Lead Positive Change In Your Organisation With a MA Educational Leadership in Practice

Learn from experienced research professionals and advance your career with practical skills from the University of Manchester, which is home to 26 Nobel laureates to date.

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Be the Change in Education You're Meant to Be.

Redefine your career path with our part-time MA Educational Leadership in Practice. Study from a curriculum enriched by expertise in research, flexible blended learning options, and a global network of educational professionals that amplifies your impact.

Only Global Programme With A Critical Approach

A part-time program taught from a critical rather than functionalist perspective takes a practice-oriented curriculum.

Blended Learning

A convenient combination of online course content and immersive face-to-face course conferences twice a year.

Flexible Study Option

Continue your current job while you learn, applying newfound leadership skills directly to your educational setting.

Face-To-Face Course Conferences

Engage directly with global educational leaders and gain practical insights during our three-day conferences in Dubai.

Learn From Experienced Professionals

Be guided by world-leading academics in educational leadership, fortified by research and over 22 years of teaching experience.

Develop Your Professional Network

Expand your circle of influence by networking with global educational practitioners during our conferences in Dubai.

Top Ranked University

6

th

in the UK

QS World University Rankings 2025

7

th

in Europe

QS World University Rankings 2025

34

th

Globally

QS World University Rankings 2025

Inspire The Next Generation Of Classrooms

Our MA Educational Leadership in Practice is designed to meet the needs of current and aspiring education leaders. With research-driven teaching from experienced experts and a flexible, part-time format, our course molds you to make a positive impact in educational organisations around the globe.

Leading expertise in research-backed education

Practical skill development

Network with like-minded professionals

Master Your Educational Skills Without Pausing Your Career

Our two-year programme is engineered to complement the demanding schedules of working teachers, administrators, and educational professionals. Transform your career while seamlessly balancing work, study, and life commitments.

Career-synchronised learning

Practical and timely skill application

Strategically timed in-person conferences

Take the Guesswork Out of Your Future.

Get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Discover all the answers in our downloadable brochure and find out how our MA Educational Leadership in Practice can take you to the top.

Lead The Pack With Research-Driven Learning

Choosing the University of Manchester is all about joining a legacy of research-backed expertise, experienced faculty, and global influence. Here, we make sure you don't just learn; you prepare to make a meaningful impact in your career.

An academic environment for advanced study and research.

Tutelage under experienced, world-leading academics

Immediate value addition to your organization and career

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A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Since its founding in 1824, the University of Manchester has become the UK's largest campus-based university, with a vibrant community of more than 43,000 students and 12,000 staff. With a truly global footprint, we have five international centers strategically located in Dubai, Shanghai, Manchester, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

The MA Educational Leadership in Practice at The University of Manchester enables you to join an elite network of professionals and scholars deeply invested in shaping the future of education. Led by world-leading academics in the fields of educational leadership, organization, and equity, our research-led teaching approach provides you with the intellectual and practical tools to build the educational experiences you can offer.

Beyond providing practical leadership tools, the course encourages critical reflections on the educational ecosystem. Develop a critical understanding of the roles of values and power dynamics, giving you the insight to make better decisions for your organization and students.

Take A Look At Our In-Depth Course Units

Comprehensive and nuanced, our MA in Educational Leadership in Practice curriculum is carefully designed to equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for a successful leadership role in educational settings.

Models of Educational Leadership

  • Explore conceptualising educational leadership practice as adjectival models
  • Consider what this means in diverse international contexts
  • Examine and evaluate a range of key models

Leading Educational Change

  • Examining what is meant by ‘change’
  • Counter-productive and productive motivators for and mechanisms for change
  • Critical perspective on leading change

In this unit, you'll delve into the complexities of educational change within broader ideological and political landscapes. Learn to critically evaluate reform initiatives for their impact on equity and gain actionable insights as a leader to drive meaningful transformations. Explore the role of values in shaping change and understand whose interests are served by proposed reforms.

Education Policy and Leadership

  • What is policy and how is it ‘done’?
  • Policy architecture
  • Welfarism, social democracy and neoliberalism as policy architecture

In this unit, you'll explore the global dynamics that shape educational policies and reforms. Gain valuable insights into the role of educational leadership in driving policy changes both nationally and internationally. Understand the key concepts that underlie shifts in education policy and how they affect leadership decisions. Enrich yourself with the knowledge to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of educational policy.

Educational Leadership as a Social Practice

  • Educational leadership practice in a globalising education system
  • Getting and doing the job
  • Using research evidence

Upon completing this unit, you'll master the art of collaboration in educational leadership. Dive deep into research, conduct your own investigations, and directly apply new insights into your professional setting. Sharpen your analytical skills and join in-depth debates to broaden your perspective. Take away practical tools to overcome collaboration barriers and bring meaningful change to your educational environment.

Engaging with Research in Educational Leadership

  • What is educational leadership research?
  • What topics can be researched in education?
  • Why should research in education be taken seriously?

Optional Course Unit/Accreditation of Previous Learning

  • Digital Technologies and Educational Leadership: This unit examines the impact of digitisation on educational leadership, equipping you to apply theoretical frameworks to evaluate technologies, foster reflective practice, and enhance both personal and institutional approaches to teaching, learning, and organisational change.

  • Leadership of International Schools: This unit examines leadership in international schools, focusing on internationalism, equity, teacher retention, and transformative leadership through human rights and Global Citizenship Education.

Independent Supervised Study/Project

  • Research skills and the application of research to professional practice
  • Project-based enquiry

How To Apply

Take a big leap in your career with our empowering and transformative MA in Educational Leadership in Practice. Below is a guide to help you navigate the application process effortlessly.

1. Read through our brochure

Our MA Educational Leadership in Practice brochure provides comprehensive information on course modules, student life, and more. It's designed to give you a clear understanding of what to expect, enabling you to make an informed decision about your education.

2. Check Programme-Specific Requirements

• A good honours degree (minimum 2:1) or the overseas equivalent, in a related area
• An initial qualification in teaching or at least one year's professional experience in a public or private educational organization


English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.5 in the writing component and no other subsection below 6.0
• TOEFL internet-based score of 90 or more overall with a minimum writing score of 22 and no other subsection below 20
• CAE or CPE overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169

Note: Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

3. Submit the online form

Initiate your application by filling out the form available on this page. Your information will serve as a preliminary introduction, allowing us to understand your educational background and career aspirations.

4. Upload Required Documents

You will need to upload the following with your completed application form:
• Statement of Purpose (Essay)
• Academic qualification documents
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• At least one reference (academic or professional)
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)

Document Details:
Before you submit your application, make sure your documents meet the criteria outlined below. Incorrect or incomplete documentation could delay your application process.

Academic Qualification Documents
Scanned Copies: Ensure you upload scanned copies of your official degree along with transcripts and certificates.
• Translation: If any document is not in English, a translation from a certified translator is mandatory.
• Grading Scale: Applicants with degrees from outside the UK are required to provide the grading scale from the issuing university.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Length and Format: Your CV should be well-formatted and no more than two pages long.
• Academic Credentials: Include all your qualifications like Bachelor's degree, any Master's degree, postgraduate diplomas, specializations, and professional qualifications.
• Professional Experience: List all your jobs since graduating from your undergraduate degree, starting with your current position. Include month/year start and end dates, company name, and job title for each position.

Reference (At least one required)
Timing: You can submit your application even if your reference is pending, but at least one reference must be received before an offer can be made.
• Referee Details: Provide contact details for two people who can vouch for your academic or professional abilities.
• Type of Reference: If you lack professional experience, opt for academic references. If you have work experience, you may choose either academic or professional references, or one of each.

5. Admissions Evaluation

We aim to give you a decision within two weeks if your application is complete, including all required supporting documents.

Got Questions? We're Here to Help!

You're about to make a big move for your career in educational leadership. Before you take this important step, make sure all your questions are answered. If you're uncertain about any aspect of the program or how it fits into your career goals, don't hesitate.

Remy Matias

Student Recruitment Manager