Program Overview

Education (Leadership and Management) MA (Distance Learning)

The Education (Leadership and Management) MA (Distance Learning) course is designed for individuals who are currently in a position of responsibility in the education or public service sector and wish to take on more leadership roles. This course focuses on developing students' effectiveness as managers by considering wider theories, research, and strategies while also developing their skills as leaders.

Overview

Studying distance learning means that students get the benefit of the knowledge and skills of the staff at the University, but the materials are designed to allow students to fit them around the demands of their work and home. There are online group learning sessions giving students opportunities to exchange ideas and reinforce the knowledge and skills that they have encountered.

Why Education (Leadership and Management)?

• Students will consider the role of the leader, how that role links to and differs from management, and the development that may be required.
• Students will look at the concepts of vision, values, culture, and strategic planning.
• Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon their personal professional practice, considering current theories and research about learning and development through a variety of teaching and learning strategies.
• Students will be supported to enhance their understanding of the policy and practice context in which practitioners and managers are operating.
• The course could help students progress into middle and senior management roles.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• Students should have an honours degree in a relevant subject at 2:2 or above, or a professional equivalent.
• The University will determine whether a degree can be recognised as UK equivalent.
• In order to successfully study this distance learning course, students must also have:
  • Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection.
  • The ability to access and use online study guidance and support.
  • Appropriate video and audio devices so that students can participate in webinar tutorials.
• If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent or Duolingo English certificate, score 105 or above.

Start Dates

• 8 September 2025
• 19 January 2026
• 11 May 2026

Duration

• 2 years part-time, distance learning

Course Detail

• Students will study the following modules:
  • Leadership: Influence and Motivation
  • Educational Leadership
  • Leadership: Definitions and Issues
  • Research Methods
  • Managing Learning and Development
  • AI and the Future of Leadership
  • Leadership for Social Justice
  • Research Project

Leadership: Influence and Motivation

This module looks at two key parts of leadership - influence and motivation. Students will explore how leaders use influence and how motivation shows up in the people they lead. The module starts with key ideas around power and influence, then moves on to different theories of motivation.

Educational Leadership

This module looks at what makes educational leadership unique within the wider world of leadership. Students will start by exploring the basic concept, then move on to key leadership theories that are especially relevant in education.

Leadership: Definitions and Issues

This module lays the foundations for the rest of the course. Focusing on leadership in theory, students will explore overall definitions of leadership and examine the different ways people understand and approach it.

Research Methods

This module provides students with the research skills needed to complete their final assignment. Students will be introduced to both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and inductive and deductive analyses.

Managing Learning and Development

This module looks at how learning and development connects to organisational goals and wider HR practices in different settings. Students will explore how learning and development plans are shaped by policies, roles, and responsibilities.

AI and the Future of Leadership

This module explores the impact AI has on an organisation's structure and how this affects leadership styles and practices. Students will start by defining intelligence and AI, before examining how AI is used in everyday life and where it’s heading.

Leadership for Social Justice

This module explores how leadership can drive social justice. Students will begin by examining the concepts of social justice and ‘social justice leadership’ and then apply these ideas to real-world examples.

Research Project

In this module, students will explore a topic of interest that’s linked to their course. Students will plan and carry out their own research or professional project, building on what they’ve learned so far.

Fees and Finance

• The total fee for UK and international students on this course will be £8,900 in 2025/26.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University.

Career Support

• Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Community Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Education Consultant, Family Support Worker, Education Mental Health Practitioner, and Teaching Assistant.
• The University provides support networks and services to help students get ahead in their studies, including a Distance Learning Unit Team and specialist staff who are committed to ensuring that online teaching and learning material is accessible to all.