Leadership and Management in Practice: Strategic Leadership in Leading Change in Education
Module Description
In this unit, students explore key concepts and develop critical skills necessary for effective leadership in educational settings.
This module addresses Systems Thinking and Innovation, where students are exposed to systems thinking principles to analyse complex educational challenges and devise innovative solutions for systemic change. This involves understanding the interdependencies within educational systems and leveraging this knowledge to foster sustainable improvements.
This unit focuses on key leadership competencies in education management, covering effective leadership, team management, legal and ethical considerations, data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and project management. Students will develop interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a strong understanding of legal and ethical frameworks to ensure principled leadership.
They will also learn to utilise data for informed decision-making and enhance efficiency in educational planning. Additionally, the unit emphasizes strategic project management, equipping students with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate educational initiatives.
Through practical application, students will integrate theory with real-world problem-solving, preparing them to lead change, foster collaboration, and drive innovation in education.
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
The module comprises of:
- 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
Class Presentations
Mini Studies:
- Students 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.
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:
- Analyse complex educational challenges and apply systems thinking principles to develop innovative solutions for systemic change.
- Foster a positive organisational culture, leading teams effectively, and cultivating collaboration and teamwork within educational settings.
- Make informed decisions while upholding legal and ethical standards.
- Use data to inform decision-making processes, including educational planning and project management, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in educational settings.
- Address educational challenges, lead change initiatives, and drive improvements in educational outcomes.
Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Introduction to System Leadership and Management.
- Managing People in Educational Settings.
- Education Leadership and the Law.
- Deciding Effectively in Education.
- Integration and Application.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Apply systems thinking principles to analyse complex educational challenges
- Develop innovative solutions for systemic change.
- Foster a positive organisational culture, leading teams effectively, and cultivating collaboration and teamwork within educational settings.
- Understand and apply the content of pertinent legal frameworks and ethical considerations in everyday practice and planning.
- Make informed decisions while upholding legal and ethical standards.
- Utilise data to inform decision-making processes, including educational planning and project management.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Use data effectively to inform decision-making processes and enhance efficiency and effectiveness in educational settings.
- Strategically plan and manage projects effectively.
- Design, implement, and evaluate educational initiatives effectively.
- Demonstrate the capacity to address educational challenges, lead change initiatives, and drive improvements in educational outcomes.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Research and access the right academic platforms to find the most up-to-date peer-reviewed materials, legislative documents, international reports etc., required for their studies.
- Use digital software to structure, prepare and present their work effectively.
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.