Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

This master's program blends core education theory and research skills with specialised units in teacher librarianship. Typical topics include information literacy and inquiry learning, curriculum alignment and literacy support, collection development and resource management, cataloguing and classification basics for school collections, digital technologies for libraries, and leadership and management of school library services. The course usually contains a research methods unit and a capstone or research project that applies evidence-based practice to a real school library problem.

Practical learning is a key component: many students complete supervised professional experience in a school library setting, develop curriculum-support programs and produce resource-management plans. Teaching is offered through a mix of online study and intensive on-campus workshops, with assessments that reflect authentic workplace practice such as program planning, resource evaluation and research reports.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold an undergraduate degree and current teacher certification or registration (or equivalent teaching qualification). Many entrants are practising teachers with classroom experience; selection may prioritise those with recent school-based employment. International applicants will need to meet English language requirements and provide documentation of prior qualifications and registration. The university may also require a personal statement outlining professional goals and, where applicable, evidence of suitability to work with children such as background checks.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as accredited teacher–librarians and school library leaders across primary and secondary schools. Common career pathways include:

• Teacher–librarian or library coordinator in K–12 settings
• Curriculum and literacy support officer within school systems
• Digital learning specialist or educational resource developer
• Library services manager in independent or Catholic school sectors
• Roles in education policy, teacher professional learning or continuing to higher research degrees in education or information studies

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt offers a program designed for practising educators, with flexible online delivery and intensive workshops to accommodate teachers working in regional, rural and urban settings. The course emphasises practical, school-based skills—classroom-aligned library programs, digital resources and leadership—so graduates can apply learning immediately. Students benefit from staff with experience in school libraries and education systems, access to online learning resources and a focus on supporting schools across diverse communities.