Master of Education (Special Education)

Only 30% of teachers working with students with special education needs have a formal qualification in special education, and graduates with this degree are highly sort after for positions in the field. Special education graduates working in mainstream education settings are also highly valued as they are able to contribute to the growth of staff and school community through their expertise in special education.

Completion of eight subjects in the area of special education is recognised by the NSW Department of Education and Training as a formal qualification in special education. This can be achieved through the Master of Education (Special Education).

The special education program in the Faculty of Education and Social Work is based around a non-categorical philosophy. The program focuses on developing skills, knowledge and values that allow teachers to cater for the educational needs of students with special education needs.

In developing these skills, individual students area able to, and encouraged to, follow specific interests. This can be accommodated through flexible assignment requirements, and tutorial presentations. Classes also promote students to engage in academic debate with staff – debate could be on the basis of new developments in the area or literature that is being shared with the class.

The course is currently delivered on campus (Camperdown) during regular semester, as well as during intensive winter and summer school sessions. On-line subjects are currently being developed.

Here's 10 reasons why postgraduate students choose Sydney University.

Masters Program (Master of Education (Special Education))

If you are applying as part of the NSW Department of Education and Training retraining program, please consult the coordinator upon application.

The Master of Education (Special Education) program requires a year (2 semesters) of full-time study (or 2 years/4 semesters of part-time study).

Students are required to choose 8 subjects in total.

For formal recognition by the NSW Department of Education ands Social Work, students need to complete ALL eight subjects in the area of special education (2 core, 6 special education options).

For a qualification of MEd (Special Education) students need to complete:

• including 2 core units from the Core Units list below, and
• 4 special education units from Special Education Units list below, and
• two additional units of study from outside the program, but within the Faculty of Education and Social Work OR two additional units from the elective list below

Graduate Diploma Program (Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Special Education))

(Please note that this program DOES NOT lead to a professional teaching qualification).

Students who are not eligible for entry into the Master of Education program, or who may wish to undertake a shorter period of study, may be able to enrol in the Graduate Diploma program.

Students are required to choose 6 subjects in total,

• including 2 core units from the Core Units list below, and
• 4 elective units from the Elective Units list below

Graduate Certificate Program (Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Special Education))

(Please note that this program DOES NOT lead to a professional teaching qualification).

Students who are not eligible for entry into the Master of Education program or Graduate Diploma program, or who may wish to undertake a shorter period of study, may be able to enrol in the Graduate Certificate program.

Students are required to choose 4 subjects in total,

• including 1 core units from the Core Units list below, and
• 3 special education units from the Special Education Units list below

Core Units of Study in Special Education

• EDPD 5001 - Students with Special Educational Needs
• EDPD 5011 - Integration Process

Elective Units in Special Education

• EDPD 5012 - Preventing disruptive behavior
• EDPD 5014 - Teaching Students with Learning Difficulties in Basic Skills
• EDPD 5015 - Meeting Special Educational Needs through the Curriculum
• EDPD 6018 - Screening and Assessment in Special Education (Winter School)
• EDPD 6015 - The Consultative Process
• EDPZ 6730 - Special Project 1
• EDPZ 6731 - Special Project 2
• EDPD 6018 - Screening & Assessment in Special Ed Adv

For a complete list of postgraduate units of study available within the Faculty of Education and Social Work, please consult the Postgraduate Handbook.

If you've got a question about this degree program, please ask it via this form or contact Associate Professor David Evans.

Teaching staff in this program include:

• Associate Professor David Evans
• Dr Kathleen Tait
• Professor Trevor Parmenter

The Master of Education (Special Education), combined with a record of excellence, equips graduates to proceed into higher research degrees. A number of pathways into higher research are available within the Faculty through Masters and Doctoral studies.

To apply for the Master of Education (Special Education), you should hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution.

Local Students

Local 2008 fees are AUD$1,470 per unit of study.

Assistance with local fee payments may be available via the Australian Government. Please visit the website http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/ for more information.

International Students

International 2008 fees for the Masters program are AUD$19,440 p.a. (for a year of full time study - 48 credit points or equivalent). Fees are reduced proportionally for students undertaking the Gradate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.
Comprehensive information about international fees is available from the International Office.

Additional information for International applications is also available from this website.

The University’s tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be varied during the period of study. The exact tuition fee for your course may depend on the specific units of study in which you enrol.