The MSc in Professional Education and Leadership is designed to impact directly on professional practices and pupils’ learning experiences and outcomes. The Professional Education and Leadership team in the Faculty of Social Sciences has worked in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders over a number of years to develop this highly regarded professional education course.  

This course draws upon current research to help you develop a critical, collaborative and enquiring approach to leading professional practice in the current policy context. Each module takes account of current policy and the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s (GTCS) Revised Professional Standards framework (2019) providing the opportunity to practise leadership at all levels. 

The benefits of this course extend beyond participants to include their colleagues and the wider school community - creating strong professional networks both within and beyond the course.

Areas of study

The MSc Professional Education and Leadership is a three-year, part-time course composed of the following Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma routes:

• Advanced Professional Practice
• Middle Leadership*
• Curriculum Leadership
• Digital Leadership
• Coaching and Mentoring (Building Capacity: Supporting Professional Growth)
• Promoting Equity

Participants complete the Masters by successfully undertaking Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 1 (EDUP008) and Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 2 (EDUP109).

*Note: The Middle Leadership route (PG Certificate) also forms the first stage of the MSc Educational Leadership (leading to Specialist Qualification for Headship).

Course delivery and structure

Modules are usually delivered through a blended learning format facilitating a mix of face-to-face seminar days, guided self-study, online and work-based learning. 

The first module in each year usually takes place from the end of August to early November. The second module takes place mid-November and ends the following May/June. Seminar days take place on Saturdays on-campus. Induction will take place early June or August.

This diagram shows the course structure and when credits are accrued.

Prior credit

Prior credit may be considered. In the first instance, email profeduc@stir.ac.uk.

Costs

For information on costs, go to the programme Fees and funding section. 

Part-funding may be available through your local authority.

Application process

The University of Stirling requires you to apply for entry using the standard format for all postgraduate awards. Applicants will be required to:

• hold an initial qualification which is the first degree of a University or other Higher Education Institution; or qualification and/or experience which are deemed equivalent
• have a recognised teaching qualification and be eligible for GTCS registration.

Applicants should have the support of their school/local authority and have access to a suitable setting in order to undertake work-based learning.

Please note that applicants wishing to apply for part-funding from the Scottish Government/local authority must apply through their local authority.

Useful links

Read more in the MSc Professional Education and Leadership overview section.

For more information

Course Director, Dr Maureen K. Michael m.k.michael@stir.ac.uk

Professional Education and Leadership Professional Support Services: profeduc@stir.ac.uk