Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Education (Inclusive Education) is designed for education professionals who want advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills for supporting teachers and learners in inclusive education environments. Massey specifically positions the qualification for people who want to support the inclusion of all children, investigate a particular education topic in greater depth, and stay current with developments in special and inclusive education.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced study of equity, inclusion and diverse learning needs.
• Development of theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to inclusive and special education.
• Opportunities to investigate a specific education issue through either professional inquiry or research.
• A flexible distance-and-online study format.
• The ability to complete either a coursework/professional inquiry pathway or a research/thesis pathway.
• Relevance across early years, primary, secondary and tertiary education and wider government and non-government education organisations.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MEd is a 180-credit, parts-based qualification. Students choose either the coursework/professional inquiry pathway or the research/thesis pathway.

Coursework pathway:

• Part One: 120 credits
  • Core course: 15 credits
  • Research methods: 15 credits
  • Inclusive Education subject courses: at least 60 credits
  • Other Part One electives: 30 credits
• Part Two: Professional Inquiry, 60 credits.

Research pathway:

• Part One: 90 credits
  • Core course: 15 credits
  • Research methods: 15 credits
  • Inclusive Education subject courses: 60 credits
• Part Two: Thesis, 90 credits.

The current Inclusive Education subject schedule includes at least 60 credits selected from:

• 249733 Manarite in Education – 30 credits
  • Critical study of equity through the framework of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• 249734 Equity and Inclusion in Education – 30 credits
  • Critical study of equity and inclusion through a human-rights lens.
• 249742 Neurodiversity in Education – 30 credits
  • Critical study of neurodiversity and its implications and applications in education.

The qualification's core course is:

• 254710 Ruia taitea: Transforming Education – 15 credits
  • Examines critical issues in education, including social justice, cultural location and collective wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Inclusive Education

Massey's Master of Education also offers other subject options, including:

• Digital Education
• Early Years
• Educational Administration and Leadership
• Literacy Education
• Maori Education
• Mathematics Education.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180-credit programme.
• Inclusive Education specialisation.
• Distance and online delivery.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand.
• Choice between professional inquiry/coursework and research/thesis pathways.
• Focus on equity, inclusion and neurodiversity.
• Relevant to education professionals working across multiple education settings.
• Opportunity to undertake advanced research in inclusive education.
• Current regulations specifically recognise Inclusive Education as an MEd subject.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that graduates can contribute to special and inclusive education practice across a range of contexts, including:

• Early years education
• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Tertiary education
• Government organisations
• Non-government organisations. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme page highlights several important planning points:

• The MEd is a parts-based qualification.
• Coursework students must achieve a B average across their first 120 credits before progressing to Part Two.
• Research students must achieve a B+ average across their first 90 credits before progressing to Part Two.
• Massey currently notes that the research-methods requirement for students planning the Research pathway is being updated: students need to pass only one 15-credit research methods course rather than two, as some older thesis entry information indicates.
• Applicants taking the research pathway must submit a research-interest summary of 200 words or less.
• Applicants with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education may be able to receive credit toward Part One.
• The qualification does not provide New Zealand teacher registration

International Student Visa Requirements

For the specific delivery arrangement described by Massey, this programme is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

Therefore:

• If an international student remains outside New Zealand and completes the MEd online, a New Zealand student visa is not required for the online study itself.
• The student would need to meet Massey's international admission and English-language requirements.
• If the student's circumstances change and they intend to travel to New Zealand for study, visa requirements must be assessed separately with Immigration New Zealand.
• The programme page should not be treated as authorising on-campus study for international students.