✓ Designed for school-based leaders or those looking to upskill into leadership

✓ Evidence-based approach to leadership study

✓ Course built on research

✓ Network with other leaders

✓ The only specific Instructional Leadership course in Australia

The Master of Instructional Leadership allows you to build your skills and knowledge to enhance effective teaching and learning, and contribute to greater student achievement. The Master of Instructional Leadership focuses on the impact of evidence-based approaches to the leadership of teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on research.

Who is the course for?

The Master of Instructional Leadership has been created for a variety of education professionals. The content is tailored to both current school-based leaders and principals, as well as aspiring leaders looking to attain leadership roles. The course is particularly useful for teachers as they learn to better understand themselves as a leader, as well as gaining knowledge on how to best implement leadership strategies and tactics.

Why choose the Master of Instructional Leadership with us?

Our Master of Instructional Leadership is the only specific course of its kind in Australia. The course aligns with the Australian Professional Standard for Principals, developed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, an organisation chaired by the Faculty of Education's Professor John Hattie. On the program, you’ll be taught by a number of internationally recognised education experts. As well as strong leaders and educators, the course has also been built for practical application in the real world, with a focus on upskilling into leadership positions and gaining confidence through study.

The reputation of the University of Melbourne is strong and globally recognised, particularly for education, where  we have been regularly ranked #1 in Australia. We are at the cutting edge of teaching and research.

Support while you learn

We take pride in the excellent support we offer our Master of Instructional Leadership students from enrolment, throughout their studies, and beyond. If you are an Indigenous student, we offer a range of support services here at the University of Melbourne via Murrup Barak. Find out more here.

Built on the ground-breaking work of Professor John Hattie and Professor Stephen Dinham, the course has a strong focus on evidence-based practices and education research. You will be taught by recognised experts in their field, making you a highly sought-after education professional and thought leader.

Over the course of the program, you will gain evidence-based skills to transform and improve teaching and learning. Through the course, you will learn how to manage and develop your team, and discover innovative approaches to school management.

Study structure

The flexible structure of the Master of Instructional Leadership, with a range of electives, provides rounded training in the leadership field. The course can be completed via either a coursework or research pathway. For flexibility around professional or family commitments, we also offer the Master of Instructional Leadership on a part-time or full-time basis. Domestic students are highly encourage to enrol part time over two years to complete the masters.

Coursework pathway

• 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
• 100 points of coursework, comprising:
  • 7 x compulsory 12.5 point subjects (including the 25 point capstone component)
  • 1 x 12.5 point elective.

Research pathway

• 2 years part-time
• 100 points of coursework, comprising:
  • 4 x core 12.5 point subjects
  • 1 x 12.5 point research methodology subject
  • 1 x 37.5 point research project.

How will I study?

The Master of Instructional Leadership has been designed around the lives of working professionals. The course is offered in blended mode. The students can choose to come to campus or study remotely.

The Master of Instructional Leadership is designed to advance your existing career with your new specialist knowledge and gain a promotion into middle or upper management. The rigorous research-led approach to study allows students to take their learnings and practically apply them. Through your education studies and research projects, you will develop strong professional and personal connections with community and industry that will open doors to an outstanding future.

Pathways

Graduates who complete the research intensive option in year 2 may be eligible to apply for entry to the Doctor of Education program or a PhD.

Highly employable

Finish your course confident of gaining employment, thanks to the excellent reputation of Faculty of Education. We have been consistently ranked as #1 in Australia and in the global top 15 for Education, meaning a degree from us is a globally recognised achievement.

An appropriate four-year degree in education, OR A postgraduate diploma in education, AND At least two years of documented relevant professional experience. Professional experience relevant t

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.