Leadership in Context (MAED4123)

The MAED4123 module delves into the critical role of context in shaping leadership practices and outcomes. Whether you are a potential, new, or experienced leader, this module provides the theoretical and practical tools needed to navigate and lead effectively across diverse, dynamic, and challenging environments.

Part of Education MA

This module is part of the University’s Education MA . You will study alongside other students on this course. The module is also part of the Professional Development MA/MSc course - a flexible course that you help design to take your career to the next level.

Overview

You’ll explore how leadership is influenced by internal dimensions such as organisational culture, environment, and diversity, alongside external factors like political, social, and economic dynamics.

From local to global perspectives, the module highlights the ways in which context influences leadership practices and organisational outcomes. The course introduces you to a variety of leadership theories, frameworks, and models, fostering an understanding of leadership as context-dependent.

You will also critically examine the challenges of leading multicultural teams and implementing ethical strategies that enhance organisational excellence. Major issues, including human well-being, organisational flourishing, and societal transformation, are emphasized as key leadership goals.

A strong focus is also placed on reflective practice. Using models and tools, you will reflect on your own assumptions, beliefs, and leadership approaches, equipping you with strategies to develop both yourself and others in pursuit of organisational success. By completing this module, you will gain a nuanced understanding of contextually responsive leadership.

With these new skills you will be able to tackle complex challenges, and be empowered to foster collaboration, learn to adapt to change, and drive positive transformation in your organisation and beyond.

It is expected that all advertised modules will run, but there may be situations where there are insufficient students to make a particular module viable.

Career benefits

The MAED4123 module equips you with valuable skills and insights to excel in leadership roles across diverse industries.

By focusing on the interplay between context and leadership, you’ll gain a critical understanding of how internal and external factors—such as culture, diversity, political dynamics, and economic conditions—shape effective leadership. This expertise prepares you to lead with confidence in complex and ever-changing environments, making you a strong candidate for roles requiring adaptability and strategic thinking.

You’ll develop practical skills for leading multicultural teams, managing change, and fostering well-being and human flourishing in your organisation. The module also emphasises reflective practice, helping you identify and enhance your leadership style. By examining your own beliefs, assumptions, and approaches, you’ll gain the self-awareness necessary to lead authentically and effectively.

Whether you’re seeking to advance your career or transition into a leadership role, MAED4123 positions you as a versatile, thoughtful, and impactful leader. With the tools to address complex challenges, you’ll be ready to drive meaningful transformation and achieve organizational excellence in any context.

Module delivery

Scheduled classes and/or seminars or intensive study days (face to face or on-line) supplemented by e-learning and/or on-line or face-to-face tutorials delivered across one semester.

The following teaching and learning strategies may be utilised and collectively cover all the intended learning outcomes:

Recorded lectures to allow flexible, self-paced learning.
Use of videos, podcasts, interactive media and technologies to explore diverse learning theories and practices.
Online discussion forums on identified topics.
Group activities using a range of media that encourage collaboration across geographical boundaries.
Tutorials: one-to-one or small group supervised discussions to provide direction and feedback.
Focused tasks designed to enable development of ideas such as shared documents for group work and peer reviews.
Guided reading.
Interactive and online journaling to enable professional reflection and develop ideas for change.
On-going constructive and timely feedback (via email, in person and via private e-journal).

Entry Requirements

General admission requirements for entry to the programme are:

A good honours degree (2.2 or above) and a significant interest in education and/or equivalent professional qualifications, experience and evidence of continuing professional development.
International students must hold a qualification equivalent to a UK first or second class honours degree.
All International student for whom English is not their first language are required to achieve IELTS 6.5 or equivalency – with no less than 5.5 in any element.