The Master of Special Education is a coursework program intended for practising teachers and others with relevant experience who wish to gain postgraduate professional qualifications in special education. The approach used in the program blends theory and practice, with an emphasis on applying research findings to best teaching practices.

Staff who deliver the Master of Special Education have respected national and international research profiles which assists in the integration of research into practice through the courses offered in the program. In addition, as measured by the University's Student Feedback on Courses, students consistently provide high ratings for courses in the Master of Special Education.

Students are required to successfully complete 80 units of approved study to obtain the degree. The structure of the Master of Special Education provides six specialisation pathways.

Students may graduate with a Master of Special Education with Specialisation in:

• General Special Education
• Early Childhood
• Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Problems
• Sensory Disabilities
• Blind and Vision Impairment
• Deaf Hard of Hearing

It is essential that students seeking to undertake specialisations in Sensory Disabilities, Hearing or Vision contact Renwick Centre on 02 98720303 or email Renwick@ridbc.org.au for program advice and course selection before enrolment. See website www.ridbc.org.au/renwick

The program may be undertaken on campus at Callaghan (general special education specialisation), at Renwick Centre (sensory disability, hearing and vision specialisations), or through distance learning for general, early childhood, sensory disability and emotional disturbance/behaviour problems specialisations.

This is a fee paying program. Australian students may be able to participate in the Higher Education Loans Program (FEE-HELP)

Graduates who are qualified teachers may be employed as Special Education teachers with the NSW Department of Education and Training, other Australian state and territory public school providers, Catholic Education, and Australian independent school providers.

At this time, both the NSW Institute of Teachers and Teaching Australia, are yet to endorse a set of professional standards for special education teachers. However, the content and structure of the recommended program of study at the University of Newcastle, that appears in the next section, is congruent with current NSW Department of Education and Training requirements for special education teachers as well as international best practice in special education.

Students who already hold a recognised special education qualification are free to select any courses from across the specialisations. However, any students interested in Hearing or Vision are advised to contact the Renwick Centre prior to making course selections.

Please also refer to the RIDBC Renwick Centre Student Handbook above in the 'Further Information' section.