Educational Leadership MA/PGCert/PGDip

This module offers students an opportunity to undertake an independent research project in an area related to their final award. Through this module, students will develop critical research skills by designing, conducting, and presenting a research study that addresses a significant area of professional interest. This module encourages students to make a meaningful contribution to the field while honing skills essential for research, critical thinking, and current/future professional practice.

Leadership underpins everything that we do in education. How, as leaders, we lead is imperative to the success of our team and organisation. This module critiques contemporary approaches to leading educationally focused institutions in constant change and instability. Learning will focus on the application of a range of approaches to leadership in differing contexts. The module will focus on key topics such as different approaches to leadership, the impact that leadership has on organisational culture and effective and dysfunctional teams.

Change is one of the few constants in education. Understanding the causes of change and the way that change progresses both within educational organisations and with individuals is a key professional quality involved in the leadership of education, whether in schools or other organisations within the education sector. Leading change, from setting a vision and overcoming resistance, through implementation and consolidation, is a core skills of successful educational leaders. In this module we will consider causes of educational change, ways in which changes can and do impact organisations, a range of models of change that can be used to effectively explain change and help in planning for future change, and we will conisder effective ways in which to plan change.

Within education, people are essential. Without them, we do not have educational settings. They also account for the largest expenditure in financial terms. Therefore, as leaders we need to ensure that we understand the people that we work with. Applying psychological theories enables leaders to understand better people and the behaviour of those around them to develop more effective, resilient workplaces and support wellbeing. As part of this module, you will understand a range of the theories, concepts, and potential applications of psychology in various leadership contexts. 

Safeguarding and provision of education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are a core function of every educational setting. These roles are complex and importantly transcend every aspect of an organisation's life, intersecting with the curriculum, pastoral and support provision. It is well known that effective leadership within is one of the most significant factors in improving outcomes for children and young people, and so it is within these areas that an understanding of effective leadership can enhance these roles and contribute to improved outcomes. This module does not provide training in being a safeguarding lead or a SENDCO. Its purpose is to develop the leadership capacity of those in these roles or aspiring to them and to help them become more effective. We will consider issues around SEND and safeguarding cultures in education, leadership characteristics of effective leaders, professional learning of leaders and colleagues, and tools to empower leaders to develop these areas within their organisation.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods and design, equipping students with essential skills for conducting rigorous and impactful research. Students will explore a range of different approaches to conducting research, gaining practical experience in research planning, data collection, and ethical considerations. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate research designs for various questions and contexts.  By the end of the module, students will be prepared to independently design and execute research projects that contribute meaningfully to their field of study.

For educational leaders, the rapidly evolving educational landscape we now operate within necessitates the development of a more purposeful ‘global literacy’ across a range of knowledge domains so we can be more agile in our leadership responses. This module focuses on the impact of globalisation on the practice of educational leadership. At the heart of this module is an exploration of the complexities of leadership practice within domestic and international contexts, underpinned by exposure to broader international learning scenarios where leaders' decisions are paramount to educational success.

Leading Governance in Education is designed for current and aspiring educational leaders who want to understand and shape governance at the institutional and system levels.

The module explores how educational institutions (schools, trusts, colleges, and universities) are governed, and how effective governance drives leadership practices, financial sustainability, accountability, and long-term strategic success. Students critically examine the relationship between governance and executive leadership, analysing how boards and senior leaders navigate policy reform, regulatory frameworks, public accountability, and complex stakeholder environments.