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Course overview
Lead positive change in education with our MA in Education Leadership. Gain the skills, knowledge, and global perspective to lead and inspire change in schools and educational institutions worldwide.
Everything you learn here will shape your future by equipping you with leadership skills and a global perspective. You will be empowered to inspire positive change, advance your career, and make a lasting impact in educational institutions worldwide.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course Structure
Here is a short overview of what you can expect during this course.
Semester 1
Semester 1
Understanding School Improvement
In the second semester, you'll gain an evidence-based understanding of how teaching and school organisation impact student learning. You'll critically assess school performance, explore improvement strategies, and develop leadership skills aimed at fostering effective school improvement and professional development.
Semester 2
Semester 2
Leadership for School Improvement
This module examines leadership and teamwork as essential drivers of school improvement. You'll explore the qualities and strategies required for effective school leadership, with a focus on development planning, managing change, and improving schools, informed by research and practices from the UK, UAE, and internationally.
Semester 3
Semester 3
Education, Policy and Improving Schools
The final semester addresses critical debates in education policy and its impact on school improvement and professional practice. You'll explore the roles of various stakeholders, the influence of policy on education, and the potential for schools to drive change, focusing on governance, equity, and accountability.
Course highlights
The MA in Education Leadership at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a distinctive, evidence-focused programme designed for educators committed to driving school improvement and social inclusion.
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, this part-time course offers a blend of cutting-edge research, practical leadership experience, and expert guidance from leading academics and school leaders. With a focus on values-driven leadership and research-informed practice, the programme empowers you to lead transformative change in schools, enhancing your ability to challenge and improve current educational practices within your leadership context.
- Accredited by UAE Ministry of Education, ensuring recognised qualifications aligned with regional and global educational standards.
- Part-time, research-informed programme tailored for working professionals, combining theory with practical leadership applications.
- Engage with expert academics and school leaders to develop skills in inclusive, values-driven leadership and school improvement.
- Focus on critical analysis and evidence-based practices, equipping you to challenge and enhance current educational systems.
The MA in Education Leadership is designed for educators who aspire to lead change in schools.
This part-time programme integrates global leadership perspectives with local educational challenges, allowing you to develop expertise in inclusive, values-driven leadership.
Engage with a diverse, international cohort and learn from leading academics and experienced school leaders.
The programme's flexible structure accommodates working professionals, enabling you to apply cutting-edge research and practical insights directly to your leadership context.
With a strong focus on school improvement and innovation, this course equips you to make a lasting impact in education.
- #68
in the world
- #43
in the world for Education
Build high-demand skills aligned with UK and UAE standards, enhancing career prospects with employers.
Course delivery
Teaching is led by experienced academics and school leaders, delivered through a combination of evening classes and monthly Saturday meetings, designed to accommodate working professionals.
- Designed for working professionals, with evening classes and monthly Saturday sessions to accommodate your busy schedule.
- Engage with expert academics and school leaders from an international context.
- Develop capacity for rigorous and critical analysis of evidence from research and evidence from practice in improving schools.
Module information
The programme consists of 120 credits of study over two years on a part-time basis, including a 60 credit Master's Dissertation.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Leadership for School Improvement | 20 |
| Prior Leadership Learning | 60 |
| Understanding School Improvement | 20 |
There is also one 20 credit optional module.
| Evaluation and Policy Analysis for Inclusive Education |
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
A degree (equivalent to a UK Bachelors Degree of at least 2:2 or above) or a recognised equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded.
60 postgraduate credits of prior learning or certification.
All applicants must be working in an educational setting for the duration of the programme.
Two references, of which one must be academic (e.g. previous university tutor) and one professional, that confirms your current role in an educational setting and evidences your motivation and ability to study.
A Personal Statement (minimum 500 - 700 words) on your motivation for and commitment to this programme of study as well as information about your leadership experience in an educational context. You should refer to any leadership programmes you have attended, any Master’s level credits already awarded, any mentoring experience you have gained and/or your involvement in school projects that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of leadership in an educational context.
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination, and graduation.
- AED 41,136
January 2027 (part-time) per year
- TBC
September 2027 (part-time) per year
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.
To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for a range of scholarships following a Conditional Offer from the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Up to 30%
Tuition fee scholarships available for eligible students.
Application process
Applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai is straightforward. Applications are made directly through our online Admissions portal, with no application fee.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.
Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.
Career opportunities
The MA Education (Leadership) offers broad career possibilities, enabling you to lead in schools, colleges, or educational authorities. Whether you aim to influence organisational strategy, lead professional development, or pursue further research through a PhD, this programme provides the theoretical foundation and practical experience needed to drive school improvement. You'll be well-prepared to use evidence-based practices to challenge and enhance educational leadership.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research Report 2026)
Be in high demand with employers, building a wide range of professional skills linked to UK and UAE standards.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.