Program Overview

UCL Leading Change in Education

The UCL Leading Change in Education programme is a professional development programme designed for education leaders, delivered by UCL HEDS (Arena). The goal of this programme is to develop UCL's education leaders, giving them tools to implement high-quality education within their faculties/professional service areas, and a peer network for support and inspiration.

Programme Themes and Goals

In 2025/26, all projects will be focused on key elements of the UCL Education Strategy. Each participant should choose one of the following education change projects:

• Education change project to enhance Feedback, Assessment and/or Academic Support
• Education change project to explore innovative approaches bringing education and research closer, to enhance learning
• Education change project to enhance Employability and Preparing Students for their Futures
• Education change project to enhance the sense of belonging, supporting learner engagement

The Programme

The programme will begin in January 2026 with up to 20 participants. It will consist of:

• An initial two-day workshop, followed by four one-day workshops and a half-day final session in September/October
• All workshops will take place in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dates as follows:
  • Workshop 1 – 21 & 22 January
  • Workshop 2 – 26 March
  • Workshop 3 – 23 April
  • Workshop 4 – 11 June
  • Workshop 5 – 16 July
  • Workshop 6 – September/October (to be confirmed)
• A study trip in May 2026 (all details to be confirmed)
• An individual change project which will have a substantial impact on education (the project does not have to be completed by the end of the programme)

Who Should Participate

The programme is aimed at colleagues in senior education roles (Grades 9 and 10) and those with a substantial education and/or student experience remit, for example:

• Vice-Deans (Education)
• Faculty (Graduate) Tutors
• BAME Awarding Gap Project Faculty Leads
• Directors of Education / Student Services / Student Experience
• Departmental (Postgraduate) Tutors

Outcomes of the Programme

After completing the programme, participants will be able to:

• Conduct analyses of complex educational issues at departmental and/or faculty level
• Design and implement practical solutions in response to current educational challenges that will benefit a wide range of students
• Draw on enhanced capabilities to organise and support the development of educators and innovation in teaching and learning
• Develop personal leadership attributes for a successful career in higher education leadership
• Contribute to and draw from an extensive network of education leaders, while shaping the future of education at UCL

Testimonials

Professor Jennie Shaw, Vice Provost (Education & Student Experience), says: "The UCL Leading Change in Education programme is an investment in staff who teach or support teaching. We live in an ever-changing world and this course not only equips colleagues to work in such an environment; it also empowers them to lead on a change project that will benefit our student experience and outcomes."

Irina Lazar, Head of Department, UCL Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, says: "Taking part in LCiE was an enriching experience in many ways. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about UCL as an institution, to see and understand the big picture, which is something I had hoped the programme will give me and it did."

Professor Bronwen Evans, Vice-Dean (Education), Faculty of Brain Sciences, says: "Being part of LCiE was a fantastic experience – I learned so much about myself, how to lead, and how to manage and deal with change. In such a big university it can be difficult to look outside your own department or Faculty – LCiE gave me the opportunity to make new contacts and learn from others outside my discipline."

Leda Kamenopoulou, Departmental Inclusion Lead and Programme Lead, Department of Psychology and Human Development IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, says: "The course offers valuable insights, practical strategies and inspiring conversations with colleagues from across UCL and other institutions. A must for educators and leaders committed to driving meaningful change!"