Program Overview

MA in Educational Leadership

Course Overview

The MA in Educational Leadership provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles underpinning excellent leadership, and the skills and confidence to implement them. Designed by experienced head teachers, it incorporates a deep set of leadership theories to encourage reflection on how learning can improve professional practice.

Course Details

Year One

• Leadership Theory – 30 credits
  • Develops and enhances understanding of the fundamental theories and principles that underlie effective leadership in schools.
  • Critically evaluates leadership concepts and applies them to practice.
• Leadership of Culture – 30 credits
  • Introduces the importance of institutional culture and explores analytical models that provide a research base for understanding how cultures operate in a school context.
• Leadership of People – 30 credits
  • Develops understanding of the effective leadership of the people in a school setting.
  • Critically reflects on key themes such as teacher and staff management, lesson observation, target setting, and performance.

Year Two

• Leadership of Teaching and Learning – 30 credits
  • Develops ability to lead teaching and learning in a school setting and influence pupil outcomes.
  • Builds expertise in the analysis of classroom performance, the science and theory of pedagogy, and the development of teacher skills.
• Action Research Proposal – 30 credits
  • Plans a substantive piece of individual research into leadership within the student's own context, applying theory to practice.
• Action Research Project – 30 credits
  • Implements the research project, investigating an area related to professional practice.
  • Selects an appropriate methodology, considers research design, methods, and ethics.

Entry Requirements

• UK:
  • Hold an honours degree awarded by a higher education institution at a minimum of a second class (2:2) or equivalent professional experience.
  • Be employed in a school or college for the duration of study and hold a leadership position.
• International:
  • Hold an honours degree awarded by a higher education institution at a minimum of a second class (2:2) or equivalent professional experience.
  • Be employed in a school or college for the duration of study and hold a leadership position.
  • IELTS: 6.5 or higher, with no component less than 5.5, (or equivalent), or TOEFL 600.

Fees and Funding

• UK (part-time): £6,500 (blended learning), £5,000 (online only)
• EU (part-time): Not available
• International (part-time): £8,000 (blended learning), £5,000 (online only)

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made through the CU Apply portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I study this course?
  • Develops skills in areas such as strategic planning, staff management, curriculum development, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Leads to a transformation project in the student's organisation and expands their leadership skill set.
• How will I learn?
  • Online or blended delivery model (online and in-person).
  • Two 3-day residentials near Milton Keynes in the UK (blended route only).
• How will I be assessed?
  • Case study research
  • Online discussions
  • Written responses to real-life situations and longer written projects
• What career opportunities could I have after completing the course?
  • Valuable knowledge and practical experience in educational leadership.
  • Developed skills in areas such as strategic planning, staff management, curriculum development, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Are there opportunities for further study?
  • May be opportunities to work towards a PhD with the Centre for Global Learning.