Warwick University Institute of Education

Warwick University Institute of Education (WIE) is a leading national and international centre for teacher education and educational research. As one of the largest and most diverse University departments of education it draws on an exceptionally broad range of staffing expertise. The research strengths at WIE stretch from work in early childhood to lifelong learning, via work in schools, colleges, early years settings and local authorities. WIE entered the recent RAE as part of the Education Unit of Assessment, which was ranked 8th in the UK (out of 82 submissions by education departments).

The Group’s links with WIE were first established by Mark Eaves in January 2007, leading to our involvement in the MA in Educational Leadership and Innovation. Since then, over 100 teaching professionals from UCST schools and ULT academies have undertaken M Level study by enrolling on this course.

MA in Educational Leadership and Innovation

This Masters degree is a tailored degree, delivered in partnership with the University of Warwick. It seeks to develop leadership skills and practices in participants, through engagement in taught sessions and the carrying out of action research into areas of leadership. Delivery of taught content is a hybrid of input from Warwick Institute of Education staff, Warwick Business School staff, UCST & ULT staff and ULT sponsors.

The degree is targeted at those who aspire to school or academy leadership, and who could be described as holding a middle leadership role currently. It is possible however to commence the programme before this career stage, if nominated by your current Principal as having the potential to go on to a Principal role in the future.

Year one of the programme focuses on action research methodologies and using these to examine and change areas of leadership practice. Year two looks at educational strategy and policy as well as a focus on educational leadership and the impact it should have on teaching and learning outcomes. Year three starts with a focus on what excellent business leadership looks like and what education can draw from best practice there. The year then moves into an extended piece of research into the development of an area of leadership.

The MA in Educational Leadership and Innovation is suitable for leaders at all levels in educational organisations. It is intended to enable participants to develop and improve their abilities as educational leaders and innovators. The course will also enhance the reflective and critical capacities of students. Recent graduates of the course include middle level leaders, senior managers, local authority advisors and independent consultants.