MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Education: Leading Innovation and Change
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a compelling MA Education: Leading Innovation and Change program, specifically designed for educators and professionals across various educational contexts who aspire to lead impactful change and foster a culture of innovation. This well-established Master's degree enables current and aspiring middle and senior leaders to engage in critical reflection on their leadership experiences, develop scholarly knowledge, and actively link theory with practice. The program's flexible delivery, including in-person, blended, and online options, allows busy professionals to apply their learning directly within their own institutions, fostering evidence-informed innovation and contributing significantly to school improvement.
Curriculum: The MA Education: Leading Innovation and Change curriculum at St. Mary's is structured to deepen participants' understanding of leadership, change management, and educational improvement. Core modules typically focus on "Investigating Pedagogy" and "Research Design," providing a foundational understanding of educational research and critical inquiry necessary for leading change. Key specialist modules for this pathway delve into strategic leadership, understanding and leading change processes in educational settings, and leveraging research for practical innovation. While specific module titles may include "Change Agency and Strategy: From Research to Practice," the program focuses on enabling students to explore areas of interest relevant to their professional roles. The culminating element is a small-scale practitioner research inquiry, where students undertake a research project within their own educational context, leading to evidence-based innovation and tangible impact.
Research Focus: The School of Education at St. Mary's University boasts a strong research culture, with academics actively contributing to the field of education. This research directly informs the MA Education: Leading Innovation and Change program, ensuring that the curriculum is current and grounded in contemporary scholarship. Faculty research interests often encompass areas related to educational leadership, school improvement, pedagogical innovation, and the translation of research into practice. The School actively promotes a research-informed approach to education, encouraging its students to engage in practitioner research that contributes to evidence-based change within their own settings. This environment allows students to learn from leading researchers and practitioners who are at the forefront of shaping educational policy and pedagogical understanding.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University places a significant emphasis on industry engagement for its MA Education: Leading Innovation and Change program, as it is explicitly designed for professionals already working in educational settings. The very structure of the program encourages students to apply their learning to practical situations within their own schools or organizations. It aims to enable staff and institutions to advance their professional skills and expertise in leadership through the development of a research culture. The program facilitates the integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges, leading to effective change. While formal external placements are not typically a feature of this Master's, the continuous application of learned concepts within students' professional contexts serves as a direct form of industry engagement, fostering collaboration and practical problem-solving. The university also benefits from a network of schools and educational institutions, which may offer informal opportunities for observation or collaboration.
Global Perspective: The MA Education: Leading Innovation and Change program at St. Mary's University, while often focused on the UK context for practical application, incorporates a global perspective through its emphasis on universal principles of leadership, innovation, and change management in education. The challenges and strategies related to leading change and fostering innovation are relevant across diverse educational systems worldwide. While a specific "Comparative and Global Studies" pathway exists within the broader MA Education suite, this particular program equips graduates with transferable skills that can be applied in various international educational contexts. Students are encouraged to critically engage with contemporary educational issues, some of which have global implications, enabling them to consider diverse approaches to educational improvement and leadership on an international scale.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17820
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Education: Leading Innovation and Change from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, empowers graduates with the strategic vision and practical skills necessary to drive significant improvements and foster a culture of innovation within educational environments. This advanced degree is designed for current and aspiring leaders in schools and other educational settings, enabling them to critically reflect on leadership experiences, apply scholarly knowledge, and translate theory into effective practice. The program's focus on evidence-informed innovation ensures that graduates are equipped to lead change, enhance institutional effectiveness, and advance their careers in a dynamic educational landscape.
Senior Leader in Education (e.g., Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher): This is the most direct progression, with a high proportion of graduates securing internal or external promotions to middle and senior leadership positions, leveraging their enhanced understanding of strategic leadership and change management.
Curriculum Development Leader: Designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative curricula and pedagogical approaches within schools, multi-academy trusts, or educational organizations to improve learning outcomes and student engagement.
Education Consultant: Providing expert advice and support to schools, local authorities, or educational charities on areas such as school improvement, organizational change, curriculum reform, and leadership development.
Professional Development Lead: Designing and delivering effective professional learning programs for teachers and staff, focusing on innovative teaching methodologies, leadership skills, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within an educational institution.
School Improvement Partner/Advisor: Working with a group of schools or a local authority to identify areas for improvement, implement strategic changes, and monitor progress, drawing on research-informed practices.
Education Policy Analyst: Working for government bodies, educational charities, or think tanks to research, analyze, and influence education policy, with a particular focus on how policy can drive innovation and positive change.
Research Lead/Coordinator (Education): Leading or contributing to research projects within schools or educational organizations to gather evidence, evaluate interventions, and inform decision-making related to innovation and change initiatives.
EdTech Lead/Integrator: Championing and implementing new educational technologies within a school or institution, assessing their potential for innovation, and training staff on effective integration to enhance teaching and learning.
Academic/Lecturer (Education Management/Leadership): Pursuing further doctoral studies (e.g., Professional Doctorate or PhD) and then teaching at university level, contributing to the academic discourse on educational leadership, innovation, and change.
Project Manager (Educational Initiatives): Managing specific projects related to educational reform, innovation, or the introduction of new programs within schools, non-profits, or governmental bodies, ensuring successful implementation and desired outcomes.
