take pride in the excellent support we offer our Master of Instructional Leadership students from enrolment, throughout their studies, and beyond. If you are an Indigenous student, we offer a range of support services here at the University of Melbourne via Murrup Barak. Find out more here.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Admission criteria

    To be considered for entry into this course, you must have

    • An appropriate four-year degree in education or equivalent, OR
    • A postgraduate diploma in education, AND
    • At least two years of documented relevant professional experience.

    Professional experience relevant to this course includes roles in education such as school-based leaders and principals, as well as aspiring leaders looking to attain leadership roles.

    Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

    English language requirements

    All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

    • English language test score requirements

    • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

      IELTS

      7.0

      with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0

      TOEFL

      94+

      with writing 27; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

      PEARSON

      72+

      with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 60

      CAMBRIDGE

      185+

      with no less than 185 in writing and no less than 169 in each other skill
      *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

    About selection

    When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

    The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

    Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

    The Selection Committee will also consider your work experience.

    English Program Requirements

    All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

  • English language test score requirements

  • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

    IELTS

    7.0

    with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0

    TOEFL

    94+

    with writing 27; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

    PEARSON

    72+

    with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 60

    CAMBRIDGE

    185+

    with no less than 185 in writing and no less than 169 in each other skill
    *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

    • Career

    Careers

    The Master of Instructional Leadership is designed to advance your existing career with your new specialist knowledge and gain a promotion into middle or upper management. The rigorous research-led approach to study allows students to take their learnings and practically apply them. Through your education studies and research projects, you will develop strong professional and personal connections with community and industry that will open doors to an outstanding future.

    Pathways

    Graduates who complete the research intensive option in year 2 may be eligible to apply for entry to the Doctor of Education program or a PhD.

    Highly employable

    Finish your course confident of gaining employment, thanks to the excellent reputation of Faculty of Education. We have been consistently ranked as #1 in Australia and in the global top 16 for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Education and Training), meaning a degree from us is a globally recognised achievement.

    Meet our Master of Instructional Leadership alumni: Deborah Letcher

    Whilst studying for the Master of Instructional Leadership, Deborah changed roles twice in areas directly related to the area of educational leadership. She reflects that the study she was doing at the time was largely responsible for her being ready for those new positions. Deborah found her studies to be flexible around her full-time leadership responsibilities and the on-campus intensives to be stimulating and engaging.

    Read Deborah's story

    Physician Assistant

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    34,306 / year
    Application Fee 154
    Master of Instructional Leadership
    University of Melbourne
    University of Melbourne
    Australia

    Australia, Melbourne

    Go to Official Website