Educational Leadership MA (Online)

Overview

The global education landscape is undergoing profound transformation. This change is driven by rapid advancements in digital technology, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and evolving expectations from students and employers. As educational institutions navigate these changes, there is an increasing demand for skilled leaders who can shape and adapt to this dynamic environment. 

The online MA in Educational Leadership at Newcastle University gives you the tools to meet these demands and lead change in a world shaped by AI. It will help you develop:

• global perspectives
• practical strategies
• the confidence to drive innovation in any educational setting

This fully online Master's is flexible and can be studied on-demand. This allows you to balance your studies with your career, wherever you are in the world. You will have the opportunity to: 

• learn how AI is transforming education 
• build leadership skills that make a real impact 
• study flexibly, wherever you live and work 
• connect with peers across diverse education roles 

The MA in Educational Leadership integrates cutting-edge research, critical theory, and the practical and ethical dimensions of leadership in education. It will empower you to lead with insight and adaptability in rapidly evolving contexts. You’ll also build your own AI literacy—so you can lead with confidence in a digital-first world.   

The programme builds on a strong foundation of research and scholarship in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. It is also shaped by the expertise of facilitators who have supported the professional development of educators across regional, national, and international contexts.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

This online programme has been designed to explore the transformative potential of leadership and AI in shaping the future of education. Designed for forward-thinking educators and leaders, you’ll examine how AI can: 

• enhance decision-making 
• drive innovation 
• promote equity in educational systems 

You’ll also explore how leadership and AI intersect to shape the future of education. This programme will help you: 

• understand global education trends and leadership theories 
• navigate AI-driven environments with ethical awareness 
• use emerging technologies to improve teaching and learning 
• promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in leadership 
• influence policy and practice with strategic insight 

Skills you’ll develop 

Through this programme, you will:  

• build your leadership knowledge, confidence, and adaptability  
• improve your communication, teamwork, and self-management  
• develop resilience and flexibility  
• strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills  
• gain AI and digital skills for your current and future roles  

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Educational Leadership MA (Online) modules

Compulsory Modules

All candidates shall take the following compulsory modules:

Year 1 

Module	Credits
Future of Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)	20
Exploring Educational Leadership	20
Trends Shaping Education	20

Year 2 

Module	Credits
Solving Today’s Challenges in Education	20
Leading Educational Change in a Complex World	20
Practitioner Research and Development	20

Year 3 

Module	Credits
Dissertation / Action Research Portfolio (Year 2-3)	60

 

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll study online, at your own pace. Our platform makes learning simple and engaging and you’ll apply ideas to your own work and collaborate with others. 

You’ll learn through: 

• short video lectures 
• accessible readings 
• reflective writing and blogging 
• quizzes to check your progress 
• group projects and peer discussions 

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Essay
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report

Additional assessment information

You’ll also be assessed through: 

• group projects and presentations 
• online forums, blogs, and vlogs 
• a final research dissertation or portfolio that will help to improve your organisation 

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Your future

This MA is perfect if you want to develop your career in education while embracing global and future-focused perspectives. You’ll be ready to lead in: 

• schools, colleges, and universities 
• educational consultancy 
• digital learning innovation 
• research and training roles 

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

As a Newcastle University student, you’ll benefit from: 

• 24/7 online library access 
• personal tutor and academic supervisor support 
• wellbeing and student support services 
• the Academic Skills Kit for study tips and tools 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

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