Program Overview

MA Educational Leadership and Management

Why study this course

Develop leadership capabilities whether you're new to leadership or already established.

Study your way with our three flexible study modes that fit your lifestyle.

Build your confidence to make sound decisions in complex educational situations.

Course summary

Our MA Educational Leadership and Management is an exciting programme designed for ambitious professionals aspiring to develop their leadership and management skills. Available in three study modes—full-time (1 year), part-time blended (2 years), and part-time online (2 years)—this qualification sets you up to make meaningful impact within your professional context. You'll gain advanced knowledge of leadership theory and practice, develop a critical understanding of educational policy, and strengthen your research capabilities.

The course suits professionals across various educational settings, whether you are new to leadership roles, an experienced leader, or those aspiring to take on leadership positions in the future. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to foster strong leadership within your area of interest and inspire the best outcomes from those you lead.

Key facts

• Award: MA
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
• Mode of study: Full time, Part time
• Start date: September 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

About this course

This master's programme helps you develop expertise in educational leadership and management practices. You'll explore key challenges within relevant professional contexts while reflecting on the influence of policy and examining the relationships between leadership theory and practice.

Full-time students

• Complete five modules over one year: two modules in your first trimester examining vision, practice, policy and effective leadership approaches; two modules in your second trimester covering leadership development and research skills; and a final research project in your third trimester.

Part-time blended students

• Study over two years, combining three on-campus MA Weekends each year (held in October, February, and June, typically on a Friday evening and Saturday) and online learning.
• In your first year you will take one module per trimester starting with a core module on vision, practice and policy, followed by two specialist modules tailored to your interests. In Year 2, you will begin with a core module on research skills, then carry out your own research project across Trimesters 2 and 3.

Part-time online students

• Study over two years, with 100% online delivery designed to offer maximum flexibility. The learning is largely asynchronous, allowing you to study at times that suit your schedule. This study mode is ideal for practitioners in full-time employment, including those who are working outside of the UK.
• In your first year you will take one module per trimester starting with a core module on vision, practice and policy, followed by two specialist modules tailored to your interests. In Year 2, you will begin with a core module on research skills, then carry out your own research project across Trimesters 2 and 3.

What you will study

• Course modules
  • Vision, Practice and Policy: Shaping the future
  • Understanding Effective Leadership and Management
  • Leadership Development for Education
  • Research Skills
  • Research Project

Entry requirements

• Entry to the MA Educational Leadership and Management programmes typically requires a second-class degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject.
• We assess each application individually, recognising that academic potential can be demonstrated through various professional and educational backgrounds.
• For international applicants, English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each component.

How you will be taught

• Teaching methods vary across the three study modes and are designed to accommodate different learning needs.
• Full-time students will be fully engaged in a dynamic learning environment with our campus-based sessions.
• Part-time blended students will take part in taught sessions, peer networking, and academic support activities during MA Weekends, and engage with online learning through the virtual learning environment between weekends.
• Part-time online students will engage with online learning through the virtual learning environment, accessing pre-recorded materials, visual presentations, recommended readings, and interactive tasks.

Assessment

• All delivery modes use similar assessment approaches, offering varied ways to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and understanding.
• Each assignment typically contains at least two related tasks, allowing you to meet learning outcomes while developing various academic skills.
• The different types of assessment include:
  • Portfolios
  • Presentations with Q&A sessions
  • Research method evaluations
  • Dissertations based on independent research projects

Careers & Further study

• There is growing demand for professionals with expertise in leadership and management within educational settings.
• Completing this MA positions you strongly for advancement in your career, whether you're seeking promotion within your current organisation or opportunities elsewhere.
• The qualification is particularly valuable for those aspiring to senior leadership positions or roles requiring strategic vision and people management skills.
• This MA also provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic qualifications, such as the EdD (Doctor of Education) or PhD programmes.

Support

• Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Whether you are on campus or studying online, you will be part of a friendly and supportive community where meaningful connections matter.
• You will get to know staff personally and feel confident reaching out for help and advice.
• No matter how you study, you will benefit from regular interaction with staff who recognise and value you as an individual with unique talents and interests.

Fees & Funding

• A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory.
• That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help you throughout the process.
• Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.