10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA Educational Leadership and Change at Durham University prepares you for a professional career that relies on combined expertise in education, leadership & management, and data analysis. Our course is designed to engage with theory and evidence in leadership and management across sectors to inform improvements in various mechanisms, processes, and practices in education at all levels. Our two specialised modules - Effective Educational Leadership and Leading Change in Education Organisations cover a range of critical issues around leadership development, professional learning, and leadership for equity, system leadership, excellence, and innovation in education. Two more core modules Design and Methods in Education Research and Postgraduate Dissertations hone your skills in the research and data analysis aspects. The MA Educational Leadership and Change combines innovative teaching with exceptional support. You will have opportunities to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and countries, gaining a global perspective on education. To further enhance your experience, you will learn from world-class academics who are behind some of the leading research in the field, and experienced practitioners who are involved in educational policy-making. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the ability to connect your professional experience with theory in the field and compare it with real-life instances. You will be equipped with the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours essential to flourish as a well-rounded professional and an influential leader in education and other sectors. Course structure Full-time students normally study three core modules, one mini module, one optional module, and complete a dissertation over one year. Core modules: Effective Educational Leadership engages with global leadership trends and their impact on educational quality and outcomes. This module is designed to engage with theory and evidence on effective leadership in education and across sectors. It covers critical topics on leadership models, leadership development, and professional learning and networking. The module will support you with designing your leadership development plan and strategies, drawing on a range of evidence. Leading Change in Educational Organisations develops your critical understanding of the processes and practices of leading, managing, and evaluating change initiatives, with a particular focus of educational contexts. This is an increasingly important part of the leadership role as the scale and number of educational reforms continues to grow. Design and Methods in Education Research introduces key issues, terms, and ideas in education research. It teaches a range of key research skills including the evaluation of research techniques across different research contexts and the ability to conduct a high-quality study. You will learn to recognise the different purposes of education research; understand key terms and vocabulary in education research and develop a critical standpoint in relation to research in education. Postgraduate Dissertation is a substantial piece of research based on an educational issue within your chosen field of study. You will use an approved research strategy to design and carry out your research and report the outcomes. Examples of mini modules:
- Secondary Data in Education Research
- Ethnographies of Education
- Measurement in Education Research
- Interviews
- Narrative Enquiry – Methodology and Methods
- Experiments in Education
- Systematic Reviews
Modules
In recent years, optional modules have included: Psychological Perspectives on Learning; Education Policy and Evaluation; International Development and Education in a Global World; Language, Education and Power; Leading Change in Educational Organisations; The Case for Higher Education; Digital Technologies and Education: Critical Perspectives; Enhancing Teaching and Learning for Purposeful Productive Thought.
Assessment method
The majority of the MA is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, individual and group presentations and portfolio work. If you choose the Inclusive Pedagogies for Diverse Classrooms module, assessment will also include a lesson plan. The 15,000-word MA dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one-third of your credits.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent). Significant relevant experience will also be considered.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25000 | Year 1 |
| International | £25000 | Year 1 |
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
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing on the Durham University website.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE