Course summary
The Master of Education (Special Education) provides professional training for qualified primary and secondary teachers to assume specialist positions in schools. This focuses on supporting students with additional learning needs, including neurodivergent students, students with physical and intellectual disability, and broad-reaching strategies for inclusive learning.
Non-school teachers who want to enhance their general knowledge and skills in education for students with a disability can also undertake the degree.
The Master of Education (Special Education) offers sound theoretical foundations and extensive practical skills that address the broader aspects of education and assessment for individuals with a disability.
Tailor your degree by incorporating electives from other education areas such as educational leadership or information and communication technology in education and training (ICT) and choose whether you study via flexible learning or on campus classes.
Qualified teachers will also undertake a 20-day supervised professional experience placement in schools.
Fee subsidised places available
UOW is offering Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for all of our postgraduate coursework degrees in 2024. This means the Australian government will subsidise your tuition fees by up to 75%. To be eligible for this fee subsidy, you must meet the following criteria: Be a domestic student, i.e. an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a permanent Australian Humanitarian visa holder. LEARN MORE
Course information
Study area
Education
Campus
UOW Online Wollongong
Course Code
422
-
Duration
1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Delivery
Distance
Cricos
UAC Code
-
Admission, Key dates, and Fees
A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.
For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A recognised Bachelor degree in any area.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Applicants with a major study in Education plus three years' teaching experience may be eligible for credit for one session of study (24 credit points). An additional 6 credit points may be granted for completion of the Sydney Catholic Schools Gifted Education Online 1 (GEOG1) and Gifted Education Online 2 (GEOG2) modules.
FEES
CAMPUS | DELIVERY METHOD | SESSION FEE* | COURSE FEE* |
|---|---|---|---|
UOW Online Wollongong | Distance | $9,696 (2025) | $29,088 (2025) |
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This specialisation is not currently available to International students.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
FEES
This program is not available to international students.
CAMPUS | DELIVERY METHOD | SESSION FEE* | COURSE FEE* |
|---|---|---|---|
UOW Online Wollongong | Distance | $16,344 (2025) | $49,032 (2025) |
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. The fees outlined in your Letter of Offer of Admission to the University are correct at the point of offer, but are indicative and subject to change without notice. The indicative total course tuition fee is an estimate, based on normal course length and progression and current course fees.
Admission Profile
INDICATIVE ENROLMENT
STUDENT PROFILE
This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at UOW in 2023.
Applicant background |
2023 intake |
2023 intake (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course. |
- |
- |
| Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school. |
- |
- |
| Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education. |
- |
- |
|
Recent secondary education |
||
| ATAR Only Students admitted only on the basis of ATAR including any applied adjustment factors. |
- |
- |
| ATAR plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both ATAR and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results). |
- |
- |
| Other criteria only (non-ATAR) These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where ATAR was not a factor (e.g. UOW Early Admission). |
- |
- |
| International students All other students. |
- |
- |
| All students |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)
ATAR PROFILE
This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘ATAR-based admission’.
|
ATAR profile of ATAR-based offers in 2023 |
ATAR The unadjusted, raw ATARs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR. | Selection Rank The ATARs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors. |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Median rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 ATAR-based offers made)
More Information
For more information about UOW admission pathways, see UOW Admission Information.
Key Dates
SESSION | CAMPUS | SESSION DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
2025 Autumn | UOW Online Wollongong | Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by this date will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
2025 Spring | UOW Online Wollongong | Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by this date will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
Course Structure
(Current year structure - subject to change)
Course HandbookAccreditation & professional recognition
This program is approved by the Department of Education (DE) as a postgraduate qualification in special education for primary/secondary trained teachers.
Why choose this course
UOW’s School of Education has a reputation for practical programs and flexible learning strategies that produce highly employable educators. It is founded on the expertise of our staff and our strong ties with community organisations and government bodies.
You may also be interested in
Graduate Diploma in TESOL Other specialisations in the Master of Education Graduate Certificate in TESOL