Education Leadership degrees

Graduating with an education leadership degree from UniSQ can lead to a range of career options, including career development practitioner, career educator, work-integrated learning coordinator, and employment advisor. 

With a Graduate Diploma of Education, you will have the option to step into a range of professions in education-related fields including educational leadership, training, workplace mentoring, learning design and industry innovation within schools, TAFEs, universities, government agencies and industry. You could also apply for roles within the disability, human services and community sectors. Extend your knowledge further with the Master of Education, to open up even more potential career opportunities. 

Your specific career path will depend on your specialisation and whether you focus on professional advancement, career development, or other education leadership areas. 

To study the Graduate Certificate of Education Studies at UniSQ, you’ll need to have completed an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area. Similarly, UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Education and Master of Education requires you to have completed an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in an education-related discipline.  

While you need a qualification in an education-related discipline, this does not necessarily mean you need teacher registration. Many education professionals who work in training, curriculum development, policy, and educational support can pursue education leadership roles. If you're unsure whether your background qualifies as education-related, you can contact UniSQ to discuss your individual circumstances. 

Educational leadership plays a crucial role in problem-solving and driving innovation within schools and educational communities for the benefit of students. Strong leadership requires passion, dedication, and vision to unite teachers and staff so they can collectively achieve their full potential. 

When educational leaders focus on teaching and learning quality, they build stronger relationships with educators, which leads to improved outcomes for students. Leadership in education is essential for guiding and influencing educators, fostering innovation, and creating positive change that enhances the learning experiences of students across educational settings. 

The duration of an educational leadership degree at UniSQ depends on which qualification you choose. The Graduate Certificate of Education Studies takes approximately half a year of full-time study. 

The Graduate Diploma of Education requires one year of full-time study, while the Master of Education takes one and a half years to complete. 

If you study part-time, the duration will be longer depending on your individual study load and commitments. You can adjust your enrolment to meet your needs.  

The Master of Education includes research courses designed to expand your understanding of the transformative role of education in society. You'll develop the skills to solve current issues in the education environment by using your own experiences as a backdrop to your studies, developing a research project based on your current workplace. 

After completing the Graduate Certificate of Education Studies, you can lay a solid foundation for further study with a pathway that exists all the way to doctoral studies with the Doctor of Philosophy. UniSQ also offers research degrees for those interested in pursuing master's or doctoral programs centred on in-depth study within education leadership, allowing you to conduct highly specialised research under the guidance of expert supervisors. 

UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars for education and training learning resources and postgraduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2025). We provide a range of study options, including on-campus, external, and online education leadership courses, designed to provide the adaptability you need to balance your education with other commitments. 

After completing your graduate certificate, you can continue upskilling with a Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Education, with pathways extending all the way to doctoral studies.