Course Overview

About This Course

Enhance your leadership in policy and practice as a Developmental Educator – an allied health professional that works alongside people with disability, their families, and advocates to promote their well-being. The Masters of Disability Practice and Leadership (Developmental Education) aims to provide senior practitioners with work-relevant knowledge and skills they can apply as developmental educators across a wide range of contexts in disability, health, and human services fields.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Applicants must normally hold a Bachelor's degree in an allied health or human services-related area (e.g. special education, education, teaching, behavioural science, counselling, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology or social work)
Applicants must have not less than two years work experience in a relevant disability related field
In order to complete the degree, you will need to fulfil pre-placement requirements to undertake compulsory clinical placements
International applicants: The Master of Disability Practice and Leadership (Developmental Education) is normally available to applicants who hold an approved degree or an equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution
English language requirements apply for international applicants

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

This degree will allow you to practice as a Developmental Educator across a wide range of contexts in disability, health and human services fields. Potential occupations include: Developmental Educator, Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Program coordinator, Support coordinator, Case manager. Potential employers include: Human services, Government, Non-government, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Self-employed.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units12 units

Topics in disability theory and practice

First year core topic covering theory and practice in disability.

Leading through change

First year core topic focusing on leadership in changing environments.

Facilitating accessible teaching and learning strategies

First year core topic on accessible teaching and learning.

Ethical issues in disability

First year core topic addressing ethical considerations in disability practice.

Design and evaluation of disability programs

First year core topic on designing and evaluating disability programs.

Inclusion, belonging and participation

First year core topic on inclusion and participation for people with disability.

Disability, rights and embodiment

First year core topic on rights and embodiment in disability.

Policy in the lives of people with disability

First year core topic on disability policy.

Positive behaviour support

Second year core topic in positive behaviour support.

Delivering therapeutic supports

Second year core topic on delivering therapeutic supports.

Early childhood intervention

Second year core topic on early childhood intervention.

Advanced practicum in disability

Second year core topic providing advanced practical experience in disability.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Disability Practice and Leadership (Developmental Education) accredited?

Yes, the Master of Disability Practice and Leadership (Developmental Education) is a two year postgraduate course accredited by the Developmental Educators Australia Inc (DEAI), and graduates can apply for full membership with the DEAI to practice as a developmental educator.

Can I study this course entirely online?

Yes, all topics are available 100% online, allowing you to balance your work, life, and study commitments. Placements can also be undertaken from anywhere in Australia.

Are there placements required as part of this course?

Yes, one placement is required to complete the degree. Opportunities for interstate and overseas placements are available. Before commencing placement, you will need to undertake some essential pre-placement checks, and further information can be found on the Disability and Community Inclusion placement webpage.

How much does the course cost for domestic students?

For domestic students in 2026, the annual indicative fees are $17,399 for a Commonwealth Supported Place and $31,700 for full fee paying. Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places.

What are the entry requirements for the Master of Disability Practice and Leadership (Developmental Education)?

Applicants must normally hold a Bachelor's degree in an allied health or human services-related area (e.g. special education, education, teaching, behavioural science, counselling, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology or social work) and have not less than two years work experience in a relevant disability related field.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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