Program Overview

MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership

Overview

Develop your skills and boost your career with our MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership. Designed for those working in higher and further education management, administrative or support roles, this unique programme will help you to achieve your career aspirations.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent (in any discipline) plus a minimum of 6 months of professional experience in undertaking administrative duties, managing a service or leading a project or group of individuals in their daily HE activities.
• In addition, you must be in a leadership, management or administrative role in HE whilst enrolled on the programme.

Duration

• Taught route: up to 24 months (part-time online)

Study Mode Options

• Part-time

Next Start Date

• September 2025

Course Details

Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership

This higher education leadership course will help you to enhance your career by gaining a critical understanding of the current issues within the Higher Education sector. This knowledge will help you to develop informed perspectives and make sound decisions regarding policies, resource allocation, student services, and academic programmes.

Throughout the course and beyond, you will have the opportunity to truly have an impact on students and the institutions within which you work, contributing to their growth and development as well as that of your own career. As a business professional working within the education sector, you can shape the educational experiences of students, improve educational outcomes, promote diversity and inclusion, develop innovative programmes, and create supportive campus environments.

What Skills Will You Gain?

You will acquire professional skills at three different levels including self, organisation and others:

• Develop your professional capacity as reflective practitioners, enabling you to self-assess your skills and performance within your professional context.
• Develop an understanding of leadership and management within Higher Education, and associated opportunities for career progression.
• Contribute to enhancing the student experience by building your skills and knowhow to develop efficient processes to support students in their Higher Education studies.

Benefits of Studying with The University of Law

• Build your professional network: You will have the opportunity to engage and connect with other faculty members, guest speakers, fellow students, and alumni who are experienced managers and leaders in higher education, opening doors to job opportunities, mentorship, collaboration, and your professional development.
• Flexed to fit around your existing commitments: With multiple start dates and the convenience of studying online and part-time, you can build your career whilst maintaining your work and personal commitments.
• An excellent learning experience: You’ll get the quality and rigour you’d expect of any professional leadership course, as it is aligned with the Association of University Administrators (AUA) Professional Behaviours and CPD Framework.
• Enjoy Flexibility: Studying at our online campus gives you the opportunity to work at your own pace and around your other commitments, within given deadlines, and at your preferred time of day, with the benefit of our expertise, experience and employability focus.
• Save you the time and money: Our online programmes cut the need for commuting to and from campus and allow you to study anywhere, across devices. However you can be reassured that the course won’t be compromised on quality or be less demanding than our on campus courses.

Course Structure

PG Cert Award

• The PGCert Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership is studied part-time online over 8-9 months.
• Two compulsory modules:
  • Higher Education in Context (30 credits) - covering emerging issues, technology, Quality Assurance, and widening participation.
  • Professional Practice in Higher Education (30 credits) - covering personal development, teamwork, and leadership.

PG Dip Award

• The PGDip Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership is studied part-time online over 16-17 months.
• Two compulsory modules:
  • Levels of Leadership (30 credits) - covering contemporary leadership models, and the development of own leadership and behaviours.
  • Change Management (30 credits) - covering drivers, models, and barriers

MA Award

• The MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership is studied part-time online over 24 months.
• One compulsory module:
  • The Change Project (60 credits) - Develop a change project linked to your professional context (under supervision); develop leadership and management skills.

Course Start Dates

September 2025

• MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership
  • Part-time: Online

February 2026

• MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership
  • Part-time: Online

Fees and Applying

How to Apply

Applications for this course are now open.

Apply for the MA, PGDip or PGCert Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership directly with the University.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025)
  • MA Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership: £13,700
  • PGDip Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership: £9,150
  • PGCert Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership: £4,650

By studying a Master's degree you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.

If you’re one of our alumni, you may be eligible to receive our £1000 Academic Master's Alumni Discount.

We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available to help you invest in your future.

International

We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.