MA Educational Leadership

Entry requirements

This is a ‘fast track’ professional learning programme which requires students to have prior experience and understanding of educational leadership.

All applicants are required to:

• be currently working in a teaching, leadership or school support role;
• have a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), equivalent professional experience, or equivalent M-level credits related to school improvement and educational leadership;
• hold a good first degree, diplomas or other relevant qualifications.

We recognise that the knowledge and skills required for educational leadership are varied and educational leadership experience and learning comes in many forms.

We are accepting the NASENCo award as an NPQ equivalent as standard. Examples of other relevant qualifications and programmes include the leadership pathways and programmes offered by SSAT and by the former National College. You may have completed a series of shorter courses or received ‘in-house’ training. We also are considering experiential learning and any achievements, experiences or duties which demonstrate the applicant has met the NPQ standards and has experience and understanding of senior leadership practice.

• An NPQ which was achieved more than 5 years ago is typically suitable, especially if you have been working in a senior leadership role following your NPQ award.
• If you are currently undertaking but yet to complete an NPQ, National SENCO award or another relevant programme you should include details of your learning to date and any indications that you are on track to complete the award. Examples include transcripts, details in a personal statement or CV, and references from programme tutors or directors.

In all cases, prior learning is assessed against the MA Programme aims and the NPQSL standards to ensure that you have the experience and understanding of education and senior leadership required to benefit from this Masters degree in Educational Leadership.

7 May 2024 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 30 August 2024.

English language support - before your course starts

The University offers Presessional English courses for students who wish to improve their knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for academic study at the University of Birmingham. Students with conditional offers have the option of attending one of these courses instead of retaking IELTS.

English language support - during your studies

BIA provides free English language services to international students who are currently studying on undergraduate or postgraduate courses at the University of Birmingham. Services include Open-access English classes, online self-assessment, online materials through CANVAS, email answers to quick questions and individual one to one tutorials. For a small fee, BIA also offers classes for partners of international postgraduate students and staff, social events including day trips and HOST visits.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Fees and funding