The University of Manchester has always been committed to the cultivation of educational leaders - whether they’re looking to pioneer changes on both a granular and systemic level, or stepping into roles requiring the skills and vision to tackle complex issues while managing  multiple  stakeholders.

The University's new post-graduate programme - the Master's in Educational Leadership in Practice - offers educators everywhere the chance to hone their leadership skills while opening up a world of new ideas, connections and opportunities. Globally aware, community-driven and infused with an openness to innovation and a desire for change, it fully embodies the Manchester spirit in every way.

Here, two recent graduates from the programme - both graduating with distinction - share what the degree means to them, as well as their visions as educators in an ever-shifting field.

A Programme with Breadth & Depth

As the Programme Director of Chatteris Educational Foundation, a Hong Kong-based charity dedicated to serving the English language learning needs of local schools, I was seeking a Master’s programme focusing on educational leadership in a broader context rather than catering to a specific educational level. The ELiP (Master’s in Educational Leadership in Practice) delivers exactly this with a holistic yet nuanced take on education that touches upon educational best practices and policies at all levels, and with a global perspective that chimes in perfectly with the Chatteris agenda.

Community-Led and Collaboration-Driven

The curriculum is anchored by a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, as evidenced by what was my personal highlight – the bi-annual conferences held in Hong Kong and Singapore. A platform that brings together educators and academic luminaries from around the world, it allows room for exchange and debate while complementing a blended learning model combining online content with face-to-face meet-ups.

To Discover – and Re-Discover – What Education Means

My biggest takeaway from the ELiP is that there is simply no single recipe for being a good educator, and that everyone from teachers to administrators to students are more than capable of driving forward positive change. In encouraging me to continuously exploring new ground as an educator while allowing myself to discover – and to keep re-discovering – what works best for me and my organization, the degree has changed the way I see myself as a leader. It has also better equipped me with the tools to deliver real impact. As I step into the role of Chief Executive (of Chatteris) in June 2025, this mindset – along with the concrete skills picked up through my educational journey here – will stand me in good stead as I seek to break new ground.

Passion, Curiosity – and Influencing Change

One of the main reasons why I was keen to pursue the ELiP (Master’s in Educational Leadership in Practice) was my desire to drive system change in education through visionary leadership.With a strong focus on empathy-driven collaboration as well as practical, context-driven leadership, the ELiP was the perfect match for my needs, interests and career goals while spurring me to embrace collaboration whole-heartedly.

Practical Lessons Rooted in Compassion

The degree was nothing short of transformative. Infused with a “learn on the job” spirit that emphasizes adaptability and innovation, it gave me the skills and motivation to tackle complex challenges while building a real sense of community. One of the highlights for me was the Education Policy and Leadership course. Through conducting comparative analyses of school policies across multiple countries, it prompted me to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic inequities in education – for instance the way cultural, socio-economic and institutional factors shape the effectiveness of seemingly transferable reforms – while equipping me with the critical thinking skills to craft actionable solutions.  At the same time, the programme is committed to building a real sense of community while promoting collaboration. Attending conferences at the East Asia Centre was hugely beneficial as it gave me the chance to broaden my professional network while inspiring me to think more creatively about implementing changes within my own institution.

Growing as an Educator Within a Global Community

For me, the ELiP is more than just a course. Inclusive, innovative and globally aware, it is veritably a catalyst for redefining my leadership identity. I grew as an educator not only because of insight gained from formal lectures, but as a result of the feedback received from tutors and peers during late-night online tutorials and discussion sessions. My personal take – whether you’re crafting policies or mentoring colleagues, the ELiP could be the community you’re looking for if you’re equipping yourself for complex challenges as an educator. This a programme that teaches educators to lead not only with competence but with courage and compassion – the key to delivering real impact.

Discover More about The University of Manchester’s MA Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP): https://bit.ly/4kuucRt

Registration No. 253164. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.

The University of Manchester East Asia Centre

Tel: (852) 2588 5061
Email: elip@manchester.edu.hk
Website: www.manchester.edu.hk
Address: 33/F, Lee Garden One, Causeway Bay, HK