Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor, graduate certificate or diploma, or bachelor with honours qualification, or overseas equivalent, or 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience. 

Entry is based on a bachelor, graduate certificate or diploma, or bachelor with honours qualification, or overseas equivalent, or 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience. English language requirements must also be met. 

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 12 units (72 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
  • International
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
Teacher works closely with young student at a desk

The field of neuroscience is one of the fastest growing in human physiology, and there is increasing interest in applying neuroscience to learning processes within the educational field.

As a Master of Neuroscience and Education student at UNE, you will gain a specialised understanding of the specific neurobiological processes that underlie different kinds of behaviour within educational settings.

As you explore evidence-based research on the application of neuroscience to learning, you will be equipped with hugely valuable skills in this emerging field. Once you graduate, you may also apply for research-based higher degrees and other doctoral programs.

Why study a Master of Neuroscience and Education with UNE?

The Master of Neuroscience and Education program at UNE provides you with the opportunity to gain contemporary insights into how the brain works in educational settings.

Within a framework of educational theory and practice, you will explore the connections between the brain and human behaviour, what may go wrong in those neurobiological processes, and the ways that research and remediation may be undertaken in multi-disciplinary education settings.

With advanced subject knowledge, your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and analysis will add value to your career in this emerging scientific field.

What makes our course different?

Whether you wish to expand on your expertise in human behaviour and learning, enhance your clinical skills within educational settings, or specialise in educational leadership, our flexible course gives you the freedom to choose your direction.

UNE's Master of Neuroscience and Education will give you the opportunity to:

  • Learn from world-class researchers. In a recent Excellence in Research Australia review administered by the Australian Research Council, UNE's Research in Medical and Health Science was rated well above world standard.
  • Acquire multidisciplinary skills, including exposure to research methodologies from a wide range of disciplines.
  • Explore important concepts in neuroanatomy, cellular function within the brain, and how these may impact a range of human behaviours within educational settings.
  • Reflect on neuroscientific research in a range of educational contexts, with a particular focus on today’s most common issues in education.
  • Gain advanced skills in analysing information and evaluating evidence-based practice/research from diverse sources within educational settings.
  • Study flexibly – we know that you need to balance study with family, work and other commitments. All our units are offered online, with options to study across all three trimesters Several units within the course are offered twice each year.
  • Take advantage of our alternative admission pathways. For example, if you hold a relevant Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Science you may be eligible for advanced standing for units already completed, meaning that you can fast-track completion of your Master of Neuroscience and Education.

Here at UNE, we have a long tradition of providing high-quality learning experiences in neuroscience and education. UNE's postgraduate science students consistently award us the maximum 5-star rating in The Good Universities Guide for Teaching Quality and Overall Experience.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

This course is not currently available for this mode of study.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under four admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule C: You have completed a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule D: You have a minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience and training undertaken in the past ten years.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Science
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Health
  • Counselling
  • Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.

† Relevant professional experience and training must be in one or more of the relevant disciplines above, and include experience in areas of human behaviour and remediation.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • If you are applying for admission under Rules A, B or C, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule D, you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing

If you are admitted under Rule A or B  into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 36 credit points.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course Entry Advanced Standing

If you are admitted under Rule C,  you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.

If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.

Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:

  • SCI501 Special Topics in Science
  • EDUC596 Special Topics in Education

 

 

 

This course is offered under four admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule C: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule D: You have completed a UNE Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience and Education. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Science
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Health
  • Counselling
  • Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • If you are applying for admission under Rules A, B or C, you must provide a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule D, you must provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing

If you are admitted under Rule A or B  into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 36 credit points.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course Entry Advanced Standing

If you are admitted under Rule C,  you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.

If you are admitted under Rule D, you will be granted 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing.

Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:

  • SCI501 Special Topics in Science
  • EDUC596 Special Topics in Education

 

 

 

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points at 500-level.

72 credit points

6 credit points

Complete the following unit;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

36 credit points

Complete 36 credit points from the following units;

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from either Special and Inclusive Education or Educational Leadership or Educational Leadership

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units;

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units;

18 credit points

Complete the following units;

72 credit points

24 credit points

Candidates admitted under rule (c) shall be granted advanced standing for NEUR530 and 18 credit points of Listed Units as specified in the Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education.

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

30 credit points

Complete 30 credit points from the following units;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from one specialisation;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

18 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

72 credit points

48 credit points

Candidates admitted under rule (d) shall be granted advanced standing for NEUR530 and 42 credit points of Listed Units as specified in the Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience and Education.

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units;

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units;

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$21,352*
International
$28,762*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$8,656*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

Neuroscience is a diverse and rapidly growing field. With a postgraduate neuroscience qualification from UNE, your understanding of how the brain works, why behaviour occurs as it does, and how people may be helped to change, will give you an advantage in many fields of professional employment.  

Depending on your other qualifications, you could consider opportunities in a range of settings, including: 

  • clinical psychology 
  • counselling, allied health  
  • medicine 
  • education 
  • biomedical research  
  • pharmaceutical development 
  • policy development in the public or private sectors 
  • behavioural and cognitive research. 
Other career information

Be ready to adapt and respond to the rapidly changing world of education and biomedical science by tailoring our Master of Neuroscience and Education to your professional needs. Whether you wish to expand on your expertise in human behaviour and learning, enhance your clinical skills within educational settings, or specialize in educational leadership, our flexible course gives you the freedom to choose your direction. With advanced subject knowledge, your skills in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis will add value to your role.  

Course outcomes

The Master of Neuroscience and Education aims to provide students with the opportunity to study Neuroscience as it is applied within educational settings. The Master of Neuroscience and Education will produce graduates with specialised knowledge of the specific neurobiological processes that underlie a range of behaviour within educational settings.
  1. demonstrate, through their own study and practice, advanced knowledge of neuroanatomy, cellular function within the brain, and how these may impinge upon a range of human behaviour within educational settings;
  2. utilise cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of professionals working in an educational setting;
  3. demonstrate a well-developed ability to use creativity and judgement in analysing neurobiological processes as they relate to human behaviour in education, and to focus those abilities to everyday issues in education;
  4. demonstrate advanced skills analysing information and evaluating evidence based practice/research drawn from a range of sources, reports, organisations and data sets within general educational settings;
  5. demonstrate and apply an advanced ability to critically evaluate and formulate proposals for undertaking research regarding neurological processes in educational settings; and
  6. demonstrate a preparedness to pursue a specialised knowledge and understanding to enhance professional skills and research in the general field of educational neuroscience.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will have an advanced/specialised knowledge of the role of neuroscience in education through the learning and teaching activities associated with each unit and interaction with the unit coordinators, in lectures, online activities and discussion board. Students will be assessed using assignments, individual projects and research reports.

Communication Skills

Graduates will have advanced cognitive and communication skills related to neuroscientific activities that are relevant to the general field of education, acquired through written assignments, reports and participation in online activities and discussion boards.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have well-developed problem solving skills in many aspects of research and the application of neuroscience to educational problems. Throughout the course content units teach and assess problem-solving skills.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to analyse and evaluate information about the role of neuroscience in educational processes from a range of sources, using a range of technologies. Students are required to demonstrate information literacy in assessment tasks throughout the course content.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the social, cultural and ethical issues related to collection and dissemination of information about neuroscience as it is applied within education. Social responsibility and professional practice is embedded in the course content.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the fundamental skills required to supplement their knowledge and to keep abreast of any changes in the field of neuroscience as it is applied in educational settings.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to apply skills and knowledge individually and as part of collaborative teams in the general field of neuroscience in education. They will be able to work with intellectual independence, and to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team with colleagues and clients. 

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

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What our students say

Graduate James Pryor poses with testamur at UNE graduation

I am ever grateful for my experiences at UNE. The lecturers at UNE genuinely helped me well beyond expectations.

James Pryor

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.