Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Innovation
Course Description
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Innovation is meticulously designed to equip educators aspiring to become leaders with the knowledge, skills, and strategies essential for facing and addressing the complexities of today’s educational landscape.
Across the diverse modules, this programme offers a holistic approach to educational leadership, integrating theoretical insights with practical applications to foster transformative change and drive continuous improvement.
Taking a blended approach, the design of the course encourages students to take control, delve deep into research, and direct their learning toward areas of most interest to them.
This Master’s program equips participants with essential skills in academic research, leadership, and education management. It covers research methods, comparative education, strategic leadership, mentoring, and technology integration in education. Participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research competencies through modules on rigorous research methodologies and data analysis.
The program culminates in a 30 ECTS dissertation, allowing students to address gaps in educational research and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be in possession of:
- A full MQF Level 6 qualification in Education from an accredited institution, together with a minimum of five years’ teaching experience, or
- Any other degree recognised as equivalent for the purpose together with a recognised teaching or education qualification and a minimum of five years’ teaching experience, or
- A master’s degree that qualifies applicants for a Teacher’s Warrant, together with a minimum of five year’s teaching experience, or
- Any other recognised teaching qualification together with at least five years’ teaching experience.
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate a good level of English proficiency through qualifications such as IELTS level 6.0 or any other qualification which the College deems indicative of a good level of English competency.
For those students who wish to pursue a position within a school, kindly note that they would still need a teacher’s warrant.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- The target audience for the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Innovation includes educators, administrators, policymakers, and professionals in the field of education who aspire to leadership roles or seek to advance their careers by gaining expertise in educational leadership, organisational change, and innovative practices.
- This programme is designed for individuals who are passionate about transforming education systems, improving teaching and learning outcomes, and driving positive change in educational institutions.
- For individuals wishing to engage in leadership positions in schools or at other further and higher education institutions, as well as the Education Directorates, in mind.
- Students completing this programme would be prepared to take on leadership positions in Malta and/or progress to doctoral studies.
Career Paths
The programme prepares for positions such as, but not limited to:
- Assistant Head of School
- Head of School
- Executive Officer Education Directorate
- Head of Department Education Directorate
- Director Higher/Further Education
- Deputy Director Higher/Further Education
- Educational Advisor
- Educational Consultant
- Training and Development Manager
- Curriculum Development Developer and Designer
- Diversity and Inclusion Manager
- Education and engagement officer (for example, of a museum, etc.)
This programme also provides students with the opportunity to pursue further studies at MQF level 8.
Modules
You are required to complete all 7 compulsory modules (90 ECTS) to fulfil to the requirements of this Masters Programme.
If you stop here, you will get:
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Innovation
Don’t stop now! Go for that Master’s Degree 🚀
If you stop here, you will get:
Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Innovation
Don’t stop now! Go for that Master’s Degree 🚀
🏁 Amazing! You’ve just achieved your Master of Arts.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Innovation
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Mini Studies:
- Participants will conduct mini studies on a chosen topic in liaison with their tutor.
- The topic can be adapted to align with a specific interest and professional practice.
Critical & Research-Based Assessment:
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of the field through logical arguments and evidence-based research.
- Encourages critical thinking, innovation, and identification of research gaps.
Application of Research to Practice.
Class Presentations.
Academic Writing & Applied Research.
The program culminates in a 30 ECTS dissertation, allowing students to address gaps in educational research and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context.
Course Intake Dates
TBC 2025
Learning Outcome
Competencies:
The learner will be able to:
- Write effectively and appropriately to audience, purpose, and genre to communicate own expertise (M1)
- Analyse and apply strategies for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational settings (M2)
- Address educational challenges, lead change initiatives, and drive improvements in educational outcomes (M3)
- Define and articulate personal and organisational values, aligning them with the broader mission and vision of the educational institution (M4).
- Use technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in educational functions and processes including administration, communication, and decision-making (M5).
- Argue how and why a sound approach to research methodology is the foundation that leads to contribution to knowledge (M6).
- Appraise past and current academic research to identify research gaps (M6)
Knowledge:
The learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of correct citation and how to write sound and level-appropriate academic texts. (M1)
- Review, analyse, and correctly edit academic texts. (M1)
- Synthesise theoretical knowledge from equity, diversity, inclusion, global education dynamics, community engagement, and quality assurance into a comprehensive understanding of education, society, and culture and apply it to practical scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. (M2)
- Analyse and critically assess current global trends and debates in education, considering the interconnectedness of educational practices on a global scale. (M2)
- Analyse complex educational challenges and develop innovative solutions for systemic change, evidencing effective leadership and team management approaches fostering a positive organisational culture within educational settings. (M3)
- Outline the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership and analyse the roles of leaders in mentoring and coaching in cultivating a resilient and adaptive organisational culture. (M4)
- Develop leadership skills and foster a culture of continuous organisational improvement. (M4)
- Develop strategies for cultivating safe and empowering educational contexts, addressing challenges with purpose-driven leadership. (M4)
- Critically examine the transformative impact of technological advancements on the administration, delivery, and enhancement of educational experiences. (M5)
- Manage educational information using technology, including data collection, analysis, and utilisation, to support informed decision-making and improve organisational performance. (M5)
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of selecting and combining different styles of research. (M6)
- Develop a master’s dissertation which addresses a gap in research and which advances knowledge in the field of study (M7)
Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Assess the rigor and credibility of published research across diverse educational environments. (M1)
- Compose clear and appropriate texts according to genre, purpose and audience. (M1)
- Integrate concepts from equity, diversity, inclusion, global education dynamics, community engagement, and quality assurance into a comprehensive understanding of education, society, and culture. (M2)
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. (M2)
- Analyse complex educational challenges and develop innovative solutions for systemic change. (M3)
- Apply diverse leadership models and frameworks to build communities of learning within educational settings. (M4)
- Define and articulate personal and organisational values, aligning them with the broader mission and vision of the educational institution. (M4)
- Develop a personal action plan for continuous professional growth, integrating reflections and insights gained throughout the module. (M4)
- Leverage technology to manage various aspects of education, including administration, communication, and decision-making, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in educational institutions. (M5)
- Design and implement technology-enhanced learning environments that are accessible to diverse learners, ensuring equitable access to learning resources and support services. (M5)
- Manage educational information using technology, including data collection, analysis, and utilisation, to support informed decision-making and improve organisational performance. (M5)
- Develop a research project investigating a specific topic within the realm of educational leadership with appropriate depth and breadth. (M6)
- Collect, present, interpret, and analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data in formats suitable for research endeavours in educational leadership. (M6)