The Master of Education (Higher Education) is a 72-unit program offered by the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work and is available via online delivery.
It is aimed at academics who are working in the tertiary sector or who aspire to teach at tertiary level, and those whose personal, professional or research interests include a focus on higher education. There are several strands within the specialisation which provide pathways for participants interested in a specific focus, such as teaching and learning, leadership, or research in Higher Education. Students are expected to discuss their choice of topics with the specialisation coordinator, who must approve the student’s final program of study. Consultation with the specialisation coordinator early in the program is essential for students wanting to pursue a research pathway leading to doctoral studies to ensure that all academic requirements are met.
The Higher Education specialisation will be identified on the student’s transcript of academic record and on the parchment presented to the student on completion of the course.
Admission requirements
Students are required to complete 72 units for the Master of Education (Higher Education). Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification, and be employed in a teaching position in a higher education institution.
Advanced Entry (1.5 years) applicants who have completed an approved degree or equivalent qualification in education, teaching or in a closely related discipline, and are employed in a teaching position in a higher education institution, may be eligible to complete a 54 unit program.
The Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Course aims
The Master of Education (Higher Education) provides candidates with opportunities to critically examine recent literature, engage in debate and reflection, and develop and apply in-depth knowledge of:
- contemporary issues, priorities and contexts in higher education and their implications;
- scholarly practice in higher education;
- curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, policies and practices designed to improve learning outcomes in higher education;
- methods for fostering interdisciplinary and intercultural partnerships and working collaboratively;
- research principles and methods and their application to higher education;
- research principles and methods in the evaluation, design and completion of research into a current higher education issue.
Learning outcomes
Graduates from this specialisation will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of:
- contemporary issues, priorities and policies in higher education;
- political, social and economic complexities of educational contexts;
- principles and practices of effective relational pedagogy in higher education;
- systemic practices that enhance student learning, achievement and well-being;
- qualitative and quantitative approaches to gathering evidence in support of the development of personal and collegial pedagogical practices.
Graduates from this specialisation will develop the cognitive, creative and technical skills to:
- identify the implications of contemporary socio-political issues for their local context;
- critique the scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education, with particular reference to assessment and quality assurance;
- articulate and defend a personal philosophy for professional practice;
Graduates from this specialisation will be able to apply their specialised knowledge and skills to:
- design and evaluate quality learning experiences for diverse students in higher education;
- construct and conduct a practitioner research project to focus on a key aspect of personal or institutional significance.
Credit
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Education (Higher Education) at Flinders University will be eligible to receive 18 units of credit towards the Master of Education (Higher Education). Credit may also be granted, on application, for: prior study completed in a relevant Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.
Program of study
