MA in Educational Leadership

Postgraduate

A teacher helping an older student in class.

This MA in Educational Leadership provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles underpinning excellent leadership, and the skills and confidence to implement them.

Location

In schools

Study mode

Work-based learning with online study

Duration

2 years part-time

Course code

See how to apply

Start date

January
May
September

Age phases

Primary
Secondary
Further Education
Higher Education

How to apply

Course overview

If you are an experienced teacher and a school leader, or aspire to be one, then this course could be for you. Designed by experienced head teachers, it incorporates a deep set of leadership theories to encourage you to reflect on how your learning can improve your professional practice.

Our MA in Educational Leadership is a taught master’s degree delivered through an online delivery model combining independent study with online tutorials bringing together school leaders from across the world.

Our course maintains that:

The skills of effective leadership can be learnt and improved.
There is no single and exclusive inherited leadership characteristic.
By developing an understanding of the core principles of effective leadership and applying these principles in an authentic manner, responding appropriately to the context, the abilities of a leader can be improved.

Course details

In the first year, you will be presented with a clear set of values, behaviours, and approaches through the teaching of theory, key skills, central themes and fundamental principles of effective leadership. The online materials offer a rich and compelling narrative. They aim to explore theoretical and research-based evidence of effective leadership approaches, the importance of institutional culture and the needs of leaders and followers.

You will be presented with a variety of case study exercises that draw out the central themes. Critical evaluation and the development of effective, individual approaches are encouraged with the support of your university-assigned mentor.

Modules

Leadership Theory – 30 credits

This module aims to develop and enhance your understanding of the fundamental theories and principles that underlie effective leadership in schools. This is enriched by a varied collection of case studies from a range of settings. You will critically evaluate leadership concepts and apply them to your own practice.

Compulsory

Leadership of Culture – 30 credits

This module introduces you to the importance of institutional culture. It explores analytical models which provide a research base for understanding how cultures operate in a school context. The module investigates the features of leadership behaviour that determine a school’s culture and how change is inspired and inhibited.

Compulsory

Leadership of People – 30 credits

In the second and final year, there will be a strong emphasis on the leadership of teaching and learning. You will have the opportunity to study best practice research in teaching and learning, the professionalisation of teaching, the science of learning, and the practical implications of theory for classroom practice.

The course concludes with an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to undertake an extended piece of individual Action Research which will show theory turning to practice through your dissertation. This dissertation is a project involving the leadership of change, drawing on the opportunities for educational leadership in your own context.

Modules

Leadership of Teaching and Learning – 30 credits

Action Research Proposal – 30 credits

In this module, you will plan a substantive piece of individual research into leadership within your own context, applying theory to practice. You are supported with the additional research skills required, including online sessions on research methods and ethics in educational research.

Compulsory

Action Research Project – 30 credits

Following the research proposal, you will implement your research project, investigating an area related to your professional practice. You will select an appropriate methodology, consider research design, methods and ethics. It should be presented in a written format to a master’s level, interpreting your findings and making recommendations for its implementation.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Entry requirements

In order to gain entry to the course you must:

Hold an honours degree awarded by a higher education institution at a minimum of a second class (2:2) or equivalent professional experience.
Be employed in a school or college for the duration of study and hold a leadership position such as Headteacher, Principal, Deputy Head, Assistant Head, or a middle management position such as Head of Department, Head of Year, or Head of House.

For more information about this course, entry requirements or your educational setting suitability, speak to our team.

In order to gain entry to the course you must:

Hold an honours degree awarded by a higher education institution at a minimum of a second class (2:2) or equivalent professional experience.
Be employed in a school or college for the duration of study and hold a leadership position such as Headteacher, Principal, Deputy Head, Assistant Head, or a Middle Management position such as Head of Department, Head of Year, or Head of House.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 or higher, with no component less than 5.5, (or equivalent), or TOEFL 600, or to have completed some of your education, for example, a degree, in English.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	Not available	£5,000
EU	Not available	Not available
International	Not available	£5,000

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

How to apply

UK students

International students

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study this course?

The course focuses on developing you into a confident, effective, and inspirational leader who draws on both theory and practice to apply strategies that impact positively on school and college performance.

Learn to apply your course to your job.
Online, flexible study.
Course content crafted by experienced educational leaders.
Designed to provide highly practical learning experiences.
Suitable for leaders in all educational settings.
Multiple start dates.
24/7 access to online learning materials.
Designed to provide varied and engaging assessments.

We provide a useful breadth of case studies to highlight school-based issues across state-maintained, independent and special schools in primary and secondary settings. We integrate case studies from industries beyond education to help you gain a nuanced understanding of leadership.

How will I learn?

The course is delivered online through webinars, podcasts, videos, research, and tutorials. Our platforms are interactive and engaging and enable both independent and peer learning. Course content and materials are available 24/7, enabling you to study and revisit them as required and in your own time. Our online tutorial programme provides you with teaching and support, both one-to-one with your own personal University Tutor and in a tutor group.

We will introduce you to a comprehensive range of academic material including theories of leadership, human psychology and current research on memory and learning. These are linked to practical application and relevance in leading modern educational institutions. Furthermore, the course uses real-life case study materials.

The course comprises six mandatory modules, with study culminating in a final Action Research project. It is typically studied on a part-time basis over two academic years (six school terms).

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around four contact hours per week in the first and second year. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

The course is studied on a modular pathway with optional exit awards that would result in the award of either Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership (PGCert 60 credits Level 7) or Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership (PGDip 120 credits Level 7).

The course is available for September, January, and May start dates.

How will I be assessed?

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Case study research
Online discussions
Written responses to real-life situations and longer written projects on ‘The Nature of Leadership’ and ‘The Leadership of Teaching and Teachers’

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progress towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

What career opportunities could I have after completing the course?

On successful completion of this course, you will have gained valuable knowledge and practical experience in educational leadership. You will have developed skills in areas such as strategic planning, staff management, curriculum development, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement. You will have led a transformation project in your organisation and expanded your leadership skill set.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

MA in Educational Leadership

Course overview

Course details

Modules

Modules

Entry requirements

English language requirements

Fees and funding

How to apply

Course code

Course code

Frequently asked questions

¹Accreditations

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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