Program Overview
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Educational Leadership at University of Stirling is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered fully online. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in business & management, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 36 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in business & management.
Key Program Features
- 100% Online Delivery: Complete all coursework remotely — no campus visits required. Designed for working professionals worldwide.
- Flexible Scheduling: Asynchronous learning options let you study around professional and personal commitments.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Business & Management.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 36 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Tailor the course to fit your career and commitments
Our part-time course follows a flexible blended learning model. You’ll be taught through a blend of on-campus seminar days, live online sessions, and guided self-study. You’ll also complete work-based projects in your own school or organisation.
The mix of in-person and online teaching helps you balance your studies with your existing commitments, while maintaining high levels of interaction with peers and tutors.
Learn from leading education experts
You’ll be taught by an expert, supportive education teaching team. They’ll help you build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to lead improvement within your own setting and across the wider educational landscape.
For those taking the Into Headship and In Headship routes, there are two compulsory national conferences which are great opportunities for networking and collaborative learning. They are organised and funded by Education Scotland.
Program Curriculum
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
Academic requirements A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants for the MSc Educational Leadership (with Specialist Qualification for Headship) should be registered or eligible to register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland . Prospective applicants for the Postgraduate Certificate “Into Headship” must have demonstrated experience of significant leadership practice as appropriate in their sector and be sponsored by their local authority to apply through Education Scotland . You must normally be within two to three years of taking up a post as a head teacher and be sponsored by your local authority to apply through Education Scotland . International entry requirements View the entry requirements for your country. English language requirements If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills: IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill. Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill. TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking. TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall with no less than 4 in any band. See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .
Course details
Gain essential qualifications for headship in Scotland and grow within the national framework for educational excellence. Modules The MSc Educational Leadership (Specialist Qualification for Headship) course has different routes depending on where you are in your career. Here's what you will study on each route. Specialist Qualification for Headship pathway Year 1: EDUP001: Engaging Critically with Professional Practices EDUP103: Middle Leadership: principles and practices Year 2: EDUP021: Into Headship 1 EDUP122: Into Headship 2 Year 3: EDUP123: In Headship 1 EDUP124: In Headship 2 Alternative route for those who demonstrate Professional Actions of Middle Leaders (GTCS 2012) but are not in a substantive Head Teacher post Year 1: EDUP021: Into Headship 1 EDUP122: Into Headship 2 Year 2: EDUP001: Engaging Critically with Professional Practices OR EDUP007: Examining Professional Practices (Work Based Learning) EDUP106: Coaching and Mentoring: principles and practices Year 3: EDUP123: In Headship 1 EDUP124: In Headship 2 Alternative route two for students who demonstrate Professional Actions of Middle Leaders (GTCS 2021) in a Head Teacher post Year 1: EDUP021: Into Headship 1 EDUP122: Into Headship 2 Year 2: EDUP123: In Headship 1 EDUP124: In Headship 2 Year 3: EDUP001: Engaging Critically with Professional Practices OR EDUP007: Examining Professional Practices (Work Based Learning) EDUP106: Coaching and Mentoring: principles and practices Route for those who are starting the course in a Head Teacher post Year 1: EDUP123: In Headship 1 EDUP124: In Headship 2 Year 2: EDUP007: Examining Professional Practices (Work Based Learning) OR EDUP001: Engaging Critically with Professional Practices EDUP106: Coaching and Mentoring: principles and practices Year 3: EDUP008 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 1 EDUP109 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 2 Modules Teaching This course is offered on a part-time basis only. The period of study is normally three years for the Masters, although this course is unlikely to be taken over three consecutive years. You must complete six modules for the Masters degree. Modules are delivered through a blended learning format designed to facilitate both individual and collaborative work. The format is a mix of face-to-face seminar days, guided self-study, online and work-based learning. Course director Dr Romina Madrid
Fees and funding
Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . This course is only available to students with a tuition fee status of Scottish. Applicants are sponsored by their local authority and are fully funded by the Scottish Government. Fees Module 2025/26 Fee 2026/27 Fee Engaging Critically with Professional Practices (EDUP001 - 20 credits) £530 £555 Middle Leadership: Principles and Practices (EDUP103 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Into Headship 1: Developing as a strategic leader (EDUP021 - 20 credits) TBC TBC Into Headship 2: Leading strategic change (EDUP122 - 40 credits) TBC TBC In Headship 1 (EDUP123 - 20 credits) TBC TBC In Headship 2 (EDUP124 - 40 credits) TBC TBC Examining Professional Practices (Work-Based Learning) (EDUP007 - 20 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Coaching and Mentoring: Principles and Practices (EDUP106 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 1 (EDUP008 - 20 credits) £530 £555 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 2 (EDUP109 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 You will be liable to pay tuition fees for every module you enrol on. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for an additional fee. For more information on courses invoiced on a modular fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates of the MSc Educational Leadership can apply for headship or promoted positions in local authority or grant-aided schools across Scotland. You could also progress to larger or more complex school settings if you’re already in a leadership role. You could also pursue advanced study, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) . A head teacher in Scotland can earn between £62,556 and £115,539 annually. This depends on your years of service and size of school (source: EIS, August 2024).
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 1,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . This course is only available to students with a tuition fee status of Scottish. Applicants are sponsored by their local authority and are fully funded by the Scottish Government. Fees Module 2025/26 Fee 2026/27 Fee Engaging Critically with Professional Practices (EDUP001 - 20 credits) £530 £555 Middle Leadership: Principles and Practices (EDUP103 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Into Headship 1: Developing as a strategic leader (EDUP021 - 20 credits) TBC TBC Into Headship 2: Leading strategic change (EDUP122 - 40 credits) TBC TBC In Headship 1 (EDUP123 - 20 credits) TBC TBC In Headship 2 (EDUP124 - 40 credits) TBC TBC Examining Professional Practices (Work-Based Learning) (EDUP007 - 20 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Coaching and Mentoring: Principles and Practices (EDUP106 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 1 (EDUP008 - 20 credits) £530 £555 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 2 (EDUP109 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 You will be liable to pay tuition fees for every module you enrol on. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for an additional fee. For more information on courses invoiced on a modular fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates of the MSc Educational Leadership can apply for headship or promoted positions in local authority or grant-aided schools across Scotland. You could also progress to larger or more complex school settings if you’re already in a leadership role. You could also pursue advanced study, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) . A head teacher in Scotland can earn between £62,556 and £115,539 annually. This depends on your years of service and size of school (source: EIS, August 2024).
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . This course is only available to students with a tuition fee status of Scottish. Applicants are sponsored by their local authority and are fully funded by the Scottish Government. Fees Module 2025/26 Fee 2026/27 Fee Engaging Critically with Professional Practices (EDUP001 - 20 credits) £530 £555 Middle Leadership: Principles and Practices (EDUP103 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Into Headship 1: Developing as a strategic leader (EDUP021 - 20 credits) TBC TBC Into Headship 2: Leading strategic change (EDUP122 - 40 credits) TBC TBC In Headship 1 (EDUP123 - 20 credits) TBC TBC In Headship 2 (EDUP124 - 40 credits) TBC TBC Examining Professional Practices (Work-Based Learning) (EDUP007 - 20 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Coaching and Mentoring: Principles and Practices (EDUP106 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 1 (EDUP008 - 20 credits) £530 £555 Leading Critical Collaborative Professional Enquiry 2 (EDUP109 - 40 credits) £1,060 £1,110 You will be liable to pay tuition fees for every module you enrol on. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for an additional fee. For more information on courses invoiced on a modular fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates of the MSc Educational Leadership can apply for headship or promoted positions in local authority or grant-aided schools across Scotland. You could also progress to larger or more complex school settings if you’re already in a leadership role. You could also pursue advanced study, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) . A head teacher in Scotland can earn between £62,556 and £115,539 annually. This depends on your years of service and size of school (source: EIS, August 2024).
About University of Stirling
University of Stirling
Stirling, United Kingdom
University of Stirling is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 36 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)