Educational Leadership MA

Whether you're an experienced practitioner, a determined policymaker, or a curious researcher, we'll give you the tools to put your learning into practice in the real world. With a thorough grounding in key educational leadership theories, policies, and practices, we'll prepare you to lead change in your institution.

This course will run over 28 months in a part-time mode. 

If you are interested in the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy funded, please refer to the Educational Leadership Level 7 Apprenticeship PGDip

On the course you will:

• Engage with leading academics and expert local school leaders;
• Be part of a research-informed community which harnesses cutting-edge and seminal research literature and conducts research and enquiry to review and improve practice and school improvement initiatives;
• Develop capacity for rigorous and critical analysis of evidence from research and evidence from practice in improving schools;
• Develop your own specialist areas of expertise through research, leadership enquiry and other practice-focused assignments.
• Be part of the Education Leadership Academy which supports inclusive, values-driven leadership in schools across the world.

The blended learning format includes a combination of distance learning and face-to-face seminars. 

The assessment, consists of a combination of academic and school focused assignments and a dissertation, all designed to be tailored by you for your own subject specialism, phase and professional interests.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The first module is taken in the Spring term of year 1.

The second and third modules are taken in the Autumn and Spring terms of year 2.

The dissertation is taken in years 2 and 3.

This is a ‘fast track’ professional learning programme which requires students to have prior experience and understanding of educational leadership.

All applicants are required to:

• be experience in working in a teaching, leadership or school support role;
• have a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), equivalent professional experience, or equivalent M-level credits related to school improvement and educational leadership;
• hold a good first degree, diplomas or other relevant qualifications.

We recognise that the knowledge and skills required for educational leadership are varied and educational leadership experience and learning comes in many forms.

We are accepting the NASENCo award as an NPQ equivalent as standard. Examples of other relevant qualifications and programmes include the leadership pathways and programmes offered by SSAT and by the former National College. You may have completed a series of shorter courses or received ‘in-house’ training. We also are considering experiential learning and any achievements, experiences or duties which demonstrate the applicant has met the NPQ standards and has experience and understanding of senior leadership practice.

• An NPQ which was achieved more than 5 years ago is typically suitable, especially if you have been working in a senior leadership role following your NPQ award.
• If you are currently undertaking but yet to complete an NPQ, National SENCO award or another relevant programme you should include details of your learning to date and any indications that you are on track to complete the award. Examples include transcripts, details in a personal statement or CV, and references from programme tutors or directors.

In all cases, prior learning is assessed against the MA Programme aims and the NPQSL standards to ensure that you have the experience and understanding of education and senior leadership required to benefit from this Masters degree in Educational Leadership.

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.