n the current climate of structural and political pressure on improving educational performance and opportunities, there is an increased focus upon the quality of leadership within educational institutions. The Educational Leadership MSc recognises that a high-quality educational system depends on leaders from all walks of life and all types of positions, regardless of title. It is intended, therefore, to provide leadership development for people who work in all manner of roles in the educational system: classroom teachers, formal school leaders, local authority personnel, policymakers, and any individual with a direct interest in the primary and post-primary school sectors.
The programme aspires to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and creative capacity to respond to a variety of leadership challenges faced in contemporary educational institutions. It challenges traditional notions of 'leaders' and 'leadership' pointing to new, more collaborative and more organic models of leading. It is expected that graduates will be able to inform their professional practice with the latest research evidence in the field to nurture meaningful relationships in educational communities, address issues of equity and diversity, support teaching and learning, and ultimately ensure quality outcomes which are tailored to contextual needs. We seek to develop in students the ability to critique current leadership practices and to enact changes that will improve education for all.
WHY QUEEN'S?
Credit Transfer
Students who have completed the Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH) degree within the last 10 years are eligible to credit transfer (up to 30 M-level credits towards the taught modules). The credit transfer application must be submitted at the same time as the online programme application as retrospective applications are not accepted.
Flexibility
The programme is tailored to working professionals. It is partly delivered online, while face-to-face teaching sessions take place in the evenings to facilitate attendance. Part-time students can remain in their workplace during their studies and directly apply new knowledge in their settings.
Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (3 years) basis. Individual modules may be studied as a short course.
The MSc Educational Leadership is awarded to students who have successfully completed six taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 15,000 - 20,000 word dissertation (60 CATS points).
Exit qualifications are available. Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or an Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.
We've made it easy to study for a masters module as a short course. If you would like to study for one of the modules in the MSc in Educational Leadership as a short course, please contact the Education Secretary (tel: 028 9097 5923/5032, education@qub.ac.uk) for advice.
Modules (all 20 CATS points). Refer to the Book of Modules for further details.
- Leadership Theory and Practice: an overview (compulsory)
- School Effectiveness and School Improvement (compulsory)
- Leadership for Change (compulsory)
- Theory and Practice in Educational Collaboration
- Middle Management: The Role of the Head of Department
- An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (compulsory)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A 2.1 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline. Applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may also be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in an education, training or relevant context.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfastoffers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this programme.
Please click the links below for more information:
- English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Applicants from the UK and other EU countries
Please note: Where it states 'UK residents' qualifying residency and citizenship/nationality criteria apply.
* Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) Postgraduate Research Studentships
Funded by the Department of Employment and Learning, these are offered in most subject areas.
UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only
* DEL (CAST) Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology
These awards are for specific research projects in collaboration with an industrial sponsor in the following Schools/areas: Biomedical Sciences in School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; School of Pharmacy; School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering; School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Mathematics and Physics.
UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only
A CAST studentship may also include a contribution from the industrial collaborating body.
Visit the School websites listed above for details concerning potential DEL CAST
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Awards are available for both Masters and Doctoral degrees in humanities subject areas.
Applicants should apply via Queen's for funding and should not apply directly to AHRC.
UK residents: fees plus maintenance
Other EU residents: fees only
Queen's School Funding Opportunities
Some Schools have funding available for postgraduate PhD or taught Masters courses.
North-South Postgraduate Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students undertaking a recognised Masters or the first year of a PhD programme (taught or research) in the other Irish jurisdiction.
Applicants from outside the EU
If you are applying to Queen's from outside the EU, you are advised to explore fully the funding opportunities for studying in the UK available from sources in your own country. Some closing dates are as early as a year before commencing studies, so please make sure to apply in good time.
Some of the main awards are listed:
Department for International Development (DFID) Shared Scholarship Scheme
This award is for specific one-year taught postgraduate courses. The award cover tuition fees, a maintenance grant and travel costs. Only students from developing Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply.
British Chevening Awards
* The Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds a number of British Chevening scholaships for postgraduate study, mainly for one-year taught Masters degrees.
* Candidates must apply directly to the University for admission before applying for a Chevening Scholarship. Contact the British Embassy, British High Commission or British Council Office in your own country.
Applicants from USA
If you are a US citizen, you are eligible to apply for the following awards tenable at Queen's
George J Mitchell Scholarships
Fulbright Scholarships
Mary McNeill Scholarship (for US and Canadian citizens undertaking MA Irish Studies
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