MA Education (Leadership, Management and Change)

Overview & facilities

This Masters course offers you the opportunity to undertake a one year full time (although the final module can be completed in your home country up to sixteen months after commencing the course) or a two year part-time academic programme, whilst engaging in a project designed to achieve change in an educational field of your choosing. The course covers a wide range of educational theory and practice, and introduces you to the methods and purposes of the Action Research paradigm.

The MA Education (Leadership, Management and Change) research process prioritises problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on design as the medium of change. The application of theory is channelled through models relevant to education, leadership and management. Strategies relevant to action theory and discourse will greatly assist you in structuring your project-dissertation, which owes much of its success to collaborative sessions with tutors and other students.

The Masters course aims to bring specific change in your work environment, to yourself on your return to it, and to the field of education that forms the background of your academic-vocational endeavour. The MA staff's teaching styles foster the softer skills of flexibility, negotiation, collaboration, and readiness to learn, and more -which prosper in the modern world of work.

Content & modules

Addressing the academic-vocational divide

Increasingly, universities are recognising the market need for Masters courses that develop practice as well as research expertise. Many MA courses make student artifacts the focus of their study; others encourage students to make their own practice the object of their research. A more overt vocational outcome is found in courses that enable students to develop greater capability in post-degree professional practice. All prioritise the dynamic interplay of theory and practice and with it the formative power of practice to deepen knowledge and understanding.

Modules

• Year 1

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Display mastery of complex and specialised area of knowledge. Demonstrate critical and analytical reference to own field of criticism and enquiry. Demonstrate expertise in conducting specialised and advanced skills of research, presentations, interpretation and analysis. Display the ability to bring research ideas, enquiry and analysis into synthesis in written dissertation. Accept accountability for related decision-making including use of supervision.

  Pedagogy and Current Issues in Education (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Critical and systematic reflection on the theoretical aspects of learning; Knowledge and understanding of and display mastery in the identification, evaluation, synthesis of emerging trends in the global environment of education; Synthesis of theory and practice to identify and analyse problems in educational organisations and use knowledge gained in order to critically evaluate and analyse current issues in education. A comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning approaches used in education.

  Policy Leadership and Management in Education (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Develop comprehensive critical understanding of educational policy making. Display mastery of the processes and analysis of educational policy making related to specific influences around the world. Develop a rigorous and thorough knowledge of educational policy making and specific influences in countries around the world.

Attendance

One-year full-time mode: Twelve hours class attendance a week is expected. Extra attendance is expected for school visits and MA events. The third module can be completed in your home country up to sixteen months after course commencement.

Two-year part-time mode: Six hours attendance is expected. Extra attendance will be agreed with the Course Leader.

Assessment

Formative assessment applies throughout the taught programme. It is varied and designed to contribute contribute to the knowledge and skills needed for the dissertation of up to 20,000 words . Following the end of taught programme, students write-up their dissertations, to be completed by January in the following year. The course ends with a viva. For students wishing to complete their dissertations away from the University, online tutorial help and viva are available.

Entry & applying

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

Standard entry requirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Education (Leadership, Management and Change), we normally require a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

September 2011 start
UK-EU £5,100
International £10,600

The tuition fee for MA Education (Leadership, Management and Change) for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £7,500
Part-time students: £63 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

Careers & placements

Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

Whatever your current professional role, as teacher, manager or administrator, your career profile will be enhanced by the research project chosen for your dissertation. Contact initiated and maintained with your home base raises the visibility of your profile, particularly within the context where career opportunities will occur. Your MA will have increased both your professional knowledge and developed a 'can do' attitude towards challenges within your field of interest.

John Beresford, External Examiner, wrote in his 2007 report of the course that the work of some (overseas) students had been exciting, "...and I share a wish that these students gain high office in their respective governments’ education ministry. The work they have done in their own countries has changed minds and attitudes. Were they able to do it at national level! "