Major overview
In this major you’ll explore theories and methods of instruction, educational change and leadership as well as the practical application of research from these areas in the complex and dynamic world of education.
You’ll learn concrete ways to assess, refine and improve your instructional practice and develop an extensive repertoire of methods you can use in your teaching context.
You’ll examine approaches to leadership and educational change. This includes processes for initiating, implementing and sustaining change; the role of professional learning, coaching and conferencing in supporting instructional change; leading with emotional intelligence; change agent; and leadership styles.
The practical skills and knowledge gained in the course can be used in a variety of education and training contexts, including, schools, colleges, private training organisations, workplaces, tertiary, adult and higher education settings.
3 reasons to study Instructional Leadership at Murdoch University
- Our part-time, on-campus or online options help you fit study into your working life.
- You’ll have dedicated Student Success Advisors to help you along your postgraduate journey.
- Be mentored by our experienced teaching professionals who are here to support you in becoming a confident, creative and flexible educator.
What you’ll learn
- How to use a diverse range of instructional methods and understand the research which supports their use
- Approaches to educational leadership and change
- How to recognise, develop and work with change agent and leadership styles
- Processes for initiating, implementing and sustaining change in educational contexts
- The role of professional learning and coaching in supporting instructional change and teacher development
Your future career
Upon completion of this major, you’ll be able to:
- Work as an instructional leader and educational change advisor in your educational context
- Design, implement and lead instructional change programs and initiatives, informed by research in your teaching context
- Design and lead professional learning programs to support colleagues in instructional change
Professional accreditation
This offering does not constitute a teaching qualification and is not accredited by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA).
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Start dates (Transnational)
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 3, 2026 | Murdoch University Dubai, UAE | No | Yes | Yes |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Murdoch University Dubai, UAE | No | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
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How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.