Postgraduate study in Applied Educational Leadership and Management

Syllabus

In all modules the specially written materials, activities, case studies and additional readings are carefully integrated to prepare you for participation in online activities and for the assessment of your work. At all times the emphasis is on personal reflection and the application of theory to practice.

Induction module (this must be satisfactorily completed before registration is confirmed)
Online induction for course software: gaining access, using different functions, interacting in an online environment.

Core modules

Leading and managing educational change and improvement
This module introduces some of the basic theories relating to leadership and management in educational settings and considers how they might work in a range of situations and national
cultures. Students are made aware that most theories of leadership and management are ‘Western’ in nature and are encouraged to consider their applicability to their own cultural
context. The individual organisation is looked at from the point of view of its structures, its own institutional culture and the way power is distributed. The implications of the changing division
and allocation of power between national and regional government and the individual educational institution are considered. The key themes of institutional effectiveness and
educational improvement and change are introduced in this module along with the related concept of evaluation.

Core module 2: Leadership for the learning community
This module starts by considering the question: what do we mean by learning? It then goes on to consider the implications for leaders and managers if they are to promote eff ective learning
and the role of the wider community in supporting and enabling learning. The role of the staff within a school, college or educational system is key to success, and this module considers two ways in which human resource management links to learning and the implications of this for leaders and managers. The importance of continuing professional development for staff and the support and growth of learning communities is stressed. Finally, the module considers the importance of practitioners both using available research evidence and data from outside and from inside the institution and system.

Optional modules

Finance and resource management
Make your institution more efficient, effective and equitable. Improve your understanding of fi nancial management and the financial systems within which you operate. Develop skills of
costing, budgeting and planning.

Developing personal leadership skills
This module builds on the theories presented in the core modules to develop leadership skills that will benefit your organisation. Improve your skills and insights as a leader and manager of
people utilising a range of case studies. Understand team building, decision-making and conflict resolution. Gain personal skills such as time and stress management and action planning.

Exploring educational policy
For the first time the Institute of Education’s world-class expertise in education policy is being presented through distance learning. Identify how your institution is affected by national and international policy and change, including initiatives of access, equity and social justice. Understand national and global forces and how they impact on you and your institution.

Values, vision and moral purpose
Values and ethics are central to educational leadership and management. Moral philosophy is
applied to real life situations to help you understand and examine your own values. Work with others to develop a vision and mission for your organisation. Examine strategies for change and
improvement of organisational culture. Gain new insights into your role.

Dissertation (MA only)

Dissertation
You will be supported by your tutor and through online seminars to develop a small research project on a topic of your choice related to educational leadership and management. The
dissertation provides the opportunity for an extended piece of writing that will be valuable to you and your institution and will also provide excellent experience if you wish to continue your studies at doctoral level.