Teaching & modules

Modules

Teaching

For each 30-credit module you will have around 20 hours of lectures and seminars, and we will expect you to undertake 280 hours of independent study.  

 Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. 

Per 30-credit taught module

Typically, 20 hours of class time. The sessions include lecturing, teacher- led class discussions and student-led group work.

Each 30-credit taught module has 280 hours of self-guided learning time.

Dissertation module

Contact time for the dissertation will typically include a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and 1:1 and /or group supervision

Approximately 567 hours.

Required Modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will take modules totalling 180 credits. 

You are required to take the following modules: 

  • Critical Perspectives in Educational Leadership and Management (30 credits)
  • Research Methods & Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

You are permitted to take up to 30 of your optional credits from outside of the course, at the discretion of the Programme Director.

Part-time students will take the required taught module in Year 1 and the dissertation in Year 2. They must take 90 credits of optional modules across the two years, typically taking one optional 30-credit module in Year 1 and two optional 30-credits modules in Year 2

Please note: students who are transferring in Master’s level credits (e.g. from a PGCE) will be exempt from the corresponding number of optional module credits, but must take the 60-credit dissertation module, as well as the compulsory taught module. If your credit transfer is approved, you will also be eligible for a proportional fee reduction, which will be processed following your enrolment into the programme. Please get in touch with us if you would like some information about eligibility criteria for credit transfer.

In addition, you will take 90 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include: 

  • International & Comparative Education (30 credits)
  • Education & International Development (30 credits)
  • Education Leadership and Change in Context (30 credits)
  • The Political Economy of Education in a Globalised World (30 credits)
  • Gender, Power, and Inequality in Educational Leadership (30 credits)
  • Psychology & Learning (30 credits)
  • The Social Context of Education (30 credits)
  • Language & Power (30 credits)
  • Recent Developments in Digital Technologies in Education (30 credits)
  • Education and Change: The Challenges of School Improvement (30 credits)
  • Social Justice & Education Policy (30 credits)
  • Teacher Development (30 credits)
  • Quantitative Methods in the Context of Education Research (30 credits)

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Self-Study

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations.  Forms of assessment may typically include essays, blog posts, podcasts, presentations, and case studies. All students complete a 60-credit dissertation, which is assessed by an extended piece of writing based on independent research on a topic of your choice, related to the course. This dissertation will be supported by a programme of research methods and study skills classes, as well as individual and/or group supervision. 

Application closing date guidance

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time / Part time

Duration:

One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026