Is special education for you?

The Master of Special Education is intended for teachers and others with relevant experiences who wish to gain postgraduate professional qualifications in special education. Read more ...

What you will study

The structure of the Master of Special Education provides three specialisation pathways. Read more ...

Your future

Graduates who are qualified teachers may be employed as special education teachers with the NSW Department of Education and Training. Read more ...

Is special education for you?

The Master of Special Education is intended for teachers and others with relevant experiences who wish to gain postgraduate professional qualifications in special education. If you would like to acquire or update your expertise in a dynamic field of study and practice, then this program is for you.

The approach used in the program blends theory and practice, with an emphasis on applying research findings to best teaching practices.

What you will study

The structure of the Master of Special Education provides six specialisation pathways. You may graduate with a Master of Special Education with one of the following specialisations:

• generic special education (available via Weblearn and face-to-face classes at Callaghan campus)
• early childhhood education
• emotional disturbance/behaviour problems (primarily Weblearn; not available to international students)
• sensory disabilities (available through the Renwick Centre via Weblearn)
• deaf and hard of hearing (available through the Renwick Centre via Weblearn)
• blind and vision impairment (available through the Renwick Centre via Weblearn)

The program provides research-based coursework content that is designed to provide special education teachers and administrators with up to date skills to support a wide variety of students with special needs. Many of the courses are available via distance education, with some courses available face-to-face at either the Callaghan or Renwick campuses.

The Renwick Centre conducts research and professional studies in the field of education for children who have sensory disabilities. It is administered by the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children and is affiliated with the University of Newcastle. Courses can be undertaken through weekly lectures, distance learning packages and/or block residential.

Examples of courses:

• Interventions in behaviour problems
• Education of students with learning difficulties
• Education of students with behaviour problems
• Developmental disabilities
• Teaching methods and techniques in special education
• Current issues in special education
• Critical reflection in special education settings
• Audiology for special educators
• Speech language and literacy assessment and remediation 
• Applications of technology for students with vision impairments
• Child development: family and community contexts 

Your future

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.

Be recognised

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, is congruent with current NSW Department of Education and Training requirements for special education teachers, as well as international best practice in special education.