Educational Leadership

Overview

Leadership in schools is associated with fostering an environment where students can achieve their full potential and where educational staff are supported, motivated and can professionally develop. Effective school leaders are often described as having the capacity to transform and motivate others, they are traditionally seen as those able to communicate vision and strategy, they are typically experienced and viewed as having accrued knowledge and expertise over time which positions them as being able to lead. This course takes the view that effective schools have leaders that can be found throughout a school and not necessarily confined only to those formally assigned to senior positions. Key ideas explored in this course are that leadership should be adaptable and distributed across schools; that interaction, collaboration, and networks are important and that leaders are those that manage change and help schools transform and improve. Leaders are those who manage conflict and resistance to change. There is a growing recognition of the importance of being emotionally intelligent and the need to demonstrate integrity and authenticity alongside ethical practice.



The MSc in Educational Leadership recognises that schools and more broadly educational systems depend on leaders from all walks of life and all types of positions, regardless of assigned title. The programme has been designed to help teachers, middle and senior leaders to progress and professionally develop. The programme is also suitable for those who work at the educational authority level, policy makers and those with a direct interest or experience in education.



The programme focuses on three elements: leadership theory, issues related to leadership in practice and the role that leaders play in the process of managing change and encouraging improvement.



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 within schools. We seek to develop in students the ability to critique current leadership practices and to enact changes that will improve education for all.

Core Modules

Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)

Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Leadership in Practice (20 credits)

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion (20 credits)

Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)

Understanding Children with ASD (20 credits)

Understanding Adults with ASD (20 credits)

Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach (20 credits)

Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)

E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)

Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

Education Policy & Society: analysing reform and ideology (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



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.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications: Friday 26th June 2026 at 4pm



Late applications may be considered.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Some graduates have found this degree beneficial for improving leadership practice in their workplace. Others have found it beneficial in expanding the roles they undertake at work, and in gaining employment or promotion. Some progress to doctoral-level studies and research.