Course Resources Archive

This module aims to provide professionals who have educational leadership experience, or professionals who aspire to undertake an educational leadership role, with the opportunity to explore issues linked to effective leadership at all levels in educational institutions. The module focuses on the key areas of educational leadership, particularly as identified within national frameworks to help them identify particular areas for personal professional development. At the same time, they will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the strengths and limitations of such frameworks. They will also develop an understanding of the basic principles of educational research and learn to critique qualitative research. In all cases they will be expected to demonstrate an inclusive perspective.

Note that this module is offered in three modes:

1. University campus based
2. As work based learning. This means that the vehicle for the development of leadership and capabilities is current activities, projects and other initiatives led by the participant or in which they have a key role. These must relate to the school improvement plan and to the participant’s own performance review objectives. The WBL route is an innovative approach that enables participants to demonstrate current competence and develop future capability. The WBL route is open only to groups of staff in the same school, or to staff groups from more than one school. It is taught entirely within the contracting institution (s). Work for this module is intended to result in impact at school and classroom level.
3. As intensive reading and oral examination mode for candidates who can establish ‘Advanced Practitioner’ status.

On successful completion of this module, participants should have:

1. critical understanding of their strengths and areas for development as an educational leader;
2. critical understanding of the development of strategic direction for educational leadership: the development and implementation of policies, plans, targets and practices within the context of national, institutional and inclusive aims and policies;
3. taken ownership of their own professional development, having conducted a needs analysis, and identified and prioritised their areas for development within a personal development plan;
4. planned ways in which to develop the skills identified;
5. analysed and drawn conclusions for future practice from critical reflection upon their areas for development
6. a critical understanding of the nature of research and research paradigms and an understanding of the nature and range of values which underpin research, with the associated ethical issues.
7. Knowledge and understanding of research methods and tools appropriate to postgraduate enquiries into Developing Leadership Skills;

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.