- Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.
Special Education
The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only.
Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.
Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.
The Master of Education (Special Education) is specifically designed to provide professional training for trained teachers to take up special education positions in schools.
Students are provided with the knowledge and skills needed to support the full range of learning needs of students with special needs. They will learn to plan, implement and evaluate whole school interventions.
The Master of Education (Special Education) has been approved as a professionally oriented Masters program eligible for Student Income Support. For further information contact the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) on 132 490.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Master of Education (Special Education) will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories, legislation and practices underpinning the education of learners with special needs within national and international contexts.
- Analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories of special education.
- Conduct independent research and inquiry into contemporary issues in special education, involving higher order conceptualisation, new ideas and personal initiative.
- Interpret and transmit educational knowledge, pedagogical and professional skills, and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Communicate effectively and collaboratively with stakeholders through variety of modes in the educational landscape.
- Use advanced knowledge of special education concepts, theories and practices and critical thinking skills to solve complex problems in special education settings.
- Act responsibly, ethically and professionally with diverse populations at local, national and global levels.
Course Structure
The MEd (Special Education) requires:
- The successful completion of 72 credit points comprising:
- 6 core subjects (36cp). It is recommended that EDGZ921 be completed within the first 2 sessions and EDGS912 be completed in the final session of the degree;
- 4 subjects (24cp) selected from the Special Education specialisation; and
- 2 electives (12cp) selected from any Master of Education specialisation.
- No more than 4 subjects (24cp) will be at 800 level.
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following 6 core subjects (36cp): | |||
| EDGZ801 | Psychology for Educators | 6 | Autumn |
| EDGZ802 | Introduction to Assessment Principles and Practice | 6 | Not offered in 2016 |
| EDGZ803 | Current Issues in Education: Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy | 6 | Not offered in 2016 |
| EDGZ921 | Introduction To Research & Inquiry | 6 | Autumn, Spring, Summer |
| EDGS901 | Intro. to Inclusive Education: Strategies, Policies and Legislation | 6 | Autumn |
| EDGS912 | Investigating Issues in Special Education/Inclusive Education | 6 | Spring |
| Plus 4 subjects selected from the Special Education specialisation list below (24cp): | |||
| EDGS902 | Asses. and Instruction of Students with Learning Difficulties | 6 | Autumn |
| EDGS903 | Technologies for Students with Special Needs | 6 | Autumn |
| EDGS914 | Assessment and Instruction of Individuals with High Support Needs | 6 | Spring |
| EDGS916 | Models of Behaviour Management | 6 | Spring |
| EDGS918 | Approaches to Reading Difficulties: Theories and Strategies | 6 | Autumn |
| EDGS920 | Language and Communication Difficulties: Theory and Practice | 6 | Spring |
| EDGS922 | Teaching Gifted Students | 6 | Autumn |
| EDGS924 | Giftedness in Special Populations | 6 | Spring |
| EDGS926 | Education of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) | 6 | Not offered in 2016 |
| EDGS930 | Professional Experience in Special Education* | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 2 elective subjects chosen from the Special Education list above, or any other Master of Education specialisation (12cp) | |||
*EDGS930 is a compulsory requirement for teachers wishing to qualify with the Department of Education as Special Education Teachers
Please Note: Elective subjects may be cancelled if minimum enrolment numbers are not met.
Credit Arrangements
Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.
Professional Accreditation
This program is accredited with the Department of Education (DE) as a recognised qualification in special education for primary/secondary trained teachers.
Other Information
Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au