Study Leadership and Management in Education

The Master of Leadership and Management in Education is one of the University of Newcastle’s most highly regarded postgraduate degrees. From experience, we believe practical postgraduate learning is the best way to enhance teaching quality and equip individuals with the comprehensive leadership skills that today’s learning environments demand. The program provides specific expertise in research-based and data driven decision-making, an international perspective, and a commitment to providing leadership that meets the global imperative to understand and provide educational equity.

If you love making a difference in the life of students, strive to see them get the most out of their learning experience and want to join a collaborative community of leaders, then the Master of Leadership and Management in Education is the program for you. This program will expand your leadership and management skills to guide people, education strategy and policy to improve the lives and learning of all students.

Why study with us?

  • What you learn is relevant - apply your course learning and assignments directly to your own organisation as soon as you enrol – not just when you graduate.
  • Become an industry expert - you’ll graduate with high-level management and leadership skills in guiding and educating students, and join a global community of learning leaders.
  • Study anywhere, anytime - our advanced online learning system provides you with the flexibility and support to study anytime, anywhere to balance work, life and study. You can complete your degree entirely online.
  • Work anywhere in the world - our Master of Leadership and Management in Education is recognised nationally and internationally. In an environment where teachers are in demand globally you will stand out at the forefront of the profession.
  • Learn from the best - enjoy the benefits of an authentic learning approach and program courses built on applied world-class, multidisciplinary research.
World top 175 ? for Education
Professional placement and practical opportunities
96.1% employed ? within four months of graduating
$85,000 ? teacher starting salary

What you will study

The University of Newcastle’s Master of Leadership and Management in Education will see you develop a higher level of educational practice to improve the lives and learning of all students. The program supports the practical application of an evidence-based theoretical framework with coursework driven by groundbreaking research teamed with innovative practical skills. The courses incorporate world-leading knowledge and include content from multiple disciplines such as architecture, nursing, engineering, and creative industries.

The assessment program is schools-based, using applied teaching methods and real-life learning situations. You will be supported by world-class research and exemplary teaching and learning practitioners and develop knowledge and skills in areas such as instructional leadership, implementing educational change, strategic management, or forming policy. All courses are aligned with state, national and international standards.

Courses to support your drive and direction include:

  • Sustaining Strategic Leadership
  • Building High-Quality Learning Environments
  • Leading for Learning
  • Research and School Transformation

In addition to the core courses, students will have the choice to further enhance their knowledge and skills in one of the areas outlined in the directed courses. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

  • Educational Leadership and ICT
  • Research Methodology
  • School Leadership Research
  • Leading and Managing Educational Change

Upon completion of the above courses you will have developed advanced-level skills in leadership and management excellence in education, and expand your career opportunities in a practical manner.

Cohort model opportunity

At the University of Newcastle, we are experienced in working with cohorts of teachers from the same school, we have developed an effective model for supporting staff studying together. Undertaking postgraduate study within a school cohort promotes staff collaboration and increases student engagement in learning.

This cohort approach also provides an extra layer of support for your staff who are navigating graduate study alongside teaching commitments. The benefits of the program are felt immediately by the staff, students, and the wider community.

Visit here for more information.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Master of Leadership and Management in Education might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

The University of Newcastle’s Master of Leadership and Management in Education has been designed to position graduates to lead educational excellence. Your future career opportunities will be abundant seeing you graduate with the potential to embark on some of the following career pathways:

  • educational administrators
  • education policy and advisory roles
  • curriculum development & leaders
  • head teacher or leading teacher
  • organisational leaders
  • policy officer
  • school principal, deputy or assistant principal

Throughout your studies you will enjoy flexible learning options that can be focused on what it is you love most about being a teacher, and you’ll become an even stronger educational leader, nationally and internationally. Upon completion of the program you will possess the skills and knowledge to support your real-world professional experience and equip you to drive positive change in your school.

Application info

Applying for Master of Leadership and Management in Education

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: All applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years experience as a teacher, educational manager or comparable experience. Please ensure that you include a detailed professional resume, and verification of employment.

Apply to study in Australia

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now.

Important: All applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years experience as a teacher, educational manager or comparable experience. Please ensure that you include a detailed professional resume, and verification of employment.

Apply to study online

This program is open to online international students. Applications to study online are now open.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

The Master of Leadership and Management in Education is an 80-unit postgraduate qualification, with admission available for applicants who have at least two years’ work experience and one of the following qualifications or equivalent:

  • Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma; or
  • Bachelor Honours Degree; or
  • Bachelor Degree; or
  • Diploma or Advanced Diploma plus five years' demonstrable relevant work experience.

Relevant fields and applicable work experience includes education, teaching, training, education manager, or equivalent.

Work experience can be demonstrated through: certified copies of all relevant qualifications, a detailed CV, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates