What's the Difference Between a Master of Education and a Master of Teaching?

Are you returning to education and can’t decide between a master of education and a master of teaching? Maybe you want to become a teacher and aren’t sure which course is the right step for you? Many people find themselves in this position, but you don’t need to remain confused for long. Our article shows you the key differences between a master of education and a master of teaching so that you can decide which is right for you.

Teacher smiling at camera in classroom
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What Is a Master of Education?

A master of education is a postgraduate qualification where you will learn more about the academic sector, allowing you to progress into leadership roles where you will manage and inspire teachers and learners. There are lots of different specialisations available for a master of education, including:

A master of education is designed for teachers or education professionals who want to expand their knowledge, move into leadership roles, or specialise within the education field. You will usually be working as a teacher or have a prior teaching qualification.

What Is a Master of Teaching?

A master of teaching is a postgraduate course that prepares you for a career as a teacher. It allows students who have not gained a previous teaching qualification to gain one and start educating and inspiring students. A master of teaching is usually offered for primary or secondary education, allowing you to specialise in your area of interest.

Many regions of Australia class this as an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program, which prepares and certifies prospective teachers. You will usually need an ITE qualification before you can work as a teacher across Australia.

Master of Education Vs Master of Teaching: What’s the Difference?

There are several differences between a master of education and a master of teaching, including the goals of the degree, focus, and what previous experience you need. We have outlined these differences below in our battle between master of education vs master of teaching so that you can see which one is right for you!

They Have Different Goals

The biggest difference is the goals of the courses. A master of teaching is designed to help you become an aspiring teacher and is made for those who require a qualification to start their teaching career. A master of education is created for existing teachers whose goal is to progress into leadership roles, specialise, or teach at an advanced level.

It’s important that you consider your goals before starting your course to find the right option for you.

They Require Different Experience

You will usually need prior teaching experience to apply for a master of education or have experience working as an administrator in the education sector. A master of teaching does not require previous teaching experience, but rather a desire to move into a career as a teacher.

They Have Different Learning Outcomes

Just as they have different goals, a master of education and teaching have different learning outcomes. A master of education can be tailored to a variety of interests or aspirations and common learning outcomes like leadership, research, advanced knowledge in education, and curriculum design.

A master of teaching can also be tailored, but the learning outcomes are focused on preparing you for a classroom and facilitating learning. There will be different learning outcomes depending on if you choose a master of primary education or secondary education, with each age range requiring different teaching methods and skills.

They Have Different Curriculum Focuses

Another huge difference between these courses is the focus of the course content. The content of each course will vary slightly, depending on the course provider and the specialisation that you choose. A master of education will explore a variety of aspects of the education sector, looking at leadership, research, educational theory, policy, and more to prepare you for your next step in your career.

A master of teaching will focus on providing prospective teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a classroom. Part of this will involve a placement where you will put your skills to the test and teach sessions. Once the course is completed, you will be able to register to teach.

Find Your Education Course Today

A master of education and a master of teaching are fine courses to choose between, but you need to be sure that you pick the right course for your career. If you are looking to train to be a teacher, you will want to study for a master's in teaching, and if you are an existing teacher or educational professional, a master of education is the one for you.