Course information
UK fee ÂŁ13,550
International fee ÂŁ13,550
Taught by Education
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Course description
Course description
The MSc in Educational Leadership offers a fascinating insight into an arena that has changed remarkably over recent years. Leading and promoting optimal learning is the key challenge that confronts educational leaders, advisers, policy makers and governments. Finding the connections between leadership and learning is not easy and involves change and reform in organisations. These three key themes - leadership, learning and change - are the basis of this course.
This postgraduate degree will enable you to reflect upon practice in your organisation, identify areas of professional concern and become equipped to find solutions and lead change. The course is designed to be relevant to a wide range of practitioners in diverse settings internationally who consider themselves involved in education.
We recognise the importance of connecting theory with practice. Throughout the course you will be supported in developing a flexible set of professional inquiry skills to inform practice in your work setting. Your personal development will equip you to lead change in your organisation.
Former students have also found gaining this respected MSc useful in gaining promotions and developing career pathways.
Exemptions
You can apply for exemption from up to two modules on the basis of prior learning (completed within the last five years only). Exemptions are considered on a case by case basis and there may be a small administration charge. Please contact us for details and an application form.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A 2:2 degree or equivalent
- Plus UK Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent)
- Plus three years' teaching experience (or three years with equivalent professional status in an educational organisation)
You must be currently employed in, or have access, to an educational organisation or provider. This could include working in a school, college, the military or in Government, or training roles in other sectors.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
You may be able to apply for exemption from these modules:
- Educational Leadership, Learning and Change (ELLC)
- External Influences on Educational Leadership (EIEL)
Accreditation for Prior Certified Learning (APCL)
If you have Masters-level (level 7) credits completed during the last five years you may be eligible to apply for 30 or 60 credits towards your MSc. You can apply for APCL if your certificates allow exemption from the modules above.
Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
If you have significant relevant professional experience you may be eligible to apply for 30 or 60 credits towards your MSc. You can apply for APEL if you can demonstrate (by undertaking some written tasks) that your professional experience allows exemption from the modules above.
Exemptions are considered on a case by case basis.
Find out more about APCL and APEL.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in October 2024 or April 2025
- MSc: £13,550
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in October 2024 or April 2025
- MSc: £13,550
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Throughout this course you will keep a Professional Development Portfolio which can be used to underpin applications for promotions in educational leadership.
Education CPD+ offers a range of professional development opportunities for practicing teachers.
Our PhD opportunities are very popular with students who have completed the Educational Leadership MSc and wish to pursue a particular research interest at doctoral level.
We are committed to training and developing outstanding leaders. We are proud to be able to support the career progression of so many teachers through the courses we offer, many of whom started their journey with us as PGCE students.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
Modules
- Educational Leadership, Learning and Change
- External Influences on Educational Leadership
- Research Methods part 1
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Modules
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Education at Leicester has an excellent international reputation for the development and teaching of intellectually stimulating education courses.
Our courses aim to develop leaders in education and so have been designed with your career prospects in mind.
The University of Leicester has over 25 years' experience of offering high quality distance learning courses.
You will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of research in education and who feed the latest developments into their teaching.
Teaching and learning
Studying by distance learning allows you to choose when and where you study, meaning you do not have to take a career break. Our award-winning library has world-class facilities for distance learning students. You will have full access to our support services and will be assigned a personal tutor. Our virtual learning environment offers a wide range of study support material, and you will be encouraged to connect with fellow students from around the world by engaging with e-tutor supported e-tivities.
You can expect to work 19 hours per week. There is some scope in the course to block some of this workload into school holidays, reducing the demands during term time. We recognise the importance of connecting theory with practice. Throughout the course you will be supported in developing a flexible set of professional inquiry skills to inform practice in your work setting. Your personal development will equip you to lead change in your organisation.
We recognise colleagues may not have engaged with writing for academic purposes since their first degree, and/or Teaching Qualification, and therefore each of the modules has a reflective journal of 1,000 words. This forms a plan for your 4,000 - 5,000 word assessment at the end of each module.
The final 60-credit module is the dissertation, which is a report of 15,000 - 20,000 words that aims to underpin a sustainable improvement in your institution, potentially mapped to your School Evaluation Plan. The dissertation makes a significant contribution to your career professional development portfolio and demonstrates your readiness for a promotion in educational leadership. There are no exams on this course.
Key dates
Start date: 7 October 2024
Application deadline for October 2024 start: 16 September 2024
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Educational Leadership | Qualification MSc | Duration 2 years by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
The lecturers are incredibly supportive and allow you the freedom to research and explore your own interests from day one, making us stand out from the crowd as confident, active members of the research community.