What will I learn on this module?
This module focusses on various ways of conceptualising educational leadership and management, from formal structures and notions of bureaucracy to critical and subjective theories. This module will provide an opportunity to explore leadership and management in an education context from a holistic, strategic perspective. You will explore the four management processes of planning, organising, leading and controlling. You will also have the opportunity to consider the more practical aspects of a leader’s role, i.e. the structural, financial, legal and HR aspects. In addition to drawing on the expertise of those who work in the sector in considering how these theories translate into practice, it will offer the opportunity for you to explore your own practice/perceptions of strategic management and how theory might impact on them.
How will I learn on this module?
A ‘research rich’ learning approach will enable you to build on your previous higher education experiences as an active inquirer and participant in your own learning. This will be at the heart of the teaching and learning strategy for this module. In order to maximise the learning in this module sessions will include a mix of formal lectures, seminars and group work. The e-learning portal will provide additional learning support and enable communication between students and staff.
Students will be encouraged to engage with current research in this field through the critical evaluation of research papers that will then be further explored within seminars.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your main form of academic support for each module is provided by the module leader and other members of the module team. The module leader will ensure that you receive clear guidance about the module learning outcomes and how you will be assessed against these. They will also guide through exercises during the timetabled sessions, and ensure that both individual and group tutorial time is identified during the module. The University’s eLearning Portal will offer remote access to materials and aids for reinforcing your learning.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will develop a critical understanding of what is involved in the improvement of schools or other educational establishments, in relation to cultural context and priorities and explore the role of educational vision in effective strategic leadership and management.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. You will critically reflect upon models of leadership and management
2. You will critically evaluate the ways in which leadership behaviours impact on organisations.
3. Identify and critically evaluate management and leadership research methods
4. Identify and critically evaluate management and leadership approaches to the structural issues within educational establishments
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Enhance your communication skills through your presentation on an aspect of leadership and management and through your written summative assessment
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
Prepare and deliver a presentation on an aspect of leadership and management.
Feedback
You will have received constructive verbal feedback from the tutor and peers
Summative Assessment
You will discuss and critically evaluate an aspect of leadership and management in an educational setting.
(4500 words)
(KU 1) (IPSA 1-4) (PVA 1)
Feedback
You will receive graded written feedback using the criteria and the elaborated marking scale.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In this module you will have the opportunity to discuss and critically analyse and evaluate what constitutes effective management and leadership within the national context of the UK educational system. You will consider the management processes with a more practical focus on the structural, strategic, financial legal and HR aspects of the leader’s work. Drawing on current research, you will apply these concepts of management and leadership to your own experience/practice from their own experiences and from current research
Course info
Credits 30
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
2 other options available
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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