How the MA in Education Management set me up to succeed in my career

We asked four recent graduates of the MA in Education Management a few questions about their time on the programme, what stood out to them, how it helped their professional journey and what advice they would give to anyone thinking of applying.

Why did you decide to apply for the MA Education Management programme?

Linh: I chose the programme due to its comprehensive curriculum covering a range of relevant subjects. This program offers the opportunity to conduct research on various aspects of institutional changes and development, including policy management and student experiences. It emphasises the importance of not only ensuring an exceptional experience for students but also addressing the needs of faculty and professional services staff.

Ellie: I saw this programme as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of educational policies, organisational behaviour, and strategic planning, all of which are vital components of leadership and management practices within education management.

Mark: I chose this MA because it not only offered me a high level qualification from a prestigious institution but also a thorough grounding in the principles of educational leadership I will need in the next steps of my career

How has the MA influenced your professional life/career?

Linh: It provided me with a solid foundation to navigate the complexities of this field, clarifying my career aspirations and guiding me towards areas of specialisation. It has not only facilitated my career progression but has also empowered me to identify and pursue my career goals within the higher education sector from the ground up.

Mark: The MA has given me a keen eye for research and evidence-based practice, which I feel is important in educational leadership and something I will certainly use in the future. I now feel ready to take the next steps in my career and feel that I have a good knowledge base to use when making decisions that affect children’s education in the establishments I may lead.

What was your favourite module and why?

Ellie: Without a doubt, my favourite module was School Effectiveness and School Improvement taught by Sara Black. The readings captivated me by the insights they offered and how they all interwove to form a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter that permeated through my other courses. Moreover, the emphasis on critical analysis in this module fundamentally shaped my approach to academic inquiry.

Mark: My favourite module was Recent Developments in Education Management as it gave me an excellent and varied insight into current issues facing school leaders, both in the UK and in a wider global context. I enjoyed learning about education reforms in countries like the USA and China and how they compare to those we have experienced in the UK.

Rajashree: I particularly liked working on my final dissertation, which provided the opportunity to do deep research on a topic of my interest. The guidance and support from my professors helped me derive a comprehensive overview of the area of my research. The experience equipped me with the skills to do research independently and produce high quality research.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to this programme?

Ellie: My advice to anyone considering applying to this programme is simple: embrace the challenge. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone passionate about furthering their knowledge in education management. The challenges I faced were instrumental in shaping my growth and development, and I emerged from the experience with a profound sense of accomplishment and pride.

Rajashree: The unwavering support and guidance offered by the committed faculty members stand out as a true highlight, fostering an enriching learning environment. Moreover, being part of a department that is genuinely passionate about education enhances the overall experience, instilling a sense of purpose and dedication. Beyond the classroom, the wider university experience adds another layer of enrichment, complementing the academic journey.

What they did next...

Rajashree Pandiyan’s passion for fostering educational excellence and driving positive change within the academic sphere landed her a position within Learning and Development Department at the University of Nottingham.

Mark Eaden is Head of Maths at Gordon’s secondary school. Completing the MA brought him closer to his aspirations to move into senior leadership and headship in the future.

Linh Diep and Ellie Watson secured posts at Queen Mary University of London. Building on her Internship within King’s College London's Student Services, Linh now works as a Mentoring and Internship Officer. Ellie has secured a position as an Academic Quality and Standards Officer, a job she feels would not have been possible without this degree.