What is the programme about?
Building on the PG Cert and PG Dip, it provides a pathway for staff working in management and administrative roles in HE with a progressional route to support their career development. The course enables participants to develop their knowledge, skills and abilities as HE professionals, promoting excellence in management and administration in higher education.
Nottingham Business School delivers this course through an exclusive partnership with AHEP. The course will offer the opportunity for associate membership to AHEP and, on completion of the MSc, participants will be eligible to apply for Accredited membership of AHEP, with the potential to upgrade to Fellow, depending on experience.
*Please note that the MSc is a staged award and students can opt to study for the PgCert and PgDip stage only if they wish. Find out more.
Key Information:
Degree awarded: MSc
Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate
Start Date(s):
7 January 25
Duration:
Approximately 2 years
Study Mode(s):
Part-time
Online learning
2.1 Course structure – 180 credit points
PG Cert stage (60 credit points)
Modules:
Each stage of the pathway will be structured around the following modules:
PG Cert stage (60 credit points)
Developing self and professional leadership practice (20 credit points)
The aim of this module is to allow students to apply their knowledge of the higher education sector including aspects of leadership, governance and management. Learners will apply this to their own practice and the context in which they work. Through critical reflection on their knowledge, practice, experiences and learning, students will demonstrate their ability to apply reflective skills to improve practice and to support their continuing professional development and personal improvement.
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education (20 credit points)
The UK higher education sector has undergone unprecedented levels of change and diversification. The management and leadership of HE has evolved and expanded to meet these challenges. HE institutions need professional services staff who command a wide range of skills and knowledge and who are competent in applying their experience in a complex professional environment.
The aim of the module is to give students the opportunity to analyse and evaluate their existing knowledge base pertaining to higher education, thereby developing a critical awareness of current issues in the sector. Through a series of knowledge-based assessments relevant to their role and professional practice students will integrate theory and practice exploring topics and policy that develop their understanding of the HE context, ultimately improve professional practice.
Management and Leadership in Higher Education (20 credit points)
This module explores those elements of contemporary management and leadership thinking which relate to leading and managing people in HE institutions.
It offers participants the opportunity to view their role in the context of management and leadership practice and to consider relevant approaches to management and leadership challenges in the HE setting.
The module gives a critical overview of management and leadership, teamwork and process leadership, and considers the barriers and enablers to effective management and leadership in the HE context.
PG Dip stage (60 credit points)
Strategic Management in Higher Education (30 credit points)
The aim of the module is to review the principles and practice of strategic management in the Higher Education (HE) context, considering the key challenges and opportunities for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), developing an understanding of how to translate strategy into action. The module sets the functional specialisms of HE in a wider organisational context, considering how each can contribute to the effectiveness of the institution as a whole, and developing a critical awareness of current and emerging practices in HE management.
Leading Change and Innovation in Higher Education (30 credit points)
This module explores those elements of contemporary management and leadership thinking, which relate to leading change and innovation in HE institutions. Students will develop critical understanding of change management theory alongside sustainable and ethical practice. They will explore concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship / intrapreneurship and develop their skills in these areas to improve efficiency or effectiveness of service delivery.
MSc stage (60 credit points)
Applied Business Project (60 credit points)
The Applied Business Project is an independent and mandatory piece of work for learners studying the MSc Higher Education, Management and Leadership. This project should rigorously investigate a management and leadership issue of relevance in HE which is theoretically underpinned, and which normally involves primary research.
The MSc is developed in conjunction with AHEP’s Professional Framework, which provides a structured approach to support your reflective practice and development. By using the Framework alongside the course, you can develop both personally and professionally, while also helping your organisation achieve its strategic goals.
How to apply:
For more information on entry requirements, fees, funding and how to apply, visit Nottingham Business School’s page to asses the criteria and make your application
Action Learning Set (ALS) Mentoring
We are seeking experienced education professionals to volunteer as Action Learning Set (ALS) mentors for our MSc module “Developing Self and Professional Leadership Practice.” This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of future higher education leaders while enhancing your own professional practice. We currently need 6 mentors to begin in January 2025, and we’re also building a bank of mentors to support future cohorts and provide coverage if needed.