Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This master's emphasises leadership theory and practice in K–12 settings, combining coursework, applied projects and research methods. Core topics typically include educational leadership and ethics, strategic school improvement, curriculum design and assessment, data-informed decision-making, human resource and change management in schools, and leadership for inclusion and Indigenous education perspectives.

• Leadership and Professional Practice – theories of leadership, ethical decision-making, distributed leadership models and professional identity.
• School Improvement and Strategic Planning – planning for whole-school improvement, stakeholder engagement, policy interpretation and change implementation.
• Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy – curriculum leadership, assessment for learning, inclusive pedagogies and curriculum alignment.
• Data, Evidence and Research Methods – using student data, program evaluation, research design and evidence-informed practice.
• Human Resource and Change Management – staff development, performance management, conflict resolution and leading teams.
• Contextual and Indigenous Perspectives – culturally responsive leadership, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and local contexts.
• Capstone or Major Project – an applied leadership project or small-scale research study addressing a real problem in an educational setting.

Delivery modes often include on-campus intensives, online units and workplace-based assessments so that candidates can apply learning directly to their context. The programme can be completed over a period that accommodates part-time study for working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally required to hold a recognised bachelor degree and an initial teaching qualification or equivalent professional experience in education. Many candidates will have several years of classroom experience and evidence of leadership or responsibility within a school or education setting.

• Academic record from a recognised tertiary institution; selection may consider prior study and professional experience.
• Current employment in an educational role is typically expected for workplace-related assessment and project work.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet English language proficiency requirements as set by the university.
• Where relevant, applicants may be asked to provide a statement of purpose, references or a portfolio demonstrating leadership experience.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of leadership roles in schools and educational organisations. Common career pathways include positions such as assistant principal, deputy principal, head of department, curriculum coordinator, school improvement leader and middle or senior leadership roles.

Other opportunities include roles in educational policy, system-level leadership, professional learning facilitation, curriculum development, mentoring and educational consultancy. The degree also provides a pathway to further research study, including higher research degrees for those interested in scholarship and policy research.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a programme grounded in values-based leadership and a commitment to social justice and inclusion. ACU has established relationships with schools and education systems across Australia, enabling workplace-relevant projects and practicum experiences.

Students benefit from experienced academic staff with school leadership backgrounds, a focus on applied research and flexible study options including on-campus and online delivery. The university’s emphasis on culturally responsive practice and community engagement supports leaders who seek to work effectively in diverse school communities.