MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The MEd Specialist Qualification in Headship is a three-year part-time online programme for aspiring school leaders, aligned to the GTCS (2021) Professional Standards for Leadership and Management. It is structured as three discrete Postgraduate Certificates in Middle Leadership, Into Headship (the national programme) and In Headship (for serving headteachers). The MEd is awarded after completion of all three PgCerts.

Duration: 3.5 years part-time | Intake: September (Middle Leadership and Into Headship); September/October (In Headship) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

PgCert Middle Leadership: Critical reflection for middle leadership (20 credits) and Enacting middle leadership (40 credits). PgCert Into Headship: Developing as a strategic leader (20 credits) and Leading strategic change (40 credits). PgCert In Headship: Shaping professional identity and practice (20 credits) and Building capacity in excellence and equity (40 credits). Learning is through webinars, online study and nationally organised hybrid conference events.

Career pathways

Successful completion of the PgCert Into Headship and the national programme led by Education Scotland qualifies graduates for appointment as a head teacher in Scotland. Graduates may progress to an EdD or PhD in Education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An honours or ordinary degree with relevant practice experience. Applicants must be employed full- or part-time in an education setting with current GTCS registration as a primary or secondary teacher. Entry to PgCert Into Headship or In Headship requires employer nomination (and a confirmed place in a national cohort through the local authority). Deadlines for 2027 starts: Middle Leadership 31 August 2027; Into Headship 30 June 2027; In Headship 1 September 2027. Not open to international students who need a Student Route visa.

Intake: September (Middle Leadership and Into Headship); September/October (In Headship)

Duration: 3.5 years part-time

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