Course description
The programme provides support for the enhancement of practitioner expertise and is based on the principle that the foremost task of all educational leaders is to create and develop the most effective and efficient learning environment for the student body their organisation serves.
The degree is closely aligned to contemporary learner-centred leadership issues and to relevant national and international standards.
The programme has the flexibility to allow accreditation of prior learning, including that gained through appropriate and focused professional development activities.
There are three stages of the degree:
In Stage 1, participants study the core module Learner-Centred Leadership and a choice of two optional modules. Participants who have completed the related assessment tasks and choose to leave the programme at the end of this phase will be awarded a postgraduate certificate in Leadership and Learning.
In Stage 2, participants study a further three modules. Participants who have completed the related assessment tasks and choose to leave at the end of this phase will be awarded a postgraduate diploma in Leadership and Learning.
In Stage 3, participants undertake an in-depth study of leadership and learning in an educational setting and present a dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words for final assessment. Successful completion of this phase will result in the award of the MSc in Leadership and Learning.
COURSE CONTENT
The core module of learner-centred leadership is supported by a range of modules that cover the dimensions of Leadership and Learning.
CORE MODULES
-Learner-Centred Leadership
-Research Methods
OPTIONAL MODULES
-Learning to Learn
-Learning with New Technologies
-The Learning Organisation
-Leading and Managing for High Performance
-Leading and Managing Change
-E-Leadership
-Choice of one further module from other postgraduate degrees in education
ASSESSMENT
Stages 1 and 2 are assessed by attendance at taught sessions and the successful completion of assignments which apply relevant theory to practice. Assessment for Stage 3 is based on the dissertation submitted.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Part-time enrolment throughout the year
Visiting staff include Professor Bruce Barnett (UTSA), Professor John Daresh (UTEP) and Professor John West-Burnham
RESEARCH AREAS
The programme is led by Dr Trevor Male, whose specialist field is educational leadership – particularly headship in schools, where he has an extensive track record of research, publications and consultancy.
Other key members of staff are Kevin Burden, who specialises in the use of ICT and digital media in student learning, and Dr. David Plowright, an expert in organisational evaluation.