Program Overview

Educational Leadership MA, PGDip, PGCert

Overview

The MA in Educational Leadership is designed for current and aspiring leaders across all educational settings, empowering them to critically engage with leadership theories and apply them to real-world challenges. With a strong emphasis on professional practice, students will refine their ability to lead with confidence, drive positive change, and shape the future of education.

Study Options

• Full-Time (MA) at Exton Park, Chester
• Part-Time (MA) at Online
• Part-Time (PGDip) at Online
• Part-Time (PGCert) at Online

Level

• Postgraduate

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Jan 2026, May 2026, Oct 2026, Jan 2027, May 2027

Duration

• 1 year (Full-Time)
• 2 years (Part-Time)

Location

• Exton Park, Chester (Full-Time)
• Online (Part-Time)

UK Fees

• £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• £4,815 per year (2025/26) for Part-Time

International Fees

• £15,000 for the full course (2025/26)

Accreditations

• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) award in Strategic Leadership

Course Summary

The MA in Educational Leadership is designed to enhance leadership potential and make a lasting impact in education. The course empowers students to critically engage with leadership theories and apply them to real-world challenges. With a strong emphasis on professional practice, students will refine their ability to lead with confidence, drive positive change, and shape the future of education.

Why You'll Love It

• Accredited excellence: The only Educational Leadership MA accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• Tailored to your professional journey: Use previous qualifications, including National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), to gain credit towards your MA
• Learn from experts, lead with confidence: Our lecturers combine academic expertise with extensive leadership experience in compulsory and post-compulsory education

What You'll Study

• Modules:
  • Leading Organisations: Theory into Practice (20 Credits)
  • Leading Change (20 Credits)
  • Leading People and Organisational Behaviour (20 Credits)
  • Leading SEND and Safeguarding (20 Credits)
  • Leading Education in a Globalised Community (20 Credits)
  • Research Methods & Design (20 Credits)
  • Research Project (60 Credits)

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Steve Lambert, Associate Professor
• Dr Mark Whalley, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Kendall Jarrett, Senior Lecturer

How You'll Learn

• Designed to fit in with your professional lives
• Assessments include essays, portfolios, academic posters, and research-based projects
• Part-time students study solely online
• Full-time students study in Chester, with weekly lectures and seminars

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Honours degree, usually 2:2 or above, plus relevant experience
• International/EU Students: Equivalent qualifications, plus English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall)
• IT Specifications: PC/Mac with Windows 8.1 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, internet connection, supported web browsers, cameras, microphones, and headsets

NPQ Credits towards your MA

• Use National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) to gain credit towards your MA, up to a maximum of 100 credits

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Modern learning resources, library, fitness facilities, student services, chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 for the full course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips, and software
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Many graduates have secured senior or promoted roles as a result of achieving their MA in Educational Leadership
• Progression Options: Doctor of Education (EdD), PhD
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.