Specialist Qualification in Headship

What is special about this course? The MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship is a three-year, part-time online programme for aspiring school leaders. The programme connects directly with Local Authority and national leadership programmes. Structured as a series of discrete Postgraduate Certificates (PgCerts), the programme aligns to the career progression envisaged in the GTCS (2021) Professional Standards for Leadership and Management. The first PgCert focuses on Middle Leadership, the second PgCert offers the national Into Headship programme, and the third PgCert offers the national In Headship programme for those in post as a Headteacher. The award of MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship can be achieved after successful completion of all three PgCerts.

The programme utilises a collaborative approach to online learning, with activities designed to develop teacher agency, support professional dialogue, and develop skills in strategic leadership. You will choose the focus of your work for each module to fit with your professional role and responsibilities, whilst the collaborative learning activities support you and your fellow participants to work together on leadership practice and develop creative responses to leading change.

Please see our FAQ sheet on our website for further information on this course.

Special features ◾Online study, allowing you to fit your studies around personal and professional commitments ◾Peer support is a strong theme, with online seminars (webinars) enabling discussion with tutors and peers ◾Tutor support through one to one sessions ◾The programme connects the national awards for Into Headship and In Headship

How long will my course last? ◾Part-time (structured): 3.5 years of academic study with UHI*

*Each PgCert of this MEd sits as a standalone study pathway, offering different exit and subsequent entry points. Into and In Headship require Local Authority approval and are aligned to professional experience and employment in a promoted role. The 3.5 years of academic study (18 months for Middle Leadership, 1 year for Into Headship and 1 year for In Headship) to achieve the required 180 Credits in total for an Masters in Education may not be experienced as a linear progression, and the overall time to complete may be extended by periods of 'dormancy' in between, depending on your initial entry point and professional responsibilities. The national programme for Into Headship includes modules led by Education Scotland, additional to the PgCert Into Headship at each university, which must be completed by April of the following year, to be awarded the GTCS (2021) Standard for Headship.