Educational Leadership and Change

MA
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Durham City
X9KK07
Course details
High-performing and equitable organisations and systems need effective professionals and leaders at all levels with a combination of expertise in education, leadership, and data analysis. Our MA in Educational Leadership and Change prepares you for professional career pathways that rely on that combined expertise.
The MA in Educational Leadership and Change is designed to engage with theory and evidence on leadership and management across sectors to inform improvements in various mechanisms, processes, and practices in education.
This programme covers a range of critical issues around leadership development, professional learning, and leadership for equity, excellence, and innovation in education.
Our MA programme combines excellent research with innovative teaching and exceptional support. You will study with world-class academics and experienced practitioners.
The School of Education at Durham University is one of the leading schools in the UK, ranked 7th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. Our graduates are highly sought after and are placed in the strongest position to pursue a successful career in a wide range of different sectors.
If you are an offer holder and have academic queries on teaching, learning and/or research specifically related to the MA in Educational Leadership and Change, you are welcome to stay in touch with the programme director (email address: Dong.Nguyen@durham.ac.uk).
Course Structure
Full-time students study the four taught modules plus the dissertation over one year.
Part-time students normally study two taught modules per year in years one and two. The dissertation is also completed in the second year of the programme.
Core modules:
- Leading Change in Educational Organisations
- Design and Methods in Educational Research
- Dissertation
Examples of optional modules:
- Effective Educational Leadership for Schools and School Networks
- Leading Reflective Organisations
- Digital Technologies and Education: Critical Perspectives
- International Development and Education in A Global World
- Education Policy and Evaluation
- Special Education Needs and Inclusion
- Curriculum Analysis.
Learning
In all of our postgraduate taught courses, we place an emphasis on empowering students to be autonomous, independent learners. The taught modules provide an introduction to module content which is then developed and extended through our use of online resources, key reading and independent study and research. We consider the development of independent learning and research skills to be one of the key elements of our postgraduate taught curriculum and one which helps our students cultivate initiative, originality and critical thinking.
On the MA Education Leadership and Change course, you will take compulsory core modules worth a total of 60 credits plus two optional modules worth 60 credits. Modules are offered either mid-week or at weekends, which provides flexible study routes and a wide choice of options. Modules are delivered using a combination of lectures, seminars workshops, and tutorials. The core modules are designed to provide you with a critical understanding of theories, research and issues relevant to your chosen course of study. Outside timetabled contact hours, you are also expected to devote significant amounts of time to reading, discussing and preparing for classes, assignments and project work.
In addition to the taught core and option modules, all postgraduate taught students following a Master’s course will undertake a 60 credit dissertation. This crucial piece of work is a significant piece of independent research that constitutes a synthesis of theory, method, and practice in education and is supported by an individual supervisor, specialist dissertation workshops and the Dissertation Coordinator.
Throughout the course, all students meet regularly with an Academic Advisor, who provides academic support and guidance. In addition, Programme Leads have regular office hours where they meet students to discuss any issues. Module staff are also happy to meet with you to discuss module specific issues as needed.
In term time, the department also has an extensive programme of departmental and research group seminars which postgraduate students are encouraged to attend. Before the academic year starts, we provide information on preparation for the course. On arrival, we have induction sessions and social events, headed by the Director of Postgraduate Studies and attended by both academic and administrative staff.
Entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent). Significant relevant experience will also be considered.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
Home students | £10,400 per year |
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EU students | £22,500 per year |
Island students | £10,400 per year |
International students | £22,500 per year |
Part Time Fees
Home students | £5,800 per year |
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EU students | £12,400 per year |
Island students | £5,800 per year |
International students | £12,400 per year |
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
School of Education
There are a wide range of roles that are available to qualified teachers ranging from classroom teaching, specialist subject lead, phase lead, middle and senior management groups.
For further information on career options please view our department pages.
Department information
School of Education
We are a large department, with around 50 academic staff and around 650 postgraduate students (including our PGCE students, both primary and secondary). We are also supported by numerous partners from schools and colleges. We have strong international links, welcoming students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars from all over the world.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2022
- 2nd in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 7th in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2023
- Top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2023
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the School of Education pages
Research Excellence Framework
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Ranked joint 1st nationally for Research Impact and 1st nationally for outputs
Facilities
Our School of Education is set in beautifully landscaped gardens above the River Wear and overlooks both the Castle and Cathedral. As well as an attractive work environment, it offers excellent study facilities, including a department library with a wide range of books and periodicals.
Apply
Find out more:
Apply for a postgraduate course (including PGCE International) via our online portal.
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