Adult and Vocational Education

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

The Master of Education (Adult and Vocational Education) is designed to assist a broad range of practices in adult and further education, including adult and community education providers; professional or community organisations involved in adult education; TAFE programs in foundation studies.

Students will have the opportunity to incorporate electives from other education areas such as Leadership or Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to tailor their degree. This program, in combination with subjects from the Educational Leadership major, would suit aspiring and current co-ordinators, organisers and directors of adult education and community programs.

Course themes include:

• Leadership and management in adult and further education in the context of globalisation.
• Utilising and theorising technologies of learning in adult and further education.
• Teaching and learning theory and practice in diverse settings.
• Innovation in adult and further education and training, utilising action research and learning methodology.   

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Master of Education (Adult and Vocational Education) will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of adult learning theory and practice, diverse learning contexts and the needs of diverse learners.
2. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive and technical knowledge in the broad areas of pedagogy, assessment, curriculum design and evaluation as well as an understanding of various institutional contexts.
3. Develop knowledge of scholarly literature within broader related fields such as educational leadership, ICT, interdisciplinary studies and TESOL.
4. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently assess diverse adult learners’ needs.
5. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently critically analyse teaching contexts and curriculum across sectors.
6. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently reflect on and critique classroom practice and institutional policies related to adult and vocational education provision.
7. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently apply advanced pedagogic expertise in designing and adapting learning materials to reflect diverse learners’ needs.
8. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to independently demonstrate the principles of reflective practice and engage in critical self reflection / assessment.
9. Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.
10. Demonstrate professional capacity and leadership to apply pedagogic knowledge and scholarly capacity to initiate and conduct research into adult learning / teaching practice in a range of settings and across disciplines. 

Course Structure

The MEd (Adult and Vocational Education) requires:

1. The successful completion of 72 credit points, comprising:
   1. 5 core subjects (30cp). It is recommended that EDGZ921 be completed within the first 2 sessions and EDGH960 be completed in the last session of the degree;
   2. 4 subjects (24cp) from the Adult and Vocational Education specialisation; and
   3. 3 electives (18cp) selected from any Master of Education specialisation.
2. No more than 4 subjects (24cp) will be at 800 level. 

Please Note: Elective subjects may be cancelled if minimum enrolment numbers are not met.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au