Program Overview

Master of Educational Leadership

The Master of Educational Leadership is designed for aspiring or current educational leaders who are passionate about leading improvements that serve diverse communities and learners. This qualification will help students understand, critique, and contribute to culturally responsive educational leadership that is shaping Aotearoa New Zealand and improve the quality of education for all young people.

Programme Overview

This masters is designed to help students take the next step in their career, strengthen their understanding of their own school or context, and their role as a leader within it. Students can choose from a variety of different study options to suit their learning preferences and commitments, including a new fully online programme available through University of Auckland Online.

Programme Structure

The programme structure includes:

• Taught (120 points): Take 90 points advanced taught courses in educational leadership, educational change, inquiry, mentoring, innovation, policy, and evaluation. Select one course from a wide range of other education courses available.
• Research (120 points): Undertake a full research project to advance knowledge and practice in educational leadership.
• Taught (180 points): Take 150 points of advanced taught courses in educational leadership, educational change, inquiry, mentoring, innovation, policy, and evaluation. Select one course from a wide range of other education courses available.
• Research (180 points): Complete one compulsory course in Educational Leadership (EDPROFST 738). Complete a research methods course to prepare for research in the chosen area. Complete a 90-point thesis in educational leadership supervised by experts in educational leadership.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the programme include:

• Taught 120 points: A Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership or Postgraduate Diploma in Education, with a GPA of 5.0. At least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.
• Research 120 points: A Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership or Postgraduate Diploma in Education, with a GPA of 5.0. At least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.
• Taught 180 points: A Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education, with a GPA of 5.0. At least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.
• Research 180 points: A Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education, with a GPA of 5.0. At least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Fees

The fees for the programme are:

• Domestic students: NZ$9,392.40 $9,574.80 per year
• International students: NZ$39,995 $43,674 per year

Key Dates

The key dates for the programme include:

• Application closing dates: Summer School 2026 (1 December 2025), Semester One 2026 (8 December 2025), Semester Two 2026 (8 June 2026)
• Start dates: Summer School 2026 (5 January), Semester One 2026 (2 March), Semester Two 2026 (20 July)

Career Opportunities

The Master of Educational Leadership can lead to career opportunities such as:

• Education consultant
• Policy development manager (education)
• Professional development facilitator
• School head of department
• School principal
• School senior leadership team member
• Senior teacher

Further Study Options

The programme can also lead to further study options such as:

• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Philosophy