Course summary
What is special about this course? The MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship is a three-year, part-time online programme for aspiring school leaders. The programme connects directly with Local Authority and national leadership programmes. Structured as a series of discrete Postgraduate Certificates (PgCerts), the programme aligns to the career progression envisaged in the GTCS (2021) Professional Standards for Leadership and Management. The first PgCert focuses on Middle Leadership, the second PgCert offers the national Into Headship programme, and the third PgCert offers the national In Headship programme for those in post as a Headteacher. The award of MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship can be achieved after successful completion of all three PgCerts. The programme utilises a collaborative approach to online learning, with activities designed to develop teacher agency, support professional dialogue, and develop skills in strategic leadership. You will choose the focus of your work for each module to fit with your professional role and responsibilities, whilst the collaborative learning activities support you and your fellow participants to work together on leadership practice and develop creative responses to leading change. Please see our FAQ sheet on our website for further information on this course. Special features ◾Online study, allowing you to fit your studies around personal and professional commitments ◾Peer support is a strong theme, with online seminars (webinars) enabling discussion with tutors and peers ◾Tutor support through one to one sessions ◾The programme connects the national awards for Into Headship and In Headship How long will my course last? ◾Part-time (structured): 3.5 years of academic study with UHI* *Each PgCert of this MEd sits as a standalone study pathway, offering different exit and subsequent entry points. Into and In Headship require Local Authority approval and are aligned to professional experience and employment in a promoted role. The 3.5 years of academic study (18 months for Middle Leadership, 1 year for Into Headship and 1 year for In Headship) to achieve the required 180 Credits in total for an Masters in Education may not be experienced as a linear progression, and the overall time to complete may be extended by periods of 'dormancy' in between, depending on your initial entry point and professional responsibilities. The national programme for Into Headship includes modules led by Education Scotland, additional to the PgCert Into Headship at each university, which must be completed by April of the following year, to be awarded the GTCS (2021) Standard for Headship.
How to apply
International applicants
This course is not currently available for Student Route visa sponsorship. For students living in the UK and assessed as international for fee status, please refer to our website fees page for further information.
Entry requirements
◾Honours or ordinary degree with relevant practice experience ◾You must be employed full- or part-time in an education setting, with current GTCS Registration as a Primary or Secondary teacher ◾For entry into the PgCert Into Headship or PgCert In Headship, you must be nominated by your employer ◾Next available start dates: Middle Leadership (starts September 2024): please apply by 31st August 2024; Into Headship (starts September 2024): please apply by 30th June 2024*; In Headship (starts September/October 2024): please apply by 1st August 2024* ◾*Into Headship / In Headship - you should only use the September apply link when: you have a place in a national cohort with Education Scotland confirmed through your Local Authority AND you have been contacted by the Programme Leader to apply and enrol at UHI
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
UHI House
Old Perth Road
Inverness
IV2 3JH