Master of Special Education

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

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

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 Evaluation of Courses, students consistently provide high ratings for courses in the Master of Special Education.

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.

Admission to the Master of Special Education is open to applicants who have satisfactorily completed a four year Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent or a three year degree and a Diploma of Education.

In exceptional cases applicants can gain entry by producing evidence of other approved qualifications and experience.

Candidates who do not meet the normal entry requirements (including candidates who hold a three year Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching) may qualify for entry by completing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Special Education), or (Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Disorders) as preliminary studies, and then seek up to 40 units of credit in the Master of Special Education.

It is assumed that applicants have the equivalent of two years relevant teaching experience, or professional experience related to education, or an approved alternative field, or have completed a major special education strand or equivalent in their first degree.

While entry to the program is possible without a teaching qualification, Australian education authorities will not recognise the MSpecEd as a specialist teaching qualification unless an initial teaching qualification has been obtained.

It is assumed that applicants have the equivalent of two years relevant teaching experience, or professional experiences related to education, or an approved alternative field, or have completed a special education strand or equivalent in their first degree.

Students who have completed relevant studies may apply for up to 40 units of credit toward the Master of Special Education.

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.

International Students are not specifically targeted for entry into the Master of Special Education.

All new International Students enrolled in the Master of Special Education will be provided with an Orientation of the Faculty of Education and Arts and the University at the commencement of each Semester.

There is a designated International Student Liaison Officer in all Schools within the Faculty of Education and Arts. This Officer is available to International Students as a representative and also to seek guidance and advice from.

The Faculty of Education and Arts accepts responsibility for providing reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, which offers practical assistance and advice to students with a disability or chronic illness. The program does not target applicants from one or more of the groups of students identified with special needs.

Students undertaking study by distance education in the areas of Vision or Hearing may be required to attend residential lectures or workshops at the Renwick Centre in North Rocks. Students should contact the Renwick Centre for information before enrolling in courses in sensory disability.

Students are required to successfully complete 80 units of approved study to obtain the degree. The structure of the Master of Special Education provides three specialisation pathways. Students may graduate with a:

• Master of Special Education
• Master of Special Education with a specialisation in Emotional Disturbance/Behaviour Problems
• Master of Special Education with a specialisation in Hearing/Visual Impairment.

It is essential that students seeking to undertake specialisations in Sensory Disability 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 (generic specialisation), at Renwick Centre (sensory disability specialisation), or through distance learning for generic, sensory disability and emotional disturbance/behaviour problems specialsations.

Students enrolled in the Master of Special Education (Sensory Disability) will be given the option of transferring to the Master of Special Education.