Online MA Education Leadership and Management
Become a research-informed educational leader equipped to influence policy, inspire teams, and create positive organisational change.
Start Dates: January, March, June, and September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £8,000 (regional discounts available)
Progress your leadership career in education
Take the next step in your leadership journey and develop the skills to influence practice, lead teams, and drive meaningful improvement across educational organisations. This online MA Education Leadership and Management is designed for aspiring and established leaders who want to strengthen their impact and progress into more senior leadership roles.
Through a combination of leadership theory, research-informed practice and real-world application, you’ll learn how to make evidence-based decisions, lead organisational change, develop high-performing teams, and respond to complex challenges. With a strong focus on social justice, inclusion, and strategic leadership, you’ll gain transferable skills to lead with confidence both in and out of educational settings.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MA is delivered through the university’s Moodle virtual learning environment, combining live and pre-recorded lectures, interactive quizzes, discussion forums, and collaborative group activities. The platform supports a blended approach – you engage with content at your own pace while participating in scheduled seminars and peer discussions that bring your learning to life. Guest speakers and education industry experts are integrated throughout the programme.
Weekly study commitment
Full-time students should expect to dedicate approximately 35-40 hours per week across directed learning, independent study, and assessment preparation. Part-time students typically commit around 15-20 hours. The programme is structured around modules that balance self-paced learning with interactive, tutor-led sessions, so you can build a study routine that works alongside your professional life.
Assessment methods
The module content and assessment methods have been specifically chosen to help you develop skills needed for Masters-level study. You’ll engage with a range of authentic assessment methods, from essays to presentations, supported by formative feedback that helps refine and improve your work before final submission. Interactive workshops, tutorials and recorded sessions provide clear guidance, ensuring you are fully supported to succeed in postgraduate study, particularly if you are returning to education or developing confidence in academic assessment.
Support and feedback
You will receive tailored feedback and guidance from your academic tutors throughout each module. A dedicated student support team is available for academic, technical, and administrative queries. Beyond graduation, Roehampton’s Careers Support Team offers personalised guidance, workshops, networking events, and one-on-one coaching to help you take the next step in your career.
Academic requirements
To be eligible for our online degrees, you’ll normally need a second-class honours degree from a recognised university. We also welcome applications from non-graduates with professional experience, as well as those holding a third-class honours degree.
Language requirements
Our programmes are taught in English. If you’re applying as an international student, you’ll need to provide evidence of your proficiency with a valid qualification issued within the last two years.
- IELTS Academic – 6.5 overall
- Roehampton’s English Language Test – 6.5 overall
- Kaplan Test of English – 478-509 overall
- TOEFL IBT – 89 overall
- PTE Academic – 59 overall
- Cambridge – 176 overall
Modules
Every module gives you the chance to test ideas, solve problems, and apply what you learn straight into your work. Studying online with Roehampton means you’re part of an active learning community where theory meets practice, and where your day-to-day experience becomes part of the classroom.
Assessment:
Component one: portfolio of research tasks (2,000 word equivalent – 30%)
Component two: practitioner research proposal (3,000 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: project portfolio (2,500 words equivalent – 50%)
Component two: AI-assisted essay (2,500 words – 50%)
Assessment:
Component one: policy brief (3,500 words – 50%)
Component two: presentation (no more than 15 minutes – 30%)
Assessment:
Component one: individual presentation (no more than 15 minutes – 30%)
Component two: critical reflection (3,500 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: critical analysis of leadership frameworks (2,000 words – 30%)
Component two: critical reflection on leadership practice (3,000 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: design a curriculum unit or create a curriculum policy proposal (2,500 words – 50%)
Component two: presentation (no more than 20 minutes – 50%)
Assessment:
Component one: critical issues brief (2,000 words – 30%)
Component two: curriculum artefact with professional commentary (3,000 words – 70%)
Assessment:
Component one: group blog portfolio (3,500 words – 70%)
Component two: presentation – leadership-led team development strategy (no more than 20 minutes – 30%)
Assessment:
Component one: SWOT analysis (equivalent to 1,500 words – 30%)
Component two: critical evaluation of two potential solutions to the identified problem (3,500 words – 70%)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for the MA Education Leadership and Management are £8,000 for the full programme. Fees cover all teaching, learning materials, assessments, and access to student support services. Regional discounts may be available depending on your location – check your individual programme page or speak with a student recruitment adviser for details.
Alumni discount
Roehampton graduates are eligible for a 20% tuition fee discount when returning for postgraduate study online. This is the only university discount available for 100% online programmes. It cannot be combined with other scholarship offers.
Student loans
UK residents may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan through the UK Government, worth up to £12,167. The loan is not means-tested and can be used towards tuition fees and living costs. Visit gov.uk/masters-loan to check your eligibility and apply.
International students
International students are required to pay an initial deposit (IDP) before making the full deposit payment (FDP). This deposit is deducted from your tuition fees when you enrol. Full payment details are confirmed in your offer letter. Contact the student recruitment team if you have questions about international payment arrangements.
Career impact
Lead change across education and beyond
Whether it’s improving outcomes and supporting diverse communities, or responding to policy change and technological transformation, educational organisations are facing many challenges. You’ll gain the skills to evaluate evidence, shape organisational culture and lead people with confidence.
Roles our graduates pursue
The programme’s combination of leadership, management, policy and research expertise prepares you for roles across education and beyond, including:
- Middle Leader (curriculum or pastoral) – leading teaching, learning, curriculum development, or student wellbeing initiatives within schools and educational organisations
- Senior Leader (Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher) – shaping strategy, leading organisational improvement, and creating inclusive cultures that support staff and learners
- Leadership and Management Professional – applying transferable leadership, organisational development, and people management skills in sectors beyond education
- Third Sector or Charity Leader – supporting educational development, social mobility, and community initiatives through charities, NGOs, and non-profit organisations
- Doctoral Researcher or Academic – progressing to EdD or PhD study and contributing to research, teaching, and scholarship in education leadership and management
Dedicated careers support
Roehampton’s Careers Support Team is available to online students from day one through to beyond graduation. Services include personalised one-on-one coaching, tailored workshops, employer networking events, and guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and career planning.
The research-informed leadership advantage
Today’s organisations need leaders who can combine strategic thinking with a deep understanding of people, systems, and change. This degree develops your expertise in educational leadership, policy analysis, organisational improvement, and social justice, enabling you to make informed decisions and become an effective leader.
Why choose this programme
Develop leadership expertise that drives progression
Whether you are preparing for your first leadership position or looking to advance into senior leadership, this degree develops the strategic, organisational, and people-management skills needed to lead confidently across a range of educational settings.
A university of London degree
The University of Roehampton is based in London, home to some of the world’s largest employers and most diverse workforces. Your MA carries the credibility of a London university, positioning you for educational roles specialising in education leadership and management.
Learn to lead change
with confidence
Educational organisations face increasing pressure to improve outcomes, respond to policy change, and create inclusive environments. This degree equips you with the knowledge and practical frameworks to analyse challenges, make informed decisions, and lead sustainable organisational improvement.
Four intakes per year for flexibility
Start in January, March, June, or September. Whether you are between roles or planning your next career move, there is always a start date within reach.
Apply learning directly to your professional context
Every module is designed to connect theory with practice. Through authentic assessments and research-informed learning, you’ll explore real challenges from your own workplace, ensuring that what you learn can be applied immediately to your leadership practice.
Gain a globally relevant leadership perspective
Drawing on international research, policy, and case studies, the degree helps you understand how leadership operates across different educational systems and contexts. This broader perspective prepares you to navigate complex challenges and lead effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.
Advance your leadership career with in-demand skills
Make evidence-based leadership decisions
Develop the ability to evaluate research, interpret evidence, and apply insights to improve strategy and support organisational change.
Analyse leadership, policy, and organisational performance
Build a critical understanding of leadership models, organisational structures, and education policy, enabling you to assess their impact on people, institutions, and outcomes.
Solve complex challenges from multiple perspectives
Learn to engage in constructive dialogue and debate, drawing on diverse viewpoints to evaluate issues, challenge assumptions, and identify effective solutions.
Become a reflective and adaptable leader
Strengthen your ability to critically evaluate your own leadership practice, helping you develop greater self-awareness, resilience and professional confidence.
Collaborate across diverse professional environments
Develop the skills to work independently and alongside others, building productive relationships across professional contexts.
Lead organisational change with confidence
Gain the knowledge and practical understanding needed to influence improvement, manage change, and contribute to the development of more effective and inclusive educational organisations.
The Roehampton difference
Internationally recognised: Earn a prestigious business degree respected by global brands and guided by industry leaders.
Flexible first: Study at the office or on your commute home with our fully online curriculum and cutting-edge virtual learning platform.
Personalised experiences: Get tailored feedback and support throughout your studies with resources ready whenever you need them.
Student-approved: Recognised as a top 10 university in England for student experience, with outstanding results in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026.
Support at every step
We provide bespoke support at every stage of your studies, from wellbeing and accessibility to academic guidance and career development, so you can thrive online with Roehampton.
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