MSc Educational Leadership School Business Management

Transcription

1 School of Education MSc Educational Leadership School Business Management

2 2 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Contents About the School of Education 2 Benefits of studying the MSc Educational Leadership (SBM) by supported distance learning at Leicester. 3 Aims and objectives of the programme 4 Modules 5 Admissions and Entry Requirements 7 Frequently Asked Questions 8 About the University 10 Contact Details For further information, please contact: Gail Greenacre t: e: gg72@le.ac.uk About the School of Education The School of Education is one of the largest in the UK, with a long-standing reputation for research and professional development. The School provides programmes for all phases of education, from initial teacher training to advanced research degrees. Our courses offer experienced professionals the opportunity to obtain further qualifications by full-time and part-time taught courses, ODL (Open and Distance Learning) or by research. Our higher degree courses attract national and international students, resulting in a vibrant professional and cultural diversity that enhances the sense of academic community, as well as the quality of teaching and learning. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 75% of the research undertaken by the University of Leicester was deemed to be of international significance. As a result of this, our students benefit from being taught by staff at the cutting-edge of their disciplines and the exciting learning atmosphere this creates. We enjoy an enviable reputation at the forefront of educational research and the professional education of teachers. Our courses are well established and, at present, we have around 500 students studying with us. We offer a range of Masters programmes, a large Doctor of Education programme, and support many PhD students. The School is extremely active and has been notably successful in the last few years in attracting a wide range of research projects and funding from a variety of national and international funding bodies.

3 MSC EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 3 Benefits of studying the MSc Educational Leadership (SBM) by supported distance learning at Leicester Flexible Study Studying by supported distance learning allows you to choose when and where to study while still benefiting from the facilities and full support that come from being a University of Leicester student. Experience We have been running programmes in educational leadership for over 10 years and have extensive experience in distance learning. Excellent Support You will be supported by a personal tutor who, where possible, will remain the same throughout the programme. You will also have full access to the University s support services, including study and library support with 18,000 electronic journals and articles that you can download for free anywhere in the world. With more than 7,000 distance learning students, the University of Leicester is well aware of their specific needs, and our teaching and learning are tailored to provide this support. A Rigorous Master s Level Qualification The MSc is a rigorous qualification which provides you with several opportunities to undertake research into your particular area of interest, building on your knowledge in this specialised area. Research-Led Teaching Our distance learning programme is built upon our experience of developing and teaching educational programmes and our leading research. Both our teaching and programme materials are designed by those leading developments in your area and you will benefit from these as they occur. Up-to-Date Resources The delivery of the programme is supported by an excellent range of up-to-date commercially published core texts and readers. You will also benefit from full IT support through the University s virtual learning environment Blackboard. Real Life Applications The programme offers a unique opportunity for you to develop your knowledge and skills by applying course input to real-life situations within your own school, college or university. As such, it is a powerful vehicle for institutional improvement, as well as individual personal and professional development. As a distance learning student you can apply this knowledge to your work immediately. Career Progression Our programmes are highly valued by educational employers and will help you whether you wish to develop and hone your skills within your current role, or seek promotion to a higher leadership role within an educational context.

4 4 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Student Profile Mr Stephen Morales Bursar of the year 2009/10 The sessions where extremely informative, well delivered and the venue was excellent. The advice on the project framework was particularly valuable. Listening to colleagues' presentations was very enlightening and the standard really reassured me of the value and level of the course. As a group I felt we really bonded...and there was a genuine desire for each other to succeed, it was really quite special. I have really enjoyed the programme and feel I have grown as a result. Aims and objectives of the programme The programme aims to provide high quality postgraduate education to professionals in education. Through the programme, you will enhance your leadership knowledge, understanding and skills through the application of theory to aspects of practice in your own institutions, by undertaking small-scale research projects. The purpose of these projects is to promote individual professional development and organisational improvement. The combination of theory, research and practice reflects the University s commitment to the cultivation of the synergy between research and teaching and learning. The aims of the programme are: To equip you with a body of knowledge that will enhance your understanding of educational leadership in a number of cultural contexts; To develop your ability to reflect on, analyse and synthesise concepts, theories and models of educational leadership drawn from a number of cultural contexts; To provide analytical frameworks that can be applied to your own educational institutions; To provide opportunities for the improvement of research-based leadership skills; To develop your ability to undertake small-scale research. Programme Structure The programme examines current issues underlying the concept of leadership for organisational success, and provides a structured programme of development aimed at linking theory, research and educational practice. For the award of the MSc you are required to complete an action research module, one of two content modules, a research methods module and a 15,000 20,000 word dissertation.

5 MSC EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 5 Student Profile Mr Peter Grew Modules Action Research The Action Research Module focuses on supporting school and college improvement through the development of collaborative research, within the scope of your responsibility as a School Business Manager. A problem is identified and an audit carried out to further understand the problem. From this audit, and by drawing on existing knowledge in the field, you are encouraged to develop and manage an intervention. A second audit is then carried out to enable the impact of the intervention to be evaluated. You will present your findings to be assessed as an Action Research Report Portfolio. Further dissemination is also encouraged through conference presentations, and possible publication. The National Association of School Business Management (NASBM) plays an important role in the first year of your Masters studies with regard to your professional development. The professional development is separate and distinctive from the Masters programme but it complements your studies on the MSc. The NASBM conduct a 360 analysis of your leadership knowledge, skills and experience and this is used to give you feedback on areas that you may wish to develop during your Action Research. This feedback ties in closely with the NASBM competency framework. On successful completion of the Action Research Report Portfolio, you will be invited to complete a short reflective account. This account will enable you to demonstrate how you addressed the development points identified within the 360 analysis and how you tied this development into the competency framework of the NASBM. On successful completion of the reflective account, you will be awarded Fellow Status of the NASBM. When I enrolled on this programme, I did not fully realise what the course would entail. As I reflect on the last year, not only has the programme developed my professional knowledge, understanding and skills as a manager and leader, but also me personally in terms of the confidence and respect I have gained. This has allowed me to work with fellow senior leaders in a more strategic role to secure school improvement and effective leadership. The research I undertook also gave me insight into both the students and teachers worlds which has made me appreciate more, the complex context we all work in. I found the programme very demanding, particularly as it was done through distance learning while still carrying out a full time role in school, but the short term sacrifices have led to long term benefits for me personally. It also provided the opportunity to develop some strong relationships with other business managers and professionals, which I hope will continue long after the programme has ended.

6 6 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION You will then choose one of the following two content modules: Human Resource Management in Education This module will help you to better lead your educational institution, by introducing you to the principal theoretical and ethical issues underpinning approaches to the leadership of staff in educational institutions, in various cultural settings. You will examine a range of frameworks for the leadership and management of staff. You will cover: an introduction to human resource management in education; recruitment, selection and induction of staff; motivation of staff; managing and reviewing performance; equal opportunities in a variety of cultural and national settings; managing support staff; roles and structures within educational institutions; developing staff within a learning organisation. Educational Policy This module will help you develop your understanding of the external and internal influences upon education as experienced through educational policy at local, national or institutional level. You will be encouraged to develop a comparative perspective by examining international and phase-related examples of education policy. You will cover: global trends and their effects on educational policy; the influence of national government on the curriculum, including prescribed curricula; local stakeholder influence upon educational policy and provision; educational policy: a historical perspective; comparative analysis of educational policy making; education and the marketplace; researching educational policy. Plus the following module: Research Methods You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the research methodologies and strategies needed to undertake, evaluate and present a small-scale research project. This module is linked directly to your dissertation and you will be assessed on the strength of your extended research proposal. You will cover: introduction to the major paradigms and debates in educational research; overview of research methodologies; planning research projects: research design and tools; presenting research findings.

7 MSC EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 7 Plus: Dissertation For your dissertation, you will be expected to plan and carry out a piece of small-scale empirical research, perhaps building upon the proposal prepared for your Research Methods assignment. You will then write this up as a 15,000 to 20,000 word re port. Assessment The Action Research module is assessed by an 8,000 10,000 word Action Research Report Portfolio. The content module and Research Methods modules are assessed by a 4,500 to 5,500 word assignment for each. The dissertation is a 15,000 to 20,000 word study. Admissions and Entry Requirements Applicants will need to have a first degree or have achieved a high standard of performance in the Diploma in School Business Management, have three or more years of professional experience in schools/colleges, and have a strong recommendation from the school principal. Students whose first language is not English, and who have not lived in a country where the first language is English for at least three years immediately prior to starting the programme, must possess an appropriate English Language qualification. Acceptable evidence includes: GCSE/O-Level English Language at grade C or above; an overall score of 6.5 in the British Council IELTS test; a TOEFL score of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer) or 90 (IBT). Start Dates and Duration Start dates: October, February and June. Duration: Minimum Two years, Maximum Five years

8 8 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Frequently Asked Questions How will the programme be taught? Our supported distance learning programme is delivered via residential workshops for the Action Research Report Portfolio, and specially written materials and commissioned course books posted to you for the other modules. There is also online support including the use of the University s virtual learning environment Blackboard, which provides supplementary programme materials and, very importantly, student support. The dialogue you have with your personal tutor (via or phone) is also a very powerful learning tool. The MSc team take the delivery of distance learning very seriously and will make every effort to ensure the experience is enjoyable and rewarding. You will be required to visit the campus for three two-day residential workshops, and one one-day workshop for the Action Research Report Portfolio. You will not be required to visit the campus for the two modules and your dissertation. How many hours will I be expected to study? The Action Research Module should take around 450 learning hours in total. Each of the other two modules should take around 225 hours of study, and the dissertation should take around 450 hours. You can expect to work 8-9 hours per week, although some of this could be blocked into school holidays, reducing the demands on your time during term-time. What support can I expect whilst I am studying? You will be supported by a dedicated team of tutors and support staff available through Blackboard and . To make distance learning work for you, you will need to develop or refine your skills in time-management and self-motivation. This can be very demanding and so the programme team offers you support by and post. We also offer strong library provision for our distance learning students including use of the Leicester Digital Library. At every stage of your studies, you will benefit from Leicester s expertise in this field and the friendly support of the programme team. The library at Leicester contains over one million books and publications, as well as thousands of research journals. The library receives official UK government publications and it is a European Documentation Centre. How will I be assessed? You will be continually assessed through an Action Research Report Portfolio, a number of written assignments as well as a dissertation at the end of the programme. You will not be required to sit any examinations. How flexible is studying by distance learning? Our distance learning programme can be studied flexibly meaning that you don t have to take a career break to get ahead. It also means that you can apply new knowledge and insights to your work in education while you are still studying. You can take between 2-5 years to complete this programme. There are three entry dates per year, and if your circumstances change you can take a break for up to 12 months. Will I need access to the Internet? Yes. You will need regular access to the internet in order to access electronic journal articles and to contact your tutor. You will also require regular access in order for you to interact fully with Blackboard. To make full use of our online facilities, you may prefer to have a broadband connection.

9 MSC EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 9 Will I have to buy any additional learning materials? As a student studying by distance learning you will be provided with a full set of course materials, and will not be required to purchase additional books. You will also have access to a large number of e-journals and e-books which you will be expected to use. In addition, distance learning students will be able to take advantage of the library s postal loan service. Distance learning students within the UK can also join a scheme which will offer you the use of a library in your area. Can credits gained elsewhere count towards the programme? Requests for exemptions on the basis of prior learning may be made for a maximum of two of the modules. Exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis after programme enrolment and there may be a small administration charge. As a distance learning student, will I be expected to visit the campus? You will be required to visit the campus for three two-day residential workshops, and one one-day workshop for the Action Research Report Portfolio. You will not be required to visit the campus for the two modules and dissertation. However, you are still a University of Leicester student and we hope that you will consider yourself as such. You will be issued with a University library/id card and we encourage you to visit the University and make use of its facilities at any time. What methods of funding might be available to me? Many employers, both in the UK and overseas, contribute to the cost of the qualification because they realise the enormous benefits of the course to the institution. Other funding options include Career Development Loans (UK students only), British Council schemes and Commonwealth scholarships (overseas students), and funding from employer schemes such as Train to Gain. We also offer instalment plans to help you spread the cost and guarantee that if you complete on time, your fees will not increase from one year to the next. What is the deadline for applications? We recommend that you submit your application at least four weeks before the programme is due to start, or preferably earlier. For example, to start the programme in October, please aim to submit your application by the end of August. If I have more questions, who should I ask? Gail Greenacre t: e: gg72@le.ac.uk

10 10 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Elite without being elitist... The stand-out choice in a very tough competition. Times Higher Education Winners Brochure About the University Some universities consider their primary purpose to be high quality research, others concentrate on excellent teaching. Here at Leicester we think that the two are not only complementary, they re inseparable. We believe that teaching is more inspirational when delivered by passionate scholars engaged in world-changing research and that research is stronger when delivered in an academic community that includes students. We think that a university should be about empowering people to explore what they don t know. We achieve this through passionate, dedicated research and teaching. When we were named University of the Year for by the Times Higher Education, the judges applauded Leicester s very different approach, calling us elite without being elitist. Of Britain s top 15 universities only one Leicester exceeds its government benchmarks for inclusivity. Our dedication to providing an excellent student experience can be seen in our consistent performance in the National Student Survey. In % of our full-time students were satisfied with their course. This is a level of satisfaction exceeded only by Cambridge amongst mainstream universities teaching full-time students in England. With these ideas at heart, Leicester is re-framing the values that govern academia and re-defining what a university needs to be in the 21st century; we are constantly finding new ways of being a leading university.

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12 University of Leicester Leicester LE1 7RH UK _01/10