MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship

The MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship is a three-year, part-time online programme for aspiring school leaders. The programme connects directly with Local Authorities and national leadership programmes. Structured as a series of discrete Postgraduate Certificates (PgCerts), the programme aligns with the career progression envisaged in the GTCS (2021) Professional Standards for Leadership and Management. The first PgCert focuses on Middle Leadership, the second PgCert offers the national Into Headship programme, and the third PgCert offers the national In Headship programme for those in post as a Headteacher. The award of MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship can be achieved after the successful completion of all three PgCerts.

The programme utilises a collaborative approach to online learning, with activities designed to develop teacher agency, support professional dialogue, and develop skills in strategic leadership. You will choose the focus of your work for each module to fit with your professional role and responsibilities, whilst the collaborative learning activities support you and your fellow participants to work together on leadership practice and develop creative responses to leading change.

Special features

• Online study, allows you to fit your studies around personal and professional commitments

• Peer support is a strong theme, with online seminars (webinars) enabling discussion with tutors and peers

• Tutor support through one-to-one sessions 

• The programme connects the national awards for Into Headship and In Headship

• Honours or ordinary degree with relevant practice experience

• You must be employed full- or part-time in an education setting, with current GTCS Registration as a Primary or Secondary teacher

• For entry into the PgCert Into Headship or PgCert In Headship, you must be nominated by your employer

20 hours work permit for international students