Master of Arts in Education (Educational Leadership)

Module Description

This module enables students to develop a critically informed foundation for their research, examining the interrelationship between personal positionality and research design. Students will construct a clear and coherent rationale for their proposed study, critically engaging with relevant literature to situate their enquiry within a broader academic landscape. The module enables students to critically evaluate and justify their choice of research paradigm, methodology, and methods for data collection and analysis, with careful attention to philosophical alignment and practical implications. Ethical awareness is fundamental for ensuring students understand and apply institutional and disciplinary guidelines. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to design ethically sound, methodologically robust, and contextually grounded research projects.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

1. LO1Reflexively articulate their research positionality and the impact on their research design.
2. LO2Critically synthesise the identified literature landscape for the research enquiry.
3. LO3Provide a detailed rationale for their intended research; justifying their choice of research paradigm, methodology and methods for data collection and analysis.
4. LO4Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of any ethical considerations in line with university processes and appropriate guidelines.

Module Description

This module enables students to apply policy, theory and research in their chosen field of education. This evidence informed approach will necessitate students’ critical enquiry and engagement with a wide range of literature. Taught sessions will be structured to support students’ ability to synthesise complex ideas and evaluate research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and scholarly contributions within education. Emphasis is placed on principled academic scholarship and encouraging ethical engagement in practice. Students will critically evaluate the evidence base for their pedagogical approaches and decision-making within their chosen field, fostering a deeper integration and application of praxis.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

1. LO1Apply and justify evidence-informed approaches to pedagogical practice and professional decision-making within their chosen field of education.
2. LO2Critically analyse and evaluate relevant policy, theory and practice literature.
3. LO3Demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the evidence base underpinning their chosen pedagogical or professional approach.
4. LO4Demonstrate ethical, principled academic scholarship, including responsible, transparent and critical use of evidence in academic and professional contexts.

Content covered

• Leadership and governance in educational contexts;
• National and global educational leadership strategies;
• Theoretical and practical approaches to leadership and management;
• Exploring the relationship between values, vision and leadership;
• Leading and managing change in complex educational contexts;
• Building, developing and maintaining high performance teams.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

1. LO1Demonstrate a critical, comprehensive and systematic understanding of leadership theories;
2. LO2Critically compare and evaluate the validity of different leadership strategies for educational contexts;
3. LO3Critically apply leadership and management theory to practice at operational level;
4. LO4Demonstrate critical self-appraisal and self-awareness as an educational leader and/or practitioner and/or aspiring education leader/practitioner;
5. LO5Demonstrate independence and autonomy in the planning and application of learning.

Module Description

This module explores key dimensions of effective leadership, beginning with foundational theories and the application of leadership and management within local, national and international contexts. It covers both strategic and operational perspectives, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and critical self-reflection in personal leadership development. Incorporating building high-performance teams through vision-setting, clear communication, trust-building, motivation, and fostering inclusive, psychologically safe environments. Leadership in times of change and innovation is addressed through the analysis of organisational challenges and the implementation of evidence-based strategies. Integrating values, ethics, and purpose highlights the importance of aligning personal and organisational goals to drive ethical and impactful leadership.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

1. LO1Demonstrate a critical, comprehensive and systematic understanding of contemporary leadership theories and models in local, national/international contexts.
2. LO2Critically apply leadership and management theory to contextualised practice at both strategic and operational levels.
3. LO3Analyse organisational challenges and opportunities and propose evidence-informed leadership approaches for innovation and change.
4. LO4Demonstrate critical self-appraisal and self-awareness as a leader or aspiring leader and articulate a plan for ongoing professional growth.

Module Description

This module supports the development of advanced research capability through a critical and reflective engagement with personal research identity, values, and purpose. It introduces and explores key paradigms, methodological frameworks, and ethical considerations relevant to conducting independent research. Students will engage with interdisciplinary and advanced scholarly literature to inform the design, contextualisation, and justification of their inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills to plan and execute methodologically robust research, including data collection, critical analysis, and interpretation. The module also explores strategies for generating evidence-informed conclusions and formulating innovative recommendations that are applicable to policy, professional practice, or further academic inquiry. Throughout, students will be expected to demonstrate intellectual rigour, ethical integrity, and academic independence in framing and pursuing their research agendas.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

1. LO1Articulate and critically reflect on your personal research stance, purpose, and values in relation to your chosen area of inquiry.
2. LO2Engage with, synthesise, and critically evaluate advanced scholarship and relevant interdisciplinary literature to frame and inform the research context.
3. LO3Design and conduct original, methodologically sound research that adheres to rigorous ethical standards.
4. LO4Critically analyse and interpret research data with intellectual rigour, drawing nuanced insights and identifying implications. Generate evidence-informed conclusions and propose innovative, contextually grounded recommendations for future research, policy, or professional practice.