A career in education can be long and rewarding. If you’re an educator looking to catalyse your career and increase your employability, a master’s degree could be the stepping stone you need.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Online’s Master of Education qualification is designed for busy working professionals already engaged in the education space. Our curriculum combines flexibility, advanced learning and practical learning applications to help you set your career on a trajectory for success. Refine your skills in a specific area of education or transition into roles that extend beyond the conventional classroom setting by choosing a specialisation you are passionate about.
Why pursue a Master of Education?
Graduating with a Master of Education degree gives you more than just another academic qualification; it provides you with a gateway to professional growth and impact, allowing you to broaden your skillset and gain specialised knowledge.
Educators with advanced degrees are well-equipped to take on the complexities of modern education, using their skills in roles ranging from curriculum development to leadership. Master of Education graduates also become discerning researchers who are critical about their consumption of research, helping to develop the industry as education needs shift.
While earning a master’s degree offers countless opportunities for personal and professional growth, let’s focus on the top five reasons why you should consider pursuing one.
1. Develop advanced research skills
The Master of Education at QUT Online spotlights advanced research skills, enhancing your abilities and expertise in areas of education theory and practice. Units such as Introduction to Education Research help you become a critical consumer of research, giving you the skills to determine the value, relevance and implications of research you come across.
2. Pursue career advancement
A master’s degree opens doors to leadership roles in spaces outside the classroom, allowing our graduates to go on to fill senior roles in education and education administration. Some examples of such roles include instructional designers, education managers and learning and development specialists. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also provide opportunities to shape educational policies and practices.
3. Explore specialisation opportunities
Your interests can fuel your specialisation. At QUT Online, we encourage you to make an impact in areas you are passionate about. Specialisation offerings in our Master of Education include Career Development and Counselling, Innovative Learning Design, Indigenous Education, and Autism. Each of our pathways gives you the opportunity to combine five core Master Units with the above specialisations.
These specialisations enable you to tailor your offerings to students and help you stand out in a very competitive job market.
4. Increase your earning potential
A study conducted by Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching in 2023 showed that Master’s graduates earn roughly 38.5% more than bachelor’s degree graduates.
Source: 2023 GOS National Report
According to Payscale, as a Master’s graduate, you can expect to be earning around $96K a year. This figure, however, is dependent on territories and experience. Below are some examples of occupations and their salaries:
- Primary school teacher — AU$ 100K
- Training manager — AU$ 130K
- Education manager – AU$ 120K
5. Expand your networking opportunities
Studying at QUT Online provides unique opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. Building a network can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and career growth. Due to our strong ties with industry leaders, QUT is ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for employer–student connections.
Why our Master of Education is a standout choice
We know that life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean that you have to put your dreams on hold. We have designed our courses with flexibility and relevance in mind, ensuring your studies can be accommodated in your busy schedule. Chasing your career goals no longer means quitting your job or choosing between your education and your family; fit your studies into your life.
- Flexible study options: The program can be completed full-time in one year or part-time over two years, allowing you to choose your pace and study load, making balancing your studies with your professional responsibilities that much easier.
- Practical applications: The curriculum emphasises real-world applications through research projects and case studies. For example, students will build survey literacy, learning how to develop research hypotheses and implement them in surveys. This combination of theory and practice allows students to better connect the dots of the content and put their learning into practice.
Transformative outcomes for graduates
Graduates from QUT Online’s Master of Education emerge as discerning researchers and skilled practitioners who can critically evaluate educational challenges and implement innovative solutions. Here are some potential career paths for graduates:
- Senior teacher: Enhance lesson planning and student engagement using evidence-based strategies to educate students of varying levels and backgrounds.
- Principal: Take on leadership roles that involve supervising staff and managing school operations.
- Instructional designer: Use communication, project management skills and subject knowledge to create instructional materials for online courses, seminars, instruction manuals and other learning goals.
- Education manager: Oversee teachers and other educational staff to ensure quality education, suited to the learning goals of the students in your institution.
- Learning and development specialist: Develop training programs that improve team member performance within educational institutions by using a variety of adult learning methods to address skill gaps.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are ready to transform your teaching career and make a lasting impact on education, a Master of Education is the ideal choice. With flexible study options, specialised pathways, and practical applications tailored for experienced educators, this program equips you with the tools needed for success.
Apply for this course now, or browse our other education qualifications. If you would like more information on the application process or entry requirements, contact a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196 today.