Master in School Leadership

What is the program about?

The Master in School Leadership is a postgraduate degree program which develops leadership capacity and equips school leaders to meet the challenges and opportunities of leadership in the education system.

The program follows a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on fields such as education, psychology, organisational behaviour and change management. The culminating assessment for the Masters program is an action research project, which students design and implement in their school settings.

Who is the program designed for?

Teachers, Assistant Principals and Principals in ongoing positions who have a minimum of five years teaching, or relevant industry, experience.

Early childhood professionals with a three- or four-year degree in early childhood education/teaching, or a diploma in early childhood education/teaching.

Enrolment must be supported by the participant’s Principal or designated officer.

What will I learn?

Participants will develop an understanding of:

• how to plan for their own continuing professional learning in each of the domains in The Developmental Learning Framework for School Leaders
• the relationship between leadership, enhanced teacher capacity and school performance within the regional network collaborative model
• the key features of school effectiveness and how to apply them in order to lead school improvement through the regional network structure
• knowledge and skills required to maintain and enhance a performance and development culture that supports increased teacher effectiveness
• skills required as system leaders, including within a network of shared learning across systems
• how to develop as an instructional leader including utilising the e5 Instructional Model
• skills required in linking data use, policy development and decision making at the student, classroom, school, network and system level.

How is the program structured?

The Master in School Leadership is a part-time, two year course. It begins in February each year. The program comprises four units (one per semester). Each unit includes approximately eight contact days. It is anticipated that you will complete written assignments in each unit.

Program units are delivered in a variety of modes, including multi-day on-campus intensives, and online.

Who is the course provider?

The degree program is offered at both Monash University and The University of Melbourne.

The Masters program has been delivered by both universities since 2004.

What is the cost?

Places are substantially funded by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Participants contribute to fees via four payments totalling $6000 over two years. Participants also pay any additional program costs.

If a participant withdraws from the course prior to its commencement, or at any time before its completion, the participant will be expected to compensate the Department for any costs incurred as a result of, or arising out of, their enrolment.

What assistance is provided?

Schools will receive a one-off grant equivalent to ten CRT days. This grant should be used to assist participants to attend classes and complete assignments.

Generally, no further assistance is provided for accommodation or travel costs.

If participants change schools while undertaking the course, the remaining grant money should be transferred between schools.

What is expected of me?

By participating in this course, you commit to:

• complying with all University requirements in regards to attendance and submission of work
• completing self assessments and feedback tools as required and use the data to improve your capabilities
• conducting workplace based learning activities during the program and between workshops with support from program facilitators
• sharing your learning with your employer, with other staff and with others in your professional community
• completing written assignments to the equivalent of 8000 words total per unit
• providing thoughtful feedback through evaluation processes for the improvement of the program.

Case study

Read about how this program has been a career- changing experience for Karen Money, Principal at William Ruthven Secondary College.

​Further information

Applications have now closed. To receive instant notification when applications open for additional intakes, subscribe to the Courses RSS Feed. For further information please contact Tonia Eckfeld on 03 9637 3465