Dissertation
30 ECTS
Dissertation
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Module Description
The dissertation is a compulsory element of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Innovation.
The aim of it is to produce an original piece of research work on a clearly defined topic. Additionally, it enables the student to develop deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities and attitudes in the context of the programme of study.
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.
How you’ll be assessed
This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 22,000 words and no longer than 25,000 words to be submitted via online portal.
Dissertation marking guidelines will emphasize originality, clarity, and candidate’s critical abilities.
Final MA qualification grade is suggested to be a weighted score of:
- Final Modular Grades – 60%
- Final Dissertation Grade – 40%
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
Establishing a Research Territory.
- Show that the general research area is important, central, interesting, problematic, or relevant.
- Present and review items of previous research in the area.
- Be conscious and responsible for the ethical aspects of research and development work
Creating a Niche.
- Indicate a gap in the previous research or extend previous knowledge in some way.
- Contribute to research and development work.
Occupying the Niche
- Outline purposes or state the nature of the present research.
- Compile research questions or hypotheses.
- Announce principal findings.
- State the value of the present research.
Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have been exposed to the following:
Students will be able to critically analyse the rationale, significance and implications of the following topics as a consolidation to the module on Research Methods:
- Quantitative Research Methods.
- Qualitative Research Methods.
- Mix Methods.
- Sampling strategies.
- Data collection, analysis and interpretation methods.
- Topic Selection.
- Research Questions and Hypothesis.
- Structure of research paper.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Identify a research problem related to the subject area of this programme.
- Formulate the research problem precisely.
- Critically review and synthesise the relevant literature on the subject area in order to construct a conceptual framework to underpin research.
- Apply an appropriate methodology for collecting and for analysing primary and secondary data with due regard to ethical considerations.
- Interpret and present data clearly and critically discuss the findings.
- Appraise the implications of the research outcomes to managerial professional practice.
- Be able to communicate verbally and in writing the acquired knowledge, understanding, ideas and research findings with a high level of clarity, organisation and coherency in the build-up of an argument.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding in relation to the agreed area of study.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.