Updating Results

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

  • 12% international / 88% domestic

Master of Educational Leadership

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Educational Leadership is designed for aspiring educational leaders, integrating theory, theology, ethics, and research to enhance leadership effectiveness. It focuses on contemporary Catholic education and equips students with the skills to influence and shape educational environments positively.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
1.5 semesters full-time
Study Mode
Online
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$4,736 per year

About this course

Overview

Are you looking to lead and influence change in education?

The Master of Educational Leadership is for aspiring educational leaders with an appetite to develop and expand lead effectiveness. Designed to support participants with varying leadership and career ambitions, this tailored degree is taught by active researchers and experienced practitioners integrating theory, theology, ethics, philosophy and research to enable you to improve your educational leadership practice.

You will delve into new ways of thinking about the purpose and task of education, and contemporary Catholic education in particular, utilising philosophical and ethical tools and processes, exploring theories of educational leadership, management and administration, and how to apply them appropriately to your own school culture and context.

Students will graduate with the skills, knowledge and networks required to connect, inspire and shape changing educational environments in positive and inclusive ways.

The Master of Educational Leadership is not an initial teaching qualification.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

  • A recognised teaching qualification and a minimum of 3 years teaching experience; OR
  • A Bachelor degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant leadership experience.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.

View transparency admission information

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we'll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

IELTS overall score of 7.0. Individual score of 6.0 in all tests.

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Learn more about inherent requirements and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.

Study locations

Online

What you will learn

Overview

Are you looking to lead and influence change in education?

The Master of Educational Leadership is for aspiring educational leaders with an appetite to develop and expand lead effectiveness. Designed to support participants with varying leadership and career ambitions, this tailored degree is taught by active researchers and experienced practitioners integrating theory, theology, ethics, philosophy and research to enable you to improve your educational leadership practice.

You will delve into new ways of thinking about the purpose and task of education, and contemporary Catholic education in particular, utilising philosophical and ethical tools and processes, exploring theories of educational leadership, management and administration, and how to apply them appropriately to your own school culture and context.

Students will graduate with the skills, knowledge and networks required to connect, inspire and shape changing educational environments in positive and inclusive ways.

The Master of Educational Leadership is not an initial teaching qualification.

Career pathways

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • management and administration
  • educational leadership
  • policy development

Course structure

Course detailsCommencing Semester 1Year 1 Semester 1
  • Specified Units EDLE650 Foundations: Vision and Mission of Catholic Education in the Contemporary World 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDLE654 Leadership in Context: Educational Narratives and Literacies for Learning Communities 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDLE652 Educational Leadership as Vocation and Service 10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
Year 1 Semester 2
  • Specified Units EDLE651 Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDRS651 Educational Research Methods 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDLE653 Integrating Capabilities for Renewal and Sustainability in Leadership 10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
Year 2 Semester 1
  • Capstone Unit EDCP650 Capstone Applied Project This unit must be taken in the final semester of the course. 20 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
Commencing Semester 2Year 1 Semester 2
  • Specified Units EDLE651 Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDRS651 Educational Research Methods 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDLE653 Integrating Capabilities for Renewal and Sustainability in Leadership 10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
Year 2 Semester 1
  • Specified Units EDLE650 Foundations: Vision and Mission of Catholic Education in the Contemporary World 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDLE654 Leadership in Context: Educational Narratives and Literacies for Learning Communities 10 cp
  • Specified Units EDLE652 Educational Leadership as Vocation and Service 10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
Year 2 Semester 2
  • Capstone Unit EDCP650 Capstone Applied Project This unit must be taken in the final semester of the course. 20 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective 10 cp

Credit for prior study or work

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

How to apply

Apply now

Deferment is available for one year. Some specialisations may not run every year. Find out more about deferment.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Teacher Education courses at Australian Catholic University (ACU).
79.7%
Overall satisfaction
72%
Skill scale
63.8%
Teaching scale
93.3%
Employed full-time
$94.8k
Average salary