Leadership Theory, Research and Practice (MAED4124)

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership, combining foundational theories with contemporary research to equip participants with the advanced skills and knowledge required for leadership roles across a variety of professional contexts.

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

Designed for aspiring, new, and experienced leaders, this module adopts a reflective and experiential learning approach, bridging theoretical insights with practical application. Participants will examine the philosophical and ideological origins of leadership, critically analysing key leadership theories and exploring their relevance in dynamic and complex organisational environments.

The module moves beyond leadership rhetoric to address real-world challenges, dilemmas and responsibilities faced by leaders in diverse settings. Students will evaluate leadership functions, styles, and behaviors, considering how these interact with organisational structures and cultural influences.

A unique aspect of the module is its emphasis on reflective practice, offering participants the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership identities, beliefs, and experiences, connecting these to broader theoretical perspectives. This reflective approach enhances self-awareness and fosters independent judgment, enabling individuals to deepen their understanding of their leadership potential and impact.

By the end of the module, students will have a well-rounded understanding of leadership and its development, preparing them to excel in leadership roles across various sectors. Whether you are at the start of your leadership journey or seeking to refine your existing skills, this module provides a transformative experience, empowering you to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Take the next step in your professional journey with the MAED4124 Leadership module and make a meaningful impact in your field.

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

Completing the MAED4124 module in Leadership, Theory, Research and Practice provides significant career advantages for professionals aiming to excel in leadership roles.

Through in-depth exploration of leadership theories and practical strategies, you’ll develop essential skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning.

You will tackle real-world organisational challenges and learn to implement effective, people-driven solutions that foster improvement and success. Completing this module positions you as a competitive candidate for leadership roles in a range of settings and industries, policy-making bodies, and consultancy services.

You’ll gain expertise in fostering a positive environment, managing change, and enhancing institutional performance—qualities highly sought after in today’s dynamic education sector.

Take this module and transform your leadership potential to take your career to the next level. Lead with confidence. Inspire with impact. Create lasting change.

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.