Master of Disability Studies (Distance Education)

The Master of Disability Studies provides a mix of theoretical and practical content. It is designed for professionals who are either working, or who aspire to work in the disability field in either a "hands-on", or managerial capacity.

Staff from the Centre for Special Education and Disability Studies who deliver the program have respected national and international research profiles in Disability Studies. In addition, courses in the Disability Studies program consistently receive high satisfaction ratings on the University's Student Evaluation of Courses survey.

Graduates of the Disability Studies program will have demonstrated skills and competencies that make them eligible for employment in a wide range of community disability services for people with a disability that include employment, residential community access and a wide variety of other disability service types. Graduates would also be eligible for employment for direct support as well as management positions.

For the Master of Disability Studies a relevant University degree is required. However, students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Disability Studies), are eligible to apply and may receive up to 40 units credit in the Master of Disability Studies. The assumed knowledge for study will be equivalent to two years relevant professional experience.

Applications are made via GradSchool.com.au at www.gradschool.com.au

Two years of relevant professional experience.

Applicants who do not satisfy the requirements for direct entry to the award may enter via the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies.

Completion of a completed Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies in the specialisation of Disability Studies.

At this time, a set of national professional standards for people working in community disability services does not exist in Australia. However, the content of the courses in the Disability Studies program fully address the National Competency Standards for Disability Services, developed by the National Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Board.

The Faculty of Education and Arts accepts the responsibility for providing reasonable accommodations for international students, in liaison with the International Development Services unit support team, which offers practical assistance and advice to international students.

All new International Students 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 Students 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.

Courses are delivered through distance learning packages, and some learning materials are also available on-line. All courses are offered at Masters level. There is no residential or examination requirement.

• *Core courses will be offered every second year instead of every year. The pattern of study for the Master of Disability Studies is:

• 2009 - core courses;
• 2010 - directed courses;
• 2011 - core courses;
• 2012 - directed courses.

The program can be completed in one year full-time or part-time equivalent.

Students may apply either at the beginning or in the middle of each year.

The award requires the completion of 80 units of study, made up of four core courses (40 units) and four directed courses (40 units). Students may choose other directed courses with approval. Not all courses are available in each semester. The Faculty reserves the right not to offer courses if there if there is insufficient demand.