Master of Educational Leadership
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February, July, November
180
Overview
Master of Educational Leadership
Become an educational leader who is critically reflective, ethically grounded and biculturally competent, with a Master of Educational Leadership at UC.
Through the MEdLd you will develop the ability to analyse, evaluate, and respond to complex educational challenges within Aotearoa New Zealand and international contexts.
Via a blend of in-person and online study you will learn to lead organisational and system-level improvement, design and evaluate evidence-informed initiatives, and influence policy and practice in ways that promote equitable and sustainable educational outcomes.
An optional dissertation project provides the opportunity for a body of independent research into educational leadership.
Master of Educational Leadership
- Develop a sophisticated understanding of the structural, cultural, political, and relational dimensions of educational leadership.
- Investigate complex problems of practice, generate contextually relevant insights, and contribute to the advancement of educational leadership knowledge and practice.
- Learn how to strengthen learning communities and support educational transformation.
- Engage with leadership theory, bicultural commitments under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, organisational analysis, relational leadership, and processes of professional learning and change.
- An optional independent research project.
Master of Educational Leadership
To enrol in the Master of Educational Leadership you will need to hold a New Zealand bachelor's degree in Education or related field of study, with at least a B grade average (or equivalent qualifications).
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Educational Leadership
The Master of Educational Leadership comprises 180 points. This includes 90 points of compulsory courses and 90 points from one of the following options:
- 90 points of elective courses; or
- 90 points of research methods and a dissertation – this pathway is subject to approval by the Programme Coordinator.
Within the 180 points, a minimum of 45 points of Level 9 study is required.
Beginning in February, July, or November, the MEdLd will take up to 1.5 years full-time or up to 4 years part-time.
Master of Educational Leadership
Compulsory courses
- EDME468 The Learning Leader
- EDME637 Distributing Leadership Through Coaching and Mentoring
- EDME669 Decision Making in Leadership
Coursework or research pathway
Choose between completing elective coursework or a research dissertation.
For the coursework pathway, choose three courses from these options:
- EDME694 Research Methods in Education (30 points)
- EDME408 Understanding Emotions in Education, Leadership and Health (30 points)
- EDME420 Inclusive and Special Education (30 points)
- EDME422 Teaching and Learning in Inclusive Settings (30 points)
- EDME433 Digital and AI pedagogies for enhanced learning (30 points)
- EDME653 Meeting the needs of students with literacy difficulties (30 points)
- EDME685 Culturally Inclusive Pedagogies: Motivating Diverse Learners (30 points)
For the dissertation pathway, complete all the following:
If you have completed your MEdLd degree through the dissertation pathway with at least a B+ grade average, you may be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Master of Educational Leadership
In addition to career opportunities in education leadership, this qualification provides the advanced skills required for roles in research, policy and advisory, specialised education, or education-related government organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.
