The Ultimate Guide to
the MA Leadership

Start Here – Teach Anywhere

The Derby MA Education Leadership

The MA Education (Leadership and Management) is for those with experience in schools, colleges, universities, or other educational settings. It is designed to help you understand how leadership impacts staff and students.

The programme covers understanding leadership practices in various social, cultural, political, and policy contexts, and gaining knowledge of leadership and change management. You will explore international research on educational leadership and develop a deeper understanding of your organisation and environment. Additionally, the course allows you to analyse and evaluate your own leadership practice and that of others.

This Masters is ideal if you are in a leadership role in education and want to improve your skills and knowledge in leadership and management.

Study Time and Flexibility

Online study offers the flexibility to learn at your convenience. With start dates in September, January, and May, the course is divided into modules scheduled over fixed trimesters. You can manage your study time around your professional and personal commitments.

Online discussions focus on applying theory to practice, making the learning stimulating, engaging, and highly relevant to your professional life.

If completing the full master’s degree isn’t feasible, you can opt for a 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate in your chosen pathway within a year. This allows you to update your skills and potentially continue to the full Master’s degree later.

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

Entry Requirements

A good undergraduate degree (2.2 or above)
An equivalent level 6 qualification (verified by NARIC for overseas qualifications)
Or an IPGCE, PGCE or PGCEi which counts as 60 credits

Additionally, you must provide a CV/resume detailing your academic and work experience. The Admissions Tutor may interview you to assess the relevance of your work and life experiences for program entry.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not completed your highest qualification in English, you will need to provide evidence of English language proficiency. For this course, you will need one of the following:

If you already have an IPGCE or PGCE this will be enough. No need for any of the below.

- Average IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
- TOEFL score of 87 (minimum 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements)
- Cambridge English: 184 with no element below 169
- International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English/ESL: Grade C

Required Documents for the MA:

To assess your application, please provide the following documents:

Official Photo ID: A valid passport or driving license.
Current CV: Detailing your academic and work experience.
Written Reference: A reference letter on official letterhead from a manager, supervisor, tutor, or teacher.
Certificates and Transcripts: Copies of your academic certificates and transcripts, or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications.*

If any documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. Each translation must include:

A statement confirming the translation is accurate.
The date of the translation.
The translator’s full name and signature, or an authorized company official’s signature.
Contact details of the translator or translation company.

Fees and Payment Options

Module Breakdown and Content

Assessment is entirely through coursework, including formative assessments like tutorials and feedback, and summative assessments like written assignments, project reports, presentations, and portfolios. The final assessment is a 60-credit independent study, either a major research project or an academic paper for publication, guided by an academic supervisor.

Note: Module availability depends on scheduling and student numbers. High-demand modules may have enrollment caps.

The Derby MA course consists of six 20-credit modules and a 60-credit Independent Study module:

Core Modules:

Designing Social Research This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to create a research proposal tailored for a Master’s level dissertation.

Developing Leadership Capacity: This exciting module focuses on the ways in which leadership theories can be effectively utilised to apply quality procedures effectively embedding equality and diversity.

Leadership and Management Strategies: This module teaches how to use leadership theories to apply quality procedures that include equality and diversity.

Additional Modules (Select 3):

Curriculum Challenges. As society evolves, curricula must adapt. This module provides the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary for those in the field of education to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

Learning and Ability Theories in Action. With the recent emphasis on quality assurance in various educational settings, enhancing practice has become crucial for education professionals.

Measuring and Evaluating Learning. This module encourages you to broaden your perspective and critically evaluate theories, models, policies, frameworks, and tools related to the measurement and evaluation of learning.

Innovative 21st Century Teaching. This module explores the rapid growth of information technology in educational institutions worldwide. You’ll discover a wealth of innovative tools and services designed to engage both learners and educators in the learning process, enhancing the educational experience locally, nationally, and globally.

Language Learning: Theory and Practice. This module is designed for students interested in understanding how learners acquire additional languages beyond their mother tongue.

The Principles of English Language Teaching. This module is ideal for students aiming to understand the practice of English language teaching.

Teaching Methods and Online Learning Experience

Expert academics, who are also practising professionals, will deliver the modules in this course. This keeps the content current and relevant, with real-world business examples.

The course is entirely online, accessible through our easy-to-use student portal and digital learning environment. You will engage with tutors and classmates through virtual live classrooms, tutorials, and guest lectures. Group discussions and debates happen in forums and community spaces, using collaborative tools like wikis for group projects and assignments. Our library offers digital texts, ebooks, journals, databases, and more.

Career Prospects and Opportunities

This research-informed programme equips you with in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of contemporary educational issues. It prepares you for a wide range of professional careers within the education sector.

The course may enhance your CV, increasing your chances of securing an interview for senior roles, or it might give you the confidence to apply for positions you had not previously considered. Many alumni have reported improved job performance, resulting in greater recognition and respect from their peers.

Please note, this programme does not confer qualified teacher status (QTS). However, it is suitable for individuals aspiring to roles in:

Teaching
Support work
Leadership positions, such as Head or Deputy Head
Educational business
Lecturing
Research
Working in Local Authorities (LAs)
Nursery work

Our graduates have advanced to positions such as advanced skills teachers, nursery managers, assistant head teachers, disability coordinators at universities, and national trainers for charitable organisations.

Course Duration and Timetable

Duration:

The academic year consists of three 10-week trimesters.

Content:

The standard study plan involves around 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module per trimester. For the accelerated plan, with two modules per trimester, 40 hours of study per week is recommended. Consider starting with one module at the standard rate before transitioning to the accelerated plan.

Student Support and Resources

Derby Online Support

At the University of Derby, we encourage our students to become independent, lifelong learners. However, we also understand that the right support and guidance are crucial for achieving your goals. As an online student, you will have access to a comprehensive range of support services, including:

A dedicated Personal Tutor
Online Learner Advisor
Extensive Library resources
Health and Wellbeing Centre
Careers and Employability Service IT Support
Develop@Derby for study, personal, and employability skills

These services are designed to support your academic journey and personal growth, ensuring you have all the resources you need to succeed.

Alumni Testimonials and Success Stories

"This course has allowed me to apply successfully to a high-level international school. Without it, I would not have made the shortlisted candidates. Thanks to Jane and the rest of the team for all their hard work and organisation."

"A well-designed course with prompt and thoughtful tutor feedback. John was always very upbeat, and the content was on-point. Being online with such a diverse group was engaging, and I now have contacts to use worldwide."

"The department has an entire team of people here to help you. Whether with your assignments or general guidance, they will ensure that every student is successful in their academic experience. It was the best investment I ever made."

"I especially enjoyed the applied teaching unit, as this gave me innovative tools that engage my students in the learning process. The course has given me the confidence to take my career to the next level"

How can I Apply?

Ready to take the next step in your teaching career?

If you need to discuss the courses we have on offer with our Education experts, please use one of the following methods to get in touch:

WhatApp: +60179958984

WeChat: 13795440353

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