Ulster University - Coleraine

Headship

Summary

The course will comprise 4 modules each worth 30 credits:

Building Teams and Managing Resources EDU927

This module looks at personality interaction in relation to team theory; it then examines systems and their development

Leadership for Learning EDU867

This module considers the leadership challenge of focusing on improvement where it matters most, at the teacher student interface.

Strategic Development Planning EDU912

This considers the challenges around involving colleagues in ownership of the vision and strategy for continuing system improvement.

Managing the Organisation EDU708

This module aims to build skills and competences in matters of legal and financial challenges along with building personal competences in communication and problem solving.

About

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

Applications for both courses close in mid-September each year and classes begin at the end of September.

Contact Sam McGuinness for information on either qualification  sj.mcguinness@ulster.ac.uk

Teaching and learning assessment

The variety of teaching, learning and assessment methods and approaches used throughout the course enable students to develop flexible, appropriate and creative and/or entrepreneurial approaches to the resolution of problems within their professional work roles and also in terms of their own personal professional development. The intentional building of communities of learning via synchronous and non-synchronous discussion boards, combined with an interactive approach to the face to face seminars, along with the use of guest lecture sessions facilitate this.

Each module will have its own form of assessment tailored to the content being covered but, typically, these comprise two 2500 word assignments.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

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.

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.

Exemptions and transferability

Students who have completed modules in the M Ed specialism in Leadership and Management or who have completed the Leadership for Learning module in the PGCML course may use these as accreditation for Prior Learning (APCL) towards the PGDH up to a maximum of 60 credits.

Duration

Attendance

Students are required to attend all the face to face seminars, 6 per module on a fortnightly basis, and are required to engage regularly with the online discussion boards, synchronous and non-synchronous.

Careers or further progression

Career options

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 Headship 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 and the Republic of Ireland. Other pathways have also led to enhanced professional practice and career advancement.