Educational Leadership and Management (Distance Learning) (Top-Up) University of Portsmouth

If you’ve completed the Senior Leader Apprenticeship (Educational Leadership) and want to achieve a full master’s degree, this flexible online top-up is the next step.

Complete a 15,000-word research dissertation focused on a topic that matters to you and your practice. Designed to be studied remotely and flexibly alongside your work, this top-up allows you to sharpen your leadership insight and contribute to real-world educational improvement.

On this top-up course, you'll develop the confidence and expertise to lead change, shape policy, and improve educational outcomes in your setting. Through your independent research project, you'll explore an area of education that matters to you, making a meaningful contribution to the sector.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on senior leadership or management roles in schools, colleges, universities, or training providers. 

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.

You'll benefit from:

• Networking events
• Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
• 1-to-1 appointments  
• CV and cover letter advice
• Interview preparation and practice
• Workshops to enhance your employability skills
• Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
• Support starting your own business

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree, and experience in an educational setting.

All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.