Master of Educational Leadership

The changing landscape of the education sector requires exceptional leaders to navigate social complexities and shape positive learning outcomes for students and their communities. The Master of Educational Leadership at CQUniversity is designed for current and aspiring educational leaders in schools and educational settings such as early learning centres, to build your skills and confidence to successfully lead your teams and organisations, and partner with communities and stakeholders to drive continuous pedagogical improvement and boost capacity and wellbeing.

The Master of Educational Leadership will suit educational leaders in schools and educational settings, seeking career advancement and specialised educational leadership, underpinned by research-informed initiatives and pedagogy. This course is aligned with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Professional Standards for Principals.

During your course, you will examine the responsibilities of educational leaders and their role in effectively managing change and seeking opportunities to innovate. You will develop an advanced understanding and critical knowledge of creating and maintaining professional learning communities including community engagement, negotiation and managing competing interests. You will explore, critique and apply contemporary leadership ideas and strategies to promote advocacy, facilitate change initiatives and evaluate educational performance against relevant educational policies and frameworks. Designed with three research-focused units, this course will prepare you for research in educational contexts. In the course, you will also examine quality models in Educational Neuroscience exemplified by ‘The Icecap model’ in Neuroleadership. From these, you will also learn practical strategies for professionals and leaders that can be used immediately. You will learn about contemporary evidence from cutting-edge research using brain-friendly principles and cover topics including brain architecture, neuroplasticity, genes, epigenetics, maintaining a healthy brain, and the science of learning. Your studies culminate in a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship.

Delivered entirely online, you will benefit from a hyperflexible delivery meaning you can study at your own pace, access your learning material anytime, and tailor your learning to an educational context of your choosing. Whether you choose to study full-time and complete the Master of Educational Leadership in 12 months, or part-time at a pace that fits your needs, you'll be supported by a dedicated academic staff member.

A recommended study sequence allows students to scaffold your learning and satisfy the Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership after completion of the first four units. Each unit is made up of approximately three modules which can each be studied as a standalone micro-credential within a professional learning context.