The MSc in Educational Leadership and School Improvement at the University of Cambridge is a highly regarded postgraduate programme designed to equip educational professionals with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to lead effective change within schools and educational settings. This programme is tailored for senior leaders, aspiring headteachers, and influential educators who are committed to enhancing the quality of education and fostering sustainable development within their institutions. Throughout the course, students engage with a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential themes such as leadership theories, strategic management, curriculum development, governance, policy analysis, and the social, political, and economic factors shaping education today. The programme emphasizes critical inquiry into current challenges faced by educational leaders, encouraging practitioners to develop innovative solutions rooted in evidence-based research. Delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and collaborative projects, the programme fosters a vibrant learning community where students share insights, reflect on practice, and develop leadership competencies. The programme also features opportunities for practical application through research projects, enabling students to analyze real-world issues in their own settings and contribute to meaningful improvements. Graduates of the MSc in Educational Leadership and School Improvement will be well-positioned to take on leadership roles that drive positive change, influence policy, and improve educational outcomes. The programme’s flexibility allows professionals to study part-time while continuing their careers, making it accessible for working educators who seek to enhance their leadership capabilities. With a distinguished faculty comprising experts in education policy, leadership, and school development, the programme offers rigorous academic training grounded in the latest research and practice. Upon completion, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the complexities of educational leadership and the skills necessary to lead transformational change in diverse educational contexts, making a lasting impact on schools and communities.

The course is composed of two key elements:

• the research methods training course
• the 'Educational Leadership and School Improvement' thematic route

Teaching time is split between the two elements, with 32 hours of teaching being given to research methods and 64 hours being given to the subject specific content.  The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, smaller group seminars and individual supervisions.

Feedback

Throughout the programme, written work is submitted and detailed feedback is provided.  Students submit two essays and a thesis. Informally, feedback is also provided through regular supervisions.  At the end of each term, supervisors write an on-line report which can be viewed by the student via the Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System.

Assessment

Thesis

The thesis is up to 20,000 words in length and submitted at the end of August in the second year.

Where a candidate receives a provisional fail mark, an oral examination is required.

Essays

Students are required to submit two essays of 6,000-6,500 words each in their first year (one submitted in February and one at the end of August).

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Extra Materials 

Please note: If you are applying for the 1-year full time MPhil or the 2-year part time MEd, please complete the tasks below.  This route is not open to PGCE-MEd applicants.

Please upload the essay, article critique and teaching & leadership experience on to your self-service account.

The coordinators of the MPhil/MEd in Educational Leadership and School Improvement (ELSI) route thank you for your application. Applicants are requested to submit three written tasks to assist in the selection process.

1. An essay of no more than 1,000 words, addressing the following questions:

• What is your interest in educational leadership and school improvement?
• Why do you want to study ELSI at masters level?
• How might you contribute to the learning of your fellow students?
• What problem, issues or questions do you want to explore as part of the MPhil/MEd?
• How did you learn about the ELSI course?

Please write this as an essay (rather than direct answers to five questions), ensuring you cover the points above, but not necessarily in the same order.

2. A 1500-word critique of a research article* by Cynthia Roberts, which is available at http://www.journalofleadershiped.org/attachments/article/42/Roberts%202013.pdf

*Roberts, C. (2013). Building Social Capital through Leadership Development. Journal of Leadership Education 12 (1), 54 - 73.

3. Teaching and educational leadership experience: ELSI specific entry requirements

Candidates applying for the ELSI route are normally expected to have taught for at least three years, and to have experience of exercising leadership beyond the classroom - often but not exclusively through formal positions of responsibility.

Please provide details of your teaching and educational leadership experience. This does not need to be full details as on a CV, but sufficient to show you meet the entry requirements. Please include:

• Teaching experience (please include number of years of full time equivalent teaching experience, types of institutions, approximate dates, and whether full or part time)
• Leadership experience (details of your educational leadership experience, including dates, institutions, and role or responsibilities or impact)

If you do not have the teaching and educational experience normally expected for the ELSI route, please say why your application should still be considered (NB we accept and welcome applicants with a variety of backgrounds and know that the experience necessary to learn and participate fully on ELSI can be gained in different ways).

The University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in the Educational Leadership and School Improvement programme. Funding opportunities include government sponsorships, scholarships, bursaries, and loan schemes designed to make higher education accessible and affordable. Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. These are often awarded on a competitive basis and can cover partial or full tuition fees, as well as living expenses. Bursaries provided by the university aim to support students demonstrating significant financial hardship, ensuring that talented individuals have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in educational leadership.

In addition to university-specific funding, students may access external sources such as government-sponsored student loans and awards, charitable foundations, and professional associations related to education. The UK government offers student loans that can cover tuition fees and living costs, repayable after graduation depending on income levels. International students are encouraged to seek scholarships from their home countries or international organizations supporting education development.

The university also promotes work-study arrangements, where students can undertake part-time employment during their studies to offset costs. Additionally, some programmes may qualify students for research grants or Teaching Assistantships, which provide financial support while gaining academic experience. Applicants are advised to consult the university’s dedicated financial aid office and the programme’s official webpage for specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. It is recommended that prospective students submit early applications for funding to increase the likelihood of securing financial aid. Overall, the university’s comprehensive funding landscape seeks to support diverse student populations and enable access to quality postgraduate education in educational leadership and school improvement.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Educational Leadership and School Improvement at the University of Cambridge is a prestigious postgraduate program designed to equip future educational leaders with advanced knowledge and practical skills to drive positive change within educational settings. This program is primarily aimed at experienced practitioners, researchers, and policymakers who aspire to excel in leadership roles across a variety of educational contexts, including schools, local authorities, and governmental agencies. The curriculum emphasizes a deep understanding of current theories and best practices in leadership, organizational change, and school improvement strategies.

Throughout the course, students engage in rigorous academic research, practical leadership projects, and critical analysis of case studies related to school improvement initiatives. The program encourages an evidence-based approach, prompting students to critically evaluate educational policies, implement innovative solutions, and lead improvement processes effectively. Core modules may include subjects such as leadership theories, educational policy analysis, change management, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and inclusive education practices.

The program typically combines taught modules with independent research. Students are often required to undertake a dissertation or major research project that explores a relevant issue in educational leadership, providing an opportunity to contribute original insights to the field. The University of Cambridge’s rigorous academic environment fosters a vibrant intellectual community, with access to world-leading scholars and extensive resources. The program is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, often involving interaction with educational professionals and institutions.

Graduates of this program are well-positioned for leadership roles in education, including headteachers, senior managers, policy advisors, and consultants working on school improvement initiatives. The skills acquired through this course are applicable across various educational settings, both locally and internationally. The program also offers networking opportunities with professionals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging collaborative approaches to tackling complex educational challenges. Overall, the MPhil in Educational Leadership and School Improvement at Cambridge provides a comprehensive, research-informed foundation for those committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of education through effective leadership and innovative practices.