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Full time | Queen's University Belfast | 1 year | 16-SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

1 year

Start date

16-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Headmaster/Headmistress/School Leadership Education Studies

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

Leadership in schools is associated with fostering an environment where students can achieve their full potential and where educational staff are supported, motivated and can professionally develop. Effective school leaders are often described as having the capacity to transform and motivate others, they have vision, experience and expertise. This course takes the view however, that effective schools have leaders that can be found all-across a school and not necessarily confined only to those in senior positions. Key ideas explored in this course are leadership that is distributed, collaboration and the benefits of networks, transformational leadership and how effective leadership can change and improve schools.

The MSc in Educational Leadership recognises that schools and more broadly educational systems depend on leaders from all walks of life and all types of positions, regardless of assigned title. It is intended, therefore, to provide leadership development for people who work in all manner of roles in the educational system: classroom teachers, formal school leaders, local authority personnel, policymakers, and any individual with a direct interest in the primary and post-primary school sectors.

The programme aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and creative capacity to respond to a variety of leadership challenges faced in contemporary educational institutions. We will challenge traditional notions of 'leaders' and 'leadership' pointing to new, more collaborative and more organic models of leading.

It is expected that graduates will be able to inform their professional practice with the latest research evidence in the field to nurture meaningful relationships in educational communities, address issues of equity and diversity, support teaching and learning, and ultimately ensure quality outcomes which are tailored to contextual needs. We seek to develop in students the ability to critique current leadership practices and to enact changes that will improve education for all.

Modules

In this module students will develop theoretical and practical knowledge of how to lead change in complex educational environments. Topics covered include: the nature and types of change and innovation; the process of organisational change covering phases from inception to institutionalisation; factors affecting the success of change at different levels (individual, team, organisational, and macro levels); creativity and change; resistance to change; and the subtle ways in which culture influences the implementation of reform. Specific attention is paid to the role of different stakeholders in the school change process, including teachers, senior leaders, pupils, parents, local education authorities, and governments. Emphasis is placed on developing constructive dialogue for change by shifting the focus from the identification of problems to exploring possibilities. Both the theoretical and empirical literature is examined. The analysis of case studies in small groups constitutes a main learning tool during sessions that helps relate theory and research to real life situations of organisational change.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£7,300

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£21,500

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline. Applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may also be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in an education, training or relevant context.