Education (Leadership and Management) MA (Distance Learning)

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

2 years part-time, distance learning

About the course

Studying distance learning means that you get the benefit of the knowledge and skills of the staff at the University, but the materials are designed to allow you to fit them around the demands of your work and home. There are online group learning sessions giving you opportunities to exchange ideas and reinforce the knowledge and skills that you have encountered. Campus learning is built around a fixed set of regular workshops supported by pre-class reading activities

If you’re currently in a position of responsibility either in the education or public service sector and would like to take on more of a leadership role, then this course could be for you. This course will focus on developing your own effectiveness as a manager by considering wider theories, research, and strategies whilst also developing your skills as a leader.

Why Education (Leadership and Management)?

You’ll consider the role of the leader, how that role links to and differs from management, and the development that may be required. You’ll look at the concepts of vision, values, culture, and strategic planning.
You’ll have the opportunity to reflect upon your personal professional practice, considering current theories and research about learning and development through a variety of teaching and learning strategies. You’ll be supported to enhance your understanding of the policy and practice context in which practitioners and managers are operating. The course could help you to progress into middle and senior management roles.
On this course you’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of critical reflection and how to employ independent learning strategies to enable you to evaluate and inform your professional practice.You’ll also develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational research and be able to use these skills in researching an aspect of leadership and management for your dissertation.
You’ll be taught by an outstanding team of teachers and will have access to our extensive professional and academic network which feeds directly into course design and delivery and to excellent facilities and specialist equipment.

Discover more about Distance Learning at Huddersfield.

Course detail

Year 1

One core module in each of the September, January and May terms.

Developing Effective Leadership

This module provides a structured opportunity for students taking a leadership stance either formally or informally, or who aspire to a leadership role, to systematically consider and critically reflect upon leadership as a concept, and “effective leadership” in particular. Students will actively engage with such concepts as the role of the leader, how that role links to and differs from management, and how leaders can be developed.

Methods of Enquiry

This module will develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of research methods, in both academic and professional contexts. It considers some of the theories, methods and implication of research and the complex role of researchers and of practitioner-researchers. You'll explore a range of methods of enquiry in order to enable you to understand the significance and ethics of research.

Mentoring and Coaching

This module will help you to explore the role of mentoring and coaching. You'll have the opportunity to examine issues linked to implementing and managing mentoring/coaching schemes, the role of mentors and/or coaches, the strategies that could be used within a mentoring and/or coaching relationship and the ethical issues governing them.

Year 2

In the September term:

Managing Learning and Development in Organisations

This module will help you to develop an understanding of the links between learning and development, organisation goals and broader human resource policies and practice in a variety of organisational contexts. You'll explore how the learning and development agenda can be promoted by examining learning & development policies, roles, functions, as well as strategies, methods and techniques for establishing learning and development needs.

From January to July/August:

Dissertation

This module seeks to deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational research. You'll learn about traditions of educational research; positivism, interpretism and action research and the strengths and challenges of carrying out research in these traditions. This module provides you the opportunity to carry out a piece of research based on a contemporary or work-related issue or problem.

Teaching and Assessment

On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of critical reflection and how to employ independent learning strategies to enable you to evaluate and inform your professional practice. You’ll also develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational research.

This is a part-time route that starts in September and takes 24 months to complete. Each module lasts for a 10-week term during which you will have independent guided learning activities for example pre-seminar reading, watching pre-recorded videos, and participating in online group discussion board. These will be structured alongside 6-8 hours of online workshops when the cohort meets together to exchange knowledge and ideas and enrich your understanding. The dissertation has a 2-hour initial workshop followed by one-to-one online supervision to guide you through your research project.

You'll also use our Virtual Learning Environment and online library facilities which provide access to a wide range of high-quality learning materials.

The course is normally assessed through course work. The assessment on the course allows you to demonstrate your practical knowledge and skills alongside developing your critical and theoretical understanding of the subject.

The assessment builds on your particular interests and context and is likely to have outcomes that will be of benefit to your professional life and to your employer.

You’ll be provided with guidance to help you develop your assignment work by module tutors and specialist learning support staff.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback is available after the publication of results.

Technology and system requirements

As a Distance Learning student, you must provide and have access to the following IT equipment and facilities to access your Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and to fully participate on your course.

Personal computer. Courses are designed for personal computers. Some content may not be fully accessible via mobile devices including but not limited to assessments and where there is a need install supplementary software on your personal computer.

Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to allow video streaming (4Mps minimum).

Microphone and webcam.

Browser

Your course can be accessed using the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Full functionality cannot be guaranteed in older or less commonly used browsers. JavaScript must be enabled in your preferred browser.

Minimum Specifications

Your personal computer and webcam will require the following minimum specifications to access your course and study materials:

Hardware

Headphones, soundcard and speakers, microphone, and webcam. (If you are uncertain if your system meets the requirements, please check with the manufacturer or at the place of purchase).

Minimum Intel Core i5 (Minimum Dual Core 2 GHz) or AMD A10 or equivalent, 4GB of RAM (recommended 8 GB for better overall experience), with a screen resolution of at least 1280x800px.

Operating systems

Windows: Windows 10 or later. Mac: OS X 10.13 or later.

Linux: 64-bit Linux distribution of Ubuntu 16.04+LTS, Fedora 30+ Workstation, RHEL 8+ Workstation or CentOS 8+.

Android: OS 10, 11 or 12.

iOS: iOS13 or iOS14.

Internet connection

Our distance learning courses can be studied from any location, however we recommend a broadband/high speed connection of 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed. (If you are unsure if your internet connection speeds meet requirements, please speak with your internet service provider for clarification).

Other software requirements

Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud and Office 365. Access to these applications will be provided to you as a University of Huddersfield student. Please note that some software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, will need to be downloaded and installed. You may be required to have full administrator rights to do this, which could be restricted if using an employer’s computer or shared device.

Please see the requirements for Microsoft Teams (Hardware requirements for Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn)

Mobile App

The University’s VLE, Brightspace, has a mobile Pulse app that can help students stay connected and on track with their course in Brightspace.The Pulse app only works with some core features of Brightspace. The Pulse app may not work on all Brightspace features. Third-party tools may not work as well. Mobile devices are not suitable for all courses, or some coursework. Users may need to complete some tasks on other non-mobile devices meeting the system requirements.

Costs

The costs of IT equipment and internet access are not included in the tuition fees and are your sole responsibility. For more information visit What’s included in your tuition fee? - University of Huddersfield

Teaching excellence

Triple proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree in a relevant subject at 2:2 or above, or a professional equivalent.

The University will determine whether a degree can be recognised as UK equivalent.

In order to successfully study this distance learning course, you must also have:

Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection.
The ability to access and use online study guidance and support.
Appropriate video and audio devices so that you can participate in webinar tutorials.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Why study with us?

Watch our short film to learn more about the Master's in Education (Leadership and Management) from Dr Marc Turu Porcel, Course Leader.

Virtual Learning on Brightspace

Watch our short film to discover the fantastic range of features of Brightspace, our online workspace for distance learning students at the University of Huddersfield. Study online, from anywhere, any device.

Facilities

Learn from award-winning academics

Study wherever works best for you

Industry leading Virtual Learning Environment

Further study

Upon successful completion of your postgraduate studies, progression onto the following programme may be of interest:

00006366 - Education EdD, Doctor of - 2025-26

Education EdD, Doctor of

Are you ready to take your teaching to the next level? Put your skills to the test with our challenging and engaging Doctor of Education course.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Research

00006195 - Education (PhD) - 2025-26

Education (PhD)

We provide a supportive and stimulating environment for researchers who come from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds. Explore your area of interest in an inspiring, passionate and committed research community.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Research

Further study

Upon successful completion of your postgraduate studies, progression onto the following programme may be of interest:

Education EdD, Doctor of

Are you ready to take your teaching to the next level? Put your skills to the test with our challenging and engaging Doctor of Education course.

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Research

Education (PhD)

Find out more How to apply

Full-time

Research

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you will find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies. Our Distance Learning Unit Team are at hand to make your online learning journey a positive, rewarding and successful one.

The Distance Learning Unit has specialist staff who are committed to ensuring that online teaching and learning material is accessible to all. We can recommend and provide training on assistive technologies and software which can support a range of learning styles and additional needs.

During each module, you will be able to rely on your module tutors to provide any academic support you need.

You will always have access to our online learning facilities and should you need any technical support whilst studying, you will find that many of our student support services and resources are available online or accessible during UK working hours.

Find out more about support services including finance, careers, Library, IT and disability and wellbeing.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - part-time

**The information provided below is for those applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2024/25. Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

Fees for courses starting in the academic year 2025/26 (e.g. from 1 September 2025) will be published in March 2025.**

In 2024/25 the tuition fee for UK and international students on this course will be £7,900.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University. For more information about funding, fees and finance for Distance Learning students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see our Fees and Finance webpage.

Employers looking to enrol a number of learners may be eligible for a corporate discount. Contact dl-enquiry@hud.ac.uk for further information.

Please email the Distance Learning Unit for more information about fees and finance.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - part-time

Fees for courses starting in the academic year 2025/26 (e.g. from 1 September 2025) will be published in March 2025.**

In 2024/25 the tuition fee for UK and international students on this course will be £7,900.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

Employers looking to enrol a number of learners may be eligible for a corporate discount. Contact dl-enquiry@hud.ac.uk for further information.

Please email the Distance Learning Unit for more information about fees and finance.

Important information

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules:

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes:

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment, or pandemics.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.