School Leadership - Online

Overview

This qualification should be attractive to those aspiring to school or college leadership. Study is complemented by participant reflection on real situations. The overall theme is the development of leadership and management skills and capabilities. There is a strong focus on improvement on classroom practice in particular contexts.

Year one:

EDU927: Collaborative Leadership: Building Teams and Nurturing Creativity

EDU867: Leadership for Learning



Year two

EDU912: Strategic Leadership: Differing Contexts, Local and Global

EDU708: Holistic Leadership: Supporting School Improvement

Applicants must normally:

(a) have gained



(i) a degree from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma or an approved alternative qualification, e.g. a professional qualification; and



(b) be currently working in a teaching or training environment.



(c) be currently working in a significant leadership role, e.g. Head of Year, Head of Department or similar.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

The classes are taught fully online. Students are required to attend fortnightly webinars, 6 per module. Students have the opportunity to engage with the online discussion boards, synchronous and non-synchronous.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

In addition to improving the successful candidate's career portfolio, this course will allow development of higher level skills of argument and critical thinking, as well as improving academic writing skills and research capability. Having a Diploma level qualification in School Leadership should enhance potential career advancement. Past students who have completed these Leadership and Management modules have been successful in gaining Vice-Principal and Principal posts both in Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland. Other pathways have also led to enhanced professional practice and career advancement.