masters in education dundee

Online Masters in Educational Leadership - Masters in Education

20-36 months Distance Learning

Tuition: USD 26,700 Paid Monthly: USD 830

Intakes: 28 April 2025 Deadline: 17 April 2025

Eligibility

Course overview.

This Online Masters in Educational Leadership pathway is suited for teachers who wish to transition into leadership and administrative roles in an educational setting or institution. Understand the impact leadership and its role can have on communities of practice, organisational learning and strategic development. Learn to;

• Critically analyse the significance of leadership and how it differentiates from management.
• Examine different Leadership and Strategic approaches to complex problems in teaching and education.
• Explore the leadership principles of values, vision, climate and culture as it relates to guiding organisational change.

The Online Masters in Educational Leadership is a pathway of the University of Dundee Online Masters in Education Degree . Upon completion, students will receive a Masters in Education with the award title “Educational Leadership”. It meets the professional requirements of the IB – International Baccalaureate Certifications for;

• IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research
• IB Certificate in Leadership Practice
• IB Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research

Students who wish to apply for the IB Certification must choose the ‘Leadership and Organisational Development’ module as their optional module.

Either one or two modules can be undertaken each semester and the accelerated, two module route allows students to complete the Masters in Educational Leadership degree in just 20 months. Recommended study hours are 15 hours a week, per module. 

Online Masters in Educational Leadership PG Cert & PG Diploma entry & exit routes

Exit and entry routes are available at three levels; PG Certificate in Educational Leadership, PG Diploma in Educational Leadership and a full Masters in Education – Educational Leadership as the named award.

• The Masters (MEd) award needs four 30 credit modules and one 60 credit dissertation
• The PG Diploma award needs four 30 credit modules
• The PG Certificate needs two 30 credit modules

Online Masters in Education specialisations;

• Online Masters in Special Education – Inclusive Education
• Online Masters in Early Childhood Education & Nursery
• Online Masters in International Education
• Online Masters in Teaching, Leading and Learning
• Online Masters in TESOL
• Online Masters in Education

Accreditation

The Online Masters in Educational Leadership is accredited by GTCS –  General Teaching Council for Scotland as a professional learning course. The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS is an independent regulator for teachers in Scotland that sets and promotes a higher standard of teaching for educators.

The Dundee Masters in Education also meets the requirements to attain Advanced IB certifications from the International Baccalaureate, a global leader in developing exemplary international education programmes. International Baccalaureate curriculum are designed to empower school students to take ownership and develop future-ready skills that make a difference.

Teaching and Assessments

The Online Masters in Educational Leadership is delivered entirely online, with virtual learning events for students that need additional academic support. These events are hosted by the University of Dundee faculty and learning is supported by;

• Peer learning through online discussion forums or at the optional workshops
• Personal, Individual supervision
• Private study sessions
• Access to online materials via the University of Dundee UK Online Learning Environment

The University of Dundee emphasises the creation of strong learning community for each cohort. This is an important element in continued learning and support required for all students undertaking the Masters in Educational Leadership degree.

Assessment methods are tailored to each module and vary depending on modules chosen. They can include:

• written assignments
• written projects
• writing skills assessment
• oral presentations

The Online Masters in Educational Leadership is taught a 100% online on Dundee’s VLE – Virtual Learning Environment. The VLE and its hosted study materials can be accessed 24/7, providing an incredible level of flexibility to students undertaking this programme. Recognition of prior learning is also available for up to 50% of the course, subject to approval, allowing advanced entry.

The learning approaches in this education degree has been designed to meet the needs of teachers and educators in full time employment, ensuring a high deal of flexibility in when and where to study the learning materials. Study with teachers and educators who are specialising and working in the same Educational Leadership pathway, learning tips, approaches and methods from a diverse slew of international perspectives and teaching practices in differing countries.

Career path

By completing the Online Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Dundee, students are able to influence their professional journey by improving their teaching knowledge, teaching skills and overall experience in the education industry, to make them a better leader, while also enhancing their employability.

This Masters in Education will enhance your career and teaching prospects across a variety of professions including:

• Research career through pursuing a PhD or Doctorate in Education
• Professor, Tutor or Lecturer in Higher Education; schools and universities
• Government Policy Administrator for Education
• Leadership roles in Education; Principal, Vice Principal, Head of Department or Senior Teacher

The Online Masters in Educational Leadership has provided  many graduates the knowledge to move into senior educational roles, and taken leadership positions that improve the education field on a local, national and global level.

Academic Progression

• Doctorate of Education

Eligibility - Entry Requirements

The Online Masters in Educational Leadesrhip is characterised by a path progression through a PG Cert, a PG Dip to a Masters degree, with entry and exit points at each level.

Recognition for prior learning (RPL) is available for this course. Claims for RPL must match to existing modules on the course with equivalent content. Please speak to your personal Stafford consultant about RPL.

There are both workplace-based and non-workplace-based routes for this teaching course, so you don’t have to be currently employed in an educational setting before applying.

Workplace based Masters in Educational Leadership route:

• Professionals who currently work in an educational setting, and wish to enhance their professional learning and improve career progression prospects.
• Must have an undergraduate degree (any discipline).
• If your undergraduate degree was not taught in English, the English Language Requirement is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).

Non-Workplace based Masters in Educational Leadership route:

• Professionals who have previous work experience (not necessarily current) in an educational setting.
• Must be a graduate (any discipline).

Core module

The process of reflection and reflective practice is crucial for any successful educator.

This includes the ability to critically analyse your actions. You also reflect on the personal and professional ethos of being an educator.

This will help you change the way you think and act. It also allows you to develop and improve your practice. This not only benefits yourself but also your colleagues and the learners you support.

By engaging in this practice, you will be prepared for Master’s level study. You will also be introduced to aspects of academic study such as

• searching and selecting reliable and valid sources
• academic writing including referencing

You will consider what it means to be a professional educator. This will include considering formal standards for educators. You will look at this in different settings, from around the world. You will apply this to your own professional setting to help you develop your career.

You will learn about the principles and the theory of reflective practice. You will apply this to your own development.

You will explore new theories and research. This will build on your prior knowledge and experience.

During the final stages of the module, you will look at action planning for the future. This will also cover preparation for the final assessment. During this, you will consider your own previous, current, and future professional development.

You will cover a wide range of theory and research. You will also be introduced to key skills and knowledge. This will prepare you for the rest of your Master’s study.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• understand key professional issues that impact or have impacted upon your professional life
• understand organising and managing the learning environment. This will be in the context of recent educational developments and research
• ability to review and engage critically with reading and research

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• assess approaches to professional development and practice
• critically review professional experience. You will be able to use this review as the basis for planning. This will allow you to set targets for future professional development
• critically discuss the nature of their own and others’ professionalism
• articulate your own professional philosophy of educational practice

The module will introduce participants to a professional development model that involves: reflecting on their personal and professional development; engaging with the debates and professional enquiries that have led them to their professional thinking, philosophies and views; reflection upon their current approaches and learning and teaching practice; a self-evaluation of professional development needs and directions.

You will develop and build on your research skills and to develop an understanding of educational research. You will also learn how to conduct ethical research.

The skills that you develop will inform how you come to understand your own contexts.

You will learn about a wide range of educational research practices. You will also critique previous and proposed research.

This will be informed by the importance of ethical approaches to all aspects of research.

You will develop your research skills by learning about the fundamentals of research philosophy.

You will be introduced to the relationship between topics such as:

• research questions
• methodology
• methods of gathering data

There will be opportunities to explore issues relating to the power of the researcher. You will also look at the role that relationships play in all research contexts.

You will choose a topic of personal and professional interest. Using this as a basis, you will develop how to critically review published research and policy in that area.

You will read the works of others and critique the works. This will allow you to explore your approaches to designing a research project and to design your own research inquiry.

This knowledge and understanding will then be applied to your own research design ideas.

This module leads to the Dissertation module. This is where you will carry out your proposed research.

In this module, key aims are to develop:

• critical understanding of research foundations (ontology and epistemology)
• critical approaches to research design that are relevant to professional enquiry
• the knowledge and skills required to conduct critical analysis.
• apply knowledge and understanding to a subject-specific, proposed research dissertation or professional project.

Across the globe, we continue to face many challenges. Driving these are things like climate change, technological advances, and economic uncertainties. These are often driven by shifting socio-political landscapes.

As a result, we need leaders. Leaders who can exhibit the necessary skills and understanding to address these situations.

Leadership is about working well with and through others. This skill is often seen on occasions such as:

• when leading through responsibility
• influencing other
• being at the forefront of a pressing matter

You will look at the topic of leadership through an interdisciplinary approach. This will encourage you to consider leadership as a concept. You will see that this goes beyond formal titles and power.

You will consider leadership for everyone. Regardless of status or standing.

A key theme that you will encounter with this module is self-reflection. You will look at self-reflection within the framework of leadership and organisational development.

This is to enable you to focus on the ‘self’ as both a leader and a learner.

Your attention will be on context and relationships in driving change. You will consider your own context and professional values alongside ethical and equitable leadership.

• develop a critical understanding of the principles and concepts of leadership. These will be relevant to leading change
• learn how to critically analyse leadership theories, principles, and concepts
• connect your own skills and practices with different theoretical concepts
• learn how to communicate extensive, detailed, and critical knowledge and understanding of leadership. This will be in a relevant context to your role
• critically examine different strategic approaches to responding to complex problems
• understand the importance of relationships, networks and collaboration. You will also understand situations through differing perspectives. This will allow you to deal with problems or potential change
• integrate and synthesise insights, ideas and perspectives in the critical interpretation of findings
• develop innovative responses to current issues. You will also understand what effective leadership means when leading such a response within your context
• draw conclusions in an informed and critical manner from your own research and/or that of others

Optional module

As a contemporary educator, you work in a rapidly changing world. Local and global issues converge and need your creative adaptation.

It is vital that you are able to undertake informed considerations of relevant issues. This will allow you to respond to challenges as confident, creative agents of positive transformation. This will allow you to best support learning.

You will adopt a critical perspective on innovation. This will be consistent with your role as a reflective professional. This will enable you to evaluate an educational innovation. You will apply your learning within your future professional context.

In this module you will:

• learn how to adopt a critical perspective on innovation. This will be consistent with your role as a reflective professional
• review the impact and outcomes of an investigation into an example of educational innovation

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• understand current research, key concepts, and policies relating to innovation within education
• relate educational innovation on a local or global level
• evaluate practice and reflect critically on it
• develop and use strategies and resources acquired from your study and experiences of educational innovation. You will be able to apply this to your own future professional and personal development

This module aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of wellbeing.

You will consider the implications of a socially just environment on children and young people’s wellbeing.

You will do so by exploring wider societal issues. You will examine theories of wellbeing, social justice, and care.

You will explore the effect societal factors (both positive and negative) can have on the wellbeing of children and young people.

You will also have an opportunity to critically reflect on educational policies. You will look at how they might influence teachers and young people.

You will design an intervention to enhance young people’s wellbeing. This will be done by reflecting on your own practice.

You will be able to explore the benefits as well as challenges of such approaches. You will do this by engaging with theory and academic research. This will allow you to develop a critical knowledge of the subject area for practice.

• explore the positive and negative effects of societal factors on the wellbeing of children and young people
• critically reflect on educational policies. You will evaluate how they might influence teachers and young people
• design an intervention to enhance the wellbeing of young people. This will be done through critical reflection of your own practice
• explore the benefits and challenges of interventional approaches through theory and academic research
• justify and critically review current policies, legislation and research in the area of wellbeing. This will be done as part of a curriculum or alternative education setting
• show critical knowledge of the subject area for practice
• understand and have the skills to plan, put in place and assess a small piece of action research. This will aim to contribute positively to the development of wellbeing in children and young people in your professional practice
• apply a person-centred approach in the universal or targeted support of learner wellbeing

International education is a global approach to learning. International education is when you learn about different countries and cultures.

This emphasises cross-cultural understanding. This is often done through exchange programs, international curricula, and multilingualism. This is to prepare you for an interconnected world. This should also foster a sense of global citizenship and cultural awareness in yourself.

You will learn to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of current research. This will touch on key concepts and policies relating to international education.

You will learn to ensure that activities relating to international education are informed by evidence. This includes an ability to relate your professional project on a local or global level.

You will learn to develop and use strategies and resources. You will combine this with your experiences of international education. You will be able to apply this to your own future professional and personal development.

• explore policies and issues in International Education. This will be in relation to Language, Culture, and Citizenship
• develop your critical perspective
• review the potential impact and outcomes of a professional project that relates to International Education
• develop and awareness of the value of International Education
• learn how to use International Education standards and goals
• show your knowledge of current research, key concepts, and policies relating to international education
• ensure that activities relating to International Education are informed by evidence
• relate your professional projects on a local or global level
• assess practice and reflect critically on it

develop and use strategies and resources acquired. You will apply this to your professional and personal development

Inclusive education is a highly debated topic of interest to educators worldwide.

The concept of inclusion is part of a broad human rights agenda. It is at the core of the government’s education policies within the United Kingdom. It is also increasingly becoming part of education policies in countries around the globe.

While there are a number of positive aspects to current policy, many serious concerns and questions remain. This includes:

• resource allocation
• teacher training
• curriculum adaptation
• social integration
• balancing individual needs
• the need for supportive policies and community involvement

In this module, you will explore inclusive education. This will cover current educational policies and practice related to inclusion.

You will take an enquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. This is consistent with current national and international views on inclusive practice.

You will grow to understand that the key to inclusive education is to welcome all learners. You will learn that every learner matters, and matters equally.

• learn about the development of inclusion globally
• review the arguments for and against inclusive education. This will be in the light of current legislation and policies in your own country
• critically reflect on key issues and factors related to current legislation and policies in the area of inclusion
• consider the effects of other legislation which impact on social inclusion
• difference and diversity are ordinary
• problems are challenges for teachers
• we need to work collaboratively to resolve these problems
• reflect on your own development as an inclusive educator
• make plans to further develop one aspect of your practice through focused professional learning

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global non-profit educational foundation with more than 5,700 schools in 159 countries.

The primary mission of the International Baccalaureate is to develop and offer challenging educational programs for students globally.

With a strong focus on international awareness and inquiry-based learning, IB takes an inclusive and child-centred approach to education.

You will develop your understanding of the International Baccalaureate (IB) ethos. Key themes of this are:

• the conceptions of the self as a professional
• the role of reflective practice
• central beliefs around the purposes of education

You will be able to establish your professional leadership philosophy. You will develop a reflective practice, and develop as a pedagogical leader

• explore the IB ethos and look at the leadership required to put it in place
• audit your capacities against the professional standards required in the IB
• form an action plan to support your own development needs
• critically analyse your action plan based on a range of appropriate literature, policy, and research
• have a deeper understanding of your own leadership abilities
• form action plans to support your own development needs
• show your knowledge and understanding of leadership in the IB

Dissertation

This module is the culmination of your learning during your Master’s course.

This is your opportunity to explore an area of interest in depth.

This exploration may include things like:

• primary data collection and analysis
• secondary data analysis
• a literature review
• a theoretical investigation

You will build on the knowledge and skills acquired as a part of your course.

This module involves in-depth consideration of a problem or question of your choosing.

You will show your mastery of the subject matter. This will be done through planning, implementing, and reporting on a large piece of research.

You will promote a deep and critical understanding of your selected area. This will also enhance your professional knowledge and practice.

• learn through critically analysing theories, principles, concepts, and current issues relevant to your discipline and subject area
• apply research techniques of inquiry. You will also critically evaluate your findings to make connections between theory and practice
• develop your communication skills. This will be done by following a standard structure and providing an extensive and detailed account of your study.
• contribute to a professional debate and make recommendations for future practice and research

*These options are required for the named awards

• Course Fee: USD 26,700
• Stafford Grant: USD 6,800
• Net Course Fee: USD 19,820
• Monthly Fee**: USD 830
• Stafford Grant: USD 14,800
• Net Course Fee: USD 11,900
• Monthly Fee**: USD 360

+VAT if applicable

**Monthly instalments calculated based on the Course fee minus the Stafford Grant

Fees are determined by where applicants are currently working and residing

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University of Dundee

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The University of Dundee offers Masters level learning across a range of subject areas, course structures and delivery models. These courses have given graduates the opportunity to move into senior management positions within educational settings, as well as being able to share their expertise to enhance education provision locally, nationally and globally.

Areas of study

Full-time on-campus named awards.

MEd Leading Learning and Teaching

Core modules

Reflecting Upon Practice Research Methods for Professional Inquiry Innovation in Education Leadership and Organisational Development Dissertation

MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Reflecting Upon Practice Theory and Methodologies in TESOL Language Awareness and Practice in TESOL Research Methods for Professional Inquiry Dissertation

Part-time online route

MEd Educational Leadership MEd Inclusive Education MEd International Education MEd Leading Learning and Teaching MEd Nursery/Early Education

Core modules Reflecting Upon Practice Research Methods for Professional Inquiry Dissertation

Optional modules Inclusive Educator Innovation in Education International Education Leadership and Organisational Development Theory and Methodologies in TESOL Language Awareness and Practice TESOL Wellbeing of Children and Young People

International Baccalaureate (IB) Pathway

Certificate in leadership practice.

Core modules Leadership and Organisational Development Reflecting Upon Leadership within the IB

Advanced Certificate in Leadership Research

Core modules Leadership and Organisational Development Reflecting Upon Leadership within the IB Research Methods for Professional Inquiry

Study options: full or part-time

You can choose to study full-time or part-time, either: 

• 10 months full-time on campus During your 10 months of study, teaching approaches will include lectures, seminars, group-based discussions and enquiry and action learning - collaborative research and problem solving.
• 36 months part-time online flexible learning   The course can take around two to three years to complete, depending on your own circumstances. Most students study one module at a time, however there is a fast-track option to study two modules together. Each 30-credit module will take an average of 15 hours per week of study time to complete. For those on the fast-track route this will be around 30 hours per week.

Course structure

Med full-time over 10 months.

Semester 1:

• one 30-credit core module common to all routes (Research Methods for Professional Inquiry)
• two 30-credit core modules

Semester 2:

• one 30-credit core
• one 60-credit double module - dissertation

MEd part-time over 3 years

• one 30-credit core module
• one 30-credit optional module
• one 30-credit module in Research Methods
• one 60-credit module - dissertation OR
• two 30-credit modules

Prior learning

Recognition of prior (RPL) learning may be available for up to 50% of the course, subject to approval, allowing you advanced entry. Any Masters level 11 or equivalent qualifications can be considered for RPL for the Master of Education Programme (MEd). Before applying, you can contact us, and we can advise you if your prior learning is eligible.

Starting the MEd with no RPL

From PGCE/TQFE to MEd (If you have completed your PGCE/TQFE with Masters Level credits)

From PGDE to MEd (If you have completed your PGDE with Masters Level credits)

If you have previously undertaken a research module at Masters level, you can RPL this module. There is also the option of undertaking 2 x 30-credit modules in place of a dissertation.

Full-time on campus route

For home students and those in the EU the cost is £7,650 per year of study

Scottish students and those in the EU may be able to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a postgraduate tuition fee loan.

For English, Welsh and Northern Irish students the cost is £7,650 per year of study. These students can apply for financial assistance. Further information from Student Finance England , Student Finance Northern Ireland , and Student Finance Wales .

For international students the cost is £18,150 per year of study.

Tuition fees for overseas (non-EU) students will increase by no more than 5% per year for the length of your course.

Part-time online learning route

For home students and those in the EU the cost is £2,415 per year of study

For English, Welsh and Northern Irish students the cost is £2,415 per year of study. These students can apply for financial assistance. Further information from Student Finance England , Student Finance Northern Ireland , and Student Finance Wales .

For international students the cost is £6,195 per year of study.

You may incur additional costs in the course of your education at the University over and above tuition fees in an academic year, for example the graduation fee and for the full-time route, field trips.

Application process

You can apply directly to the University of Dundee through the course webpage. You will be guided on how to register and set up a user account. You can apply direct for both the full-time and part-time routes.

To apply, you'll need to be a graduate or be able to provide evidence that you can work at postgraduate level. You also need to have experience of working in educational settings, however you do not have to be currently employed in an educational setting.

Apply direct

Useful links

For more information on University of Dundee Masters options, browse the university website or use the links below:

Master of Education full-time route

MEd Leading Learning and Teaching MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Master of Education part-time route

MEd Educational Leadership MEd Inclusive Education MEd International Education MEd Leading Learning and Teaching MEd Nursery/Early Education MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

For more information

Contact Kristi Herd, Masters Coordinator, at [email protected]

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