Melbourne Graduate School of Education Future Students

Study Leadership, Management or Policy with us

There is concern throughout the nation about the preparation and ongoing development of school leaders. The Australian Government has constructed Teaching Australia and the Victorian Government’s Blueprint for Government Schools has identified the development of leaders as a major priority. The Blueprint refers to the need for an accelerated development program for high potential leaders.

To compliment our Master of Education (Educational Management), we have developed the Master of School Leadership to respond to the growing demand for school leaders with high levels of leadership skills and capabilities as we work towards schools that can realise the vision of high levels of achievement for all students in all settings.

Programs in Educational Management, School Leadership and Policy

You can specialise in Education Management, School Leadership or Policy by choosing one of the following programs:

Program Part Time Full Time
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies 1 year 6 months
Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies No intake in 2010 2 years 1 year
Master of Education (by coursework) New structure from 2010 2 years 1 year
Master of Education (by coursework and thesis) New structure from 2010 3 years 18 months
Master of Education (Educational Management) by coursework and thesis 2 years 1 year
Master of Education (Educational Management) by coursework and thesis 3 years 18 months
Master of Education (Educational Management) by coursework 2 years 1 year
Master of Education (Educational Management) by coursework 3 years 18 months
Master of Education Policy (International) 2 years 1 year
Master of School Leadership 2 years 1 year
Doctor of Education 6 years 3 years
PhD 6 years 3 years


(NB. The differing lengths of the Masters programs are based on the previous qualifications/work experience of the applicant)

Themes explored in Educational Management

The program aims to provide a blend of practical knowledge, conceptual frameworks and state-of-the-art research, and distinguishes itself from other Australian educational management courses by emphasising a global perspective.

Themes explored in School Leadership

The program focuses on systematic and sustained change that improves organisational effectiveness and learning outcomes for all students. Developed in collaboration with practitioners, system leaders, policy makers and researchers, this course offers you a program of study, research and dialogue, which explores school leadership in the pursuit of improved educational outcomes.

Staff in Educational Management

The Master of Education (Educational Management) is taught by academics from both within and beyond the University.

Academic Staff include:

Visiting International Fellows include:

Fellows include:

Associates include:

Staff in School Leadership

This course is delivered by a team of thought leaders, policy makers and outstanding practitioners- including key academic staff, senior representatives from school systems, successful principals and other senior leaders in schools, and leaders from fields other than education.

Dr David Gurr is a Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Learning. His research interests include leadership, management information systems, school self-management and the impact of technology on schools. Along with Dr Lawrie Drysdale, David is part of the International Successful School Leadership Project. This is a unique four-year multiple-perspective research project, which is designed to identify the qualities, characteristics and competencies of successful school leadership in primary and secondary schools. David is the Vice President (Publications and Research) of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.

Dr Lawrie Drysdale is a Senior Lecturer in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Lawrie’s main research focus is the marketing of schools, with particular attention on market orientation. His other interests include the impact of environmental factors on school organisations and the use and development of assessment centres in measuring management potential of school administrators.
Other core staff include:

Who is this program suitable for?

The Master of Education (Educational Management) provides initial preparation and continuing professional development for those who aspire to senior positions or seek further advancement in education and training in the public and private sectors.  It is intended to be inclusive of those who work in fields variously described as early childhood, school, vocational, adult, further, higher, tertiary, university and in workplace training and in other fields, although in many of the subjects there is a strong orientation to schools.

The Master of School Leadership is aimed at:

Career Outcomes

Being a management style program, the Master of Education (Educational Management) is suitable for individuals working across a range of educational settings, not just in schools (although there is a strong schools orientation). Completion of the course will facilitate promotion and the ability to move into an academic career through doctoral study.

The Master of School Leadership is particularly suitable for current teachers in government and non-government schools who are looking to move into a leadership role, or to gain promotion to a more senior level of leadership. A 2006 survey of graduates of the Master of School Leadership revealed that half of the respondents had gained either a one or two-step promotion. The course is also suitable for those in principal class roles that want to expand their knowledge of both national and international issues in school leadership.

Key benefits of the programs

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