Mode of Study
Full-time, Part-time, Part-time by distance learningDuration
Up to 1 year full-time, Up to 2 years part-timeStart date
September 2023Overview
If you're currently working, or aspire to work in an education-connected role and want to gain a qualification that demonstrates that you have developed your leadership and management skills, our Educational Leadership and Management course is for you.
Offered as a MSc, PgDip and PgCert, you can study this course full-time, part-time or part-time by distance learning. The MSc and PgDip take one year full time and two years part time. The PgCert takes six months full time and one year part time.
You'll work collaboratively with other students, teaching staff and industry experts from educational institutes, as you learn how to take your enthusiasm for education and use it to better the sector through challenging conventional thinking, identifying common problems in the sector, such as time management, and creating solutions for them.
You’ll be encouraged to critique the way the education sector works, and prepare yourself to take positive and decisive action as an educational leader, able to respond to issues in education such as accessibility and classroom management and to create and implement new approaches to teaching.
If you're more interested in the theoretical perspectives that underpin education in general, please take a look at our MA Education Studies course.
Prefer to study with a work placement?
You can also study for this Educational Leadership and Management Master's (with Professional Experience).
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Challenge conventional thinking and develop the skillset and confidence you need to identify problems in the educational sector and find solutions for them
- Begin your postgraduate education with a choice of an MSc, PgDip or PgCert course
- Benefit from the rich industry knowledge and experience of teaching staff as you gain theoretical knowledge and professional know-how on this industry led course
- Use the skills you acquire to ready yourself for your next promotion, to change jobs or go international with your career
- Network with industry professionals from the education sector, guest lecturers and other students through events, lectures, seminars and social media channels
MSc, PgDip and PgCert courses
An MSc is a Master of Science postgraduate qualification. A Master’s degree will give you an extensive insight into a field you're passionate about, and provide you with the skills required to put your knowledge to work. A Master's can also lead to further study, such as PhD.
An MSc is worth 180 credits and will involve producing in-depth research in the form of a dissertation.
PgDip and PgCert courses are shorter than a Master's degree, but are taught at the same level.
These shorter courses are ideal if you want to take your undergraduate studies further, but don't want to commit to something as intensive as a Master's degree. As these courses are shorter than Master’s degrees, they’re easier to fit around your current job.
A PgDip is worth 120 credits, and the shorter version, a PgCert, is worth 60. While they can be studied on their own, a PgCert can lead to a PgDip, which can lead to a full Master’s course. This means you can study to the level you want, with the option to continue your studies to the next stage.
What you'll study on this MSc/PgDip/PgCert Educational Leadership and Management course
Full-time
If you choose to study MSc Educational Leadership and Management full time, you'll study all core modules and 1 optional module over 1 year.
Core
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse and assess human resource theory in educational settings.
- Discuss and critically reflect on different human resource management concepts.
- Examine and evaluate the human resource management of an education institution in relation to policy and practice.
- Demonstrate coaching techniques and critically consider the effectiveness of the strategies used.
- Critically reflect on their own human resource management behaviours.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Contextualise policy change in all levels of education from an institutional, local, national and global perspective.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how policies are made, who makes them and their impact on organisations.
- Identify the key stages in the strategic management process and concepts, and some of the techniques used in the different stages.
- Critically consider appropriate management and leadership styles, particularly in the motivation and development of staff.
- Appraise relevant, current principles of quality monitoring and measurements, and their impact on stakeholders within education.
- Critically analyse the methods of evaluation currently used in educational organisations and debate their prominence in positively influencing institutional improvements.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the major approaches to educational research.
- Identify and critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of research designs for educational research problems.
- Appraise and plan appropriately, a range of quantitative and/or qualitative methods in educational research.
- Analyse and draw appropriate inferences from educational research data.
- Prepare a coherent research proposal.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Plan, execute and present a substantial dissertation/practitioner based enquiry project according to the specification provided.
- Justify, deploy and critically evaluate advanced techniques of analysis and enquiry within an ethical framework.
- Systematically interpret complex issues from literature, current research and other data and communicate conclusions coherently and appropriately for either the academic or workplace and professional community.
- Review and identify the potential for new hypotheses and/or insights/and/or practices and ongoing study and research.
- Critically reflect upon the development of their personal and professional development.
Optional
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and analyse the basic principles, practices and tools underpinning effective marketing.
- Review the importance of analytical frameworks in evaluating the business landscape and their importance in informing marketing strategies.
- Critically evaluate the marketing effectiveness of their own or exemplar organisation and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
- Appraise and apply techniques of basic budgeting and standard setting based on fundamental principles.
- Evaluate the use of financial management processes within an education setting and the impact on stakeholders.
- Critically interpret a set of accounts of an educational establishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and formulate a critical review to illustrate how society and education across nations influence and shape each other.
- Critically analyse, locate and justify ideologies, policies and practices, and the likely interactions and outcomes within education.
- Using empirical data evaluate the issues relating to the transnational migration of people and commerce and implications of these for education in the global context.
- Identify and critically discuss the 'real world' provision in critical contexts across the globe, the need to develop global citizens and reducing the educational divide to promote stronger social and political identities through education.
If you choose to study PgDip Educational Leadership and Management full time, you'll study all core modules and 1 optional module over 1 year.
Core
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse and assess human resource theory in educational settings.
- Discuss and critically reflect on different human resource management concepts.
- Examine and evaluate the human resource management of an education institution in relation to policy and practice.
- Demonstrate coaching techniques and critically consider the effectiveness of the strategies used.
- Critically reflect on their own human resource management behaviours.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Contextualise policy change in all levels of education from an institutional, local, national and global perspective.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how policies are made, who makes them and their impact on organisations.
- Identify the key stages in the strategic management process and concepts, and some of the techniques used in the different stages.
- Critically consider appropriate management and leadership styles, particularly in the motivation and development of staff.
- Appraise relevant, current principles of quality monitoring and measurements, and their impact on stakeholders within education.
- Critically analyse the methods of evaluation currently used in educational organisations and debate their prominence in positively influencing institutional improvements.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the major approaches to educational research.
- Identify and critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of research designs for educational research problems.
- Appraise and plan appropriately, a range of quantitative and/or qualitative methods in educational research.
- Analyse and draw appropriate inferences from educational research data.
- Prepare a coherent research proposal.
Optional
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and analyse the basic principles, practices and tools underpinning effective marketing.
- Review the importance of analytical frameworks in evaluating the business landscape and their importance in informing marketing strategies.
- Critically evaluate the marketing effectiveness of their own or exemplar organisation and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
- Appraise and apply techniques of basic budgeting and standard setting based on fundamental principles.
- Evaluate the use of financial management processes within an education setting and the impact on stakeholders.
- Critically interpret a set of accounts of an educational establishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and formulate a critical review to illustrate how society and education across nations influence and shape each other.
- Critically analyse, locate and justify ideologies, policies and practices, and the likely interactions and outcomes within education.
- Using empirical data evaluate the issues relating to the transnational migration of people and commerce and implications of these for education in the global context.
- Identify and critically discuss the 'real world' provision in critical contexts across the globe, the need to develop global citizens and reducing the educational divide to promote stronger social and political identities through education.
If you choose to study PgCert Educational Leadership and Management full time, you'll study 1 core module and 1 optional module over 6 months.
Core
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse and assess human resource theory in educational settings.
- Discuss and critically reflect on different human resource management concepts.
- Examine and evaluate the human resource management of an education institution in relation to policy and practice.
- Demonstrate coaching techniques and critically consider the effectiveness of the strategies used.
- Critically reflect on their own human resource management behaviours.
Optional
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and analyse the basic principles, practices and tools underpinning effective marketing.
- Review the importance of analytical frameworks in evaluating the business landscape and their importance in informing marketing strategies.
- Critically evaluate the marketing effectiveness of their own or exemplar organisation and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
- Appraise and apply techniques of basic budgeting and standard setting based on fundamental principles.
- Evaluate the use of financial management processes within an education setting and the impact on stakeholders.
- Critically interpret a set of accounts of an educational establishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and formulate a critical review to illustrate how society and education across nations influence and shape each other.
- Critically analyse, locate and justify ideologies, policies and practices, and the likely interactions and outcomes within education.
- Using empirical data evaluate the issues relating to the transnational migration of people and commerce and implications of these for education in the global context.
- Identify and critically discuss the 'real world' provision in critical contexts across the globe, the need to develop global citizens and reducing the educational divide to promote stronger social and political identities through education.
Part-time
If you choose to study MSc Educational Leadership and Management part time, you'll study across 2 years.
In your first year you'll study 2 core modules and 1 optional module.
In your second year you'll study 2 core modules.
Year 1 - Core
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse and assess human resource theory in educational settings.
- Discuss and critically reflect on different human resource management concepts.
- Examine and evaluate the human resource management of an education institution in relation to policy and practice.
- Demonstrate coaching techniques and critically consider the effectiveness of the strategies used.
- Critically reflect on their own human resource management behaviours.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Contextualise policy change in all levels of education from an institutional, local, national and global perspective.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how policies are made, who makes them and their impact on organisations.
- Identify the key stages in the strategic management process and concepts, and some of the techniques used in the different stages.
- Critically consider appropriate management and leadership styles, particularly in the motivation and development of staff.
- Appraise relevant, current principles of quality monitoring and measurements, and their impact on stakeholders within education.
- Critically analyse the methods of evaluation currently used in educational organisations and debate their prominence in positively influencing institutional improvements.
Year 1 - Optional
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and analyse the basic principles, practices and tools underpinning effective marketing.
- Review the importance of analytical frameworks in evaluating the business landscape and their importance in informing marketing strategies.
- Critically evaluate the marketing effectiveness of their own or exemplar organisation and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
- Appraise and apply techniques of basic budgeting and standard setting based on fundamental principles.
- Evaluate the use of financial management processes within an education setting and the impact on stakeholders.
- Critically interpret a set of accounts of an educational establishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and formulate a critical review to illustrate how society and education across nations influence and shape each other.
- Critically analyse, locate and justify ideologies, policies and practices, and the likely interactions and outcomes within education.
- Using empirical data evaluate the issues relating to the transnational migration of people and commerce and implications of these for education in the global context.
- Identify and critically discuss the 'real world' provision in critical contexts across the globe, the need to develop global citizens and reducing the educational divide to promote stronger social and political identities through education.
Year 2 - All modules are core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Plan, execute and present a substantial dissertation/practitioner based enquiry project according to the specification provided.
- Justify, deploy and critically evaluate advanced techniques of analysis and enquiry within an ethical framework.
- Systematically interpret complex issues from literature, current research and other data and communicate conclusions coherently and appropriately for either the academic or workplace and professional community.
- Review and identify the potential for new hypotheses and/or insights/and/or practices and ongoing study and research.
- Critically reflect upon the development of their personal and professional development.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the major approaches to educational research.
- Identify and critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of research designs for educational research problems.
- Appraise and plan appropriately, a range of quantitative and/or qualitative methods in educational research.
- Analyse and draw appropriate inferences from educational research data.
- Prepare a coherent research proposal.
If you choose to study PgDip Educational Leadership and Management part time, you'll study across 2 years.
In your first year you'll study 2 core modules and 1 optional module.
In your second year you'll study 1 core module.
Year 1 - Core
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse and assess human resource theory in educational settings.
- Discuss and critically reflect on different human resource management concepts.
- Examine and evaluate the human resource management of an education institution in relation to policy and practice.
- Demonstrate coaching techniques and critically consider the effectiveness of the strategies used.
- Critically reflect on their own human resource management behaviours.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Contextualise policy change in all levels of education from an institutional, local, national and global perspective.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how policies are made, who makes them and their impact on organisations.
- Identify the key stages in the strategic management process and concepts, and some of the techniques used in the different stages.
- Critically consider appropriate management and leadership styles, particularly in the motivation and development of staff.
- Appraise relevant, current principles of quality monitoring and measurements, and their impact on stakeholders within education.
- Critically analyse the methods of evaluation currently used in educational organisations and debate their prominence in positively influencing institutional improvements.
Year 1 - Optional
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and analyse the basic principles, practices and tools underpinning effective marketing.
- Review the importance of analytical frameworks in evaluating the business landscape and their importance in informing marketing strategies.
- Critically evaluate the marketing effectiveness of their own or exemplar organisation and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
- Appraise and apply techniques of basic budgeting and standard setting based on fundamental principles.
- Evaluate the use of financial management processes within an education setting and the impact on stakeholders.
- Critically interpret a set of accounts of an educational establishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and formulate a critical review to illustrate how society and education across nations influence and shape each other.
- Critically analyse, locate and justify ideologies, policies and practices, and the likely interactions and outcomes within education.
- Using empirical data evaluate the issues relating to the transnational migration of people and commerce and implications of these for education in the global context.
- Identify and critically discuss the 'real world' provision in critical contexts across the globe, the need to develop global citizens and reducing the educational divide to promote stronger social and political identities through education.
Year 2 - All modules are core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate the major approaches to educational research.
- Identify and critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of research designs for educational research problems.
- Appraise and plan appropriately, a range of quantitative and/or qualitative methods in educational research.
- Analyse and draw appropriate inferences from educational research data.
- Prepare a coherent research proposal.
If you choose to study PgCert Educational Leadership and Management part time, you'll study across 1 year.
In your first 6 months you'll study 1 core module.
In your second 6 months you'll study 1 optional module.
First 6 months - Core
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse and assess human resource theory in educational settings.
- Discuss and critically reflect on different human resource management concepts.
- Examine and evaluate the human resource management of an education institution in relation to policy and practice.
- Demonstrate coaching techniques and critically consider the effectiveness of the strategies used.
- Critically reflect on their own human resource management behaviours.
Second 6 months - Optional
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and analyse the basic principles, practices and tools underpinning effective marketing.
- Review the importance of analytical frameworks in evaluating the business landscape and their importance in informing marketing strategies.
- Critically evaluate the marketing effectiveness of their own or exemplar organisation and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
- Appraise and apply techniques of basic budgeting and standard setting based on fundamental principles.
- Evaluate the use of financial management processes within an education setting and the impact on stakeholders.
- Critically interpret a set of accounts of an educational establishment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appraise and formulate a critical review to illustrate how society and education across nations influence and shape each other.
- Critically analyse, locate and justify ideologies, policies and practices, and the likely interactions and outcomes within education.
- Using empirical data evaluate the issues relating to the transnational migration of people and commerce and implications of these for education in the global context.
- Identify and critically discuss the 'real world' provision in critical contexts across the globe, the need to develop global citizens and reducing the educational divide to promote stronger social and political identities through education.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
After studying the MSc, I found myself seeing things in my school in new ways. I gained an understanding of the school’s organisational culture and noticed how that culture grew and developed. I also became more aware of the decisions I take as a leader, and how they were likely to impact the team members who report to me.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this postgraduate degree prepares you for
You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to to seek out ambitious job roles and take on new responsibilities in educational leadership and management.
This course is ideal for teachers, trainers, lecturers and instructors across the educational sector, who aspire to senior leadership and management positions. Build on your previous studies and experience to bring your skills, theories and expertise to a postgraduate level.
Designed as an industry led course, teaching staff work with and consult experts in the education sector to build a curriculum that reflects the current field, its methods and challenges. Helping you to graduate with the rich academic knowledge, industry know-how and the confidence to advance your career in education.
Graduates of this course have gone onto work in areas such as:
- School management
- Higher education institutions management
- Teacher education
- Course leading and management
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
This MSc and PgDip course will take:
- 1 year (full-time)
- 2 years (part-time)
This PgCert course will take:
- 6 months (full-time)
- 1 year (part-time)
You can expect:
- Up to 3 hours of teaching time per module each week
- Up to 10 hours of independent study per module each week
If you choose to study the MSc version of this course, you will spend the last 3 months focusing on your dissertation or major project.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree. If you choose campus based study, the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this course include:
- seminars
- group work
- lectures
- student presentations
- one-to-one tutorials
If you choose to study online, this Educational Leadership and Management course is delivered by supported distance learning. You will receive high-quality course materials via Moodle, our online learning environment.
You'll get to chat with fellow students, discuss and present your work and keep in touch with tutors. You'll get plenty of support throughout your studies, including help on writing and structuring essays, and how to undertake research.
You'll need access to a computer and a web connection. You may be able to access some of the resources through a tablet or smartphone, with limited functionality. You don't need to be especially computer literate, although typing skills are useful.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- online tests and quizzes
- reflective commentaries
- case studies
- article critiques
- essays
- reports
- digital presentations
- research proposal
- dissertation
Assessment methods will vary depending on whether you choose the MSc, PgDip or PgCert course.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
David Mather
I am a Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership and Management and I lead the postgraduate courses that directly correspond to that designation.
I also contribute to learning, teaching and assessment activities across a range of education and sociologically-themed programmes. Furthermore, I maintain an active research interest in Military to Civilian transition - particularly where Initial Teacher Training and education is used as a conduit for this.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Supporting your learning
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on-campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2023 start)
MSc Educational Leadership and Management tuition fees are paid annually and differ depending on whether you choose to study full time, part time, or by distance learning.
UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £9,900
- Part time: £4,950 per year
- Part time distance learning: £4,250 per year
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £9,900
- Part time: £4,950 per year
- Part time distance learning: £4,250 per year
International students
- Full time: £17,200
- Part time: £8,600 per year
- Part time distance learning: £4,250 per year
PgDip Educational Leadership and Management tuition fees are paid annually and differ depending on whether you choose to study full time, part time, or by distance learning.
UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £6,600
- Part time: £3,300 per year
- Part time distance learning: £2,830 per year
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £6,600
- Part time: £3,300 per year
- Part time distance learning: £2,830 per year
International students
- Full time: £11,470
- Part time: £5,730 per year
- Part time distance learning: £2,830 per year
PgCert Educational Leadership and Management tuition fees are paid annually, meaning costs are the same whether you decide to study full time or part time, however the cost of distance learning is different.
UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £3,300
- Part time: £3,300
- Part time distance learning: £2,830
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £3,300
- Part time: £3,300
- Part time distance learning: £2,830
International students
- Full time: £5,730
- Part time: £5,730
- Part time distance learning: £2,830
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student choosing to study MSc Educational Leadership and Management, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs. This loan is not available for PgDip or PgCert students.
If you're a UK student choosing to study MSc Educational Leadership and Management, who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship. This scholarship is not available for PgDip or PgCert students.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Discover how you can fund your Master's study at Portsmouth – including loans, scholarships and bursaries – and read our guidance on topics like how to budget, and how to get support if you're disabled or have dependents.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: If you choose to study on-campus, accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2023
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree, and experience in an educational setting.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying to study on-campus as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our postgraduate application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Standard applications
Start this course in September 2023
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Distance learning
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2021, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.