Course overview
This three-semester research degree will provide you with the skills required to be a successful leader in the education sector, capable of addressing critical issues in educational practice, policy and research.
This course is designed for teachers, educational leaders, administrators, and other education professionals seeking to extend and deepen their expertise, undergo professional development and renewal, or proceed to a higher degree.
In this research-classified course, you will undertake a research dissertation (24 points) and coursework (12 points). This course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance your teaching, leadership and/or administration roles within the education field. On completion of this qualification, you will be eligible to enrol in a PhD.
3 reasons to study the Master of Education by Research at Murdoch
1. Be mentored by our experienced education professionals who are here to support you in becoming a confident, creative and flexible educator.
2. Participate in free workshops and seminars to help you with writing, statistics and data analysis, ethics, how to run surveys and research as a postgraduate student.
3. Enjoy flexible learning with options for after-work or school holiday meetings.
Develop your skills
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Research methodologies used in educational and social science research
- Critical analysis of a topic of educational research
Your future career
You’ll graduate qualified for high-level professional roles in the education and community sector. Careers could include:
- Head of Department
- School Leader
- Program Leader or Designer
- Advisor to Government
- University Lecturer/Tutor
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 | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | Yes |
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.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Internet access is a requirement for all external students.Recognition of Prior Learning
Not applicable to research courses.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
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 |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.