| Overview and Aims of the Program |
This specialisation invites students to enhance their knowledge, skill and understanding of the theory and practice of educational leadership in educational institutions, systems and jurisdictions in contemporary society. You will be exposed to the most recent developments in the scholarship and research in Educational Leadership, and the tasks you complete will enable you to apply this to your own educational context. The critical thinking, knowledge management and communicative capacities you will develop can serve to not only enhance your contribution to the agility of your educational institution, but also the learning of those you teach, the capacities of your professional community, and lay the foundation for your own lifelong learning. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. demonstrate an advanced, specialised and integrated knowledge and scholarly understanding of the theory, policy and practice of educational leadership in school settings (K)
2. synthesise, review and analyse a specialist body of knowledge covering contemporary developments in school education at an advanced level relevant to educational leadership (K, T, J)
3. investigate complex ideas, concepts, problems and theories when working in diverse school contexts by applying high-order analytical and integrative thinking skills (K, T, P, J)
4. demonstrate capability in creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving in relation to the practice of educational leadership (T, P, E)
5. design, implement and evaluate innovations in educational leadership in diverse school settings and related community contexts (T, P, C, E, J)
6. apply educational expertise with a high level of personal autonomy, accountability and initiative in undertaking research, policy or program development in a variety of educational contexts (T, P, C, E, J)
7. use a range of communication strategies, media and technologies effectively in designing, implementing or evaluating innovations within school community contexts (C, E, J)
8. apply knowledge, skills, expert judgment, adaptability and responsibility as an educational leader to develop confident, transformative action in relation to professional responsibilities for justice, inclusion and connectedness to the wider community (E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
You will be encouraged and supported in this program to develop your knowledge, skills and understandings of educational leadership through a variety of collaborative and individual activities:
• The formation of learning communities within the teaching and learning program enables you to draw on the expertise of both course leaders and practising professionals in identifying key issues and working towards evidence-based solutions relevant to a diversity of contexts.
• We explore the international educational research and literature utilising the Macquarie University library's state-of-the-art electronic databases and other resources to inform and improve your local practice. Discussion groups explore the significant issues in education today.
• The program is made available online and can be undertaken fully in external mode. Day or evening classes on campus are also available in a number of units.
• The learning and teaching activities are also designed to assist you in addressing professional standards for leadership that are made available in Australian education and in other jurisdictions.
• Your learning in the program will take place through acquisition of new knowledge, inquiry, collaboration and discussion and their application to self-identified workplace challenges. |
| Assessment |
Assessment is on the basis of submission of individual or group work in a number of formats that may include:
• contributions to the learning of others in discussion groups and seminars
• development of reflective journals and papers
• individual projects integrated with workplace initiatives
• literature reviews to identify a research trends and focus
• the development of individual or group presentations
• written tests comprising short answer and multiple choice questions
• online discussions, blogs and twitter
• peer-assessed work in progress reports
• essays and case studies
• independent investigations supported by an academic
• professional or research conference attendance and written critique
• preparation of papers for a professional publication.
Learning activities are designed to provide a scaffold in preparing your assessment tasks.
The program incorporates both formative and summative feedback on the assessment tasks which are designed to support you in achieving a high standard of professional writing appropriate to the educational leader's role. A capstone unit enables you to draw your learning together across the program. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Graduate Certificate of Educational Leadership caters to students who are, or aspire to be, in leadership positions in educational contexts such as; early childhood settings, schools, colleges of Technical and Further Education and other vocational education and training providers, Universities and other Higher Education providers, and in workplace education contexts such as industry, the professions, the defence forces, etc, and the advocacy, professional and regulatory bodies associated with them. The program enhances their understanding of the body research, theory and practice which underpins effective Educational Leadership in order to enhance their own professional practice or to better position themselves for leadership roles. Those wishing to extend their knowledge, skills and understanding of Educational Leadership can articulate into the Master of Educational Leadership degree. Those wishing to expand their understanding of the education discipline can articulate into the Master of Education degree where they can specialise in the areas of Advanced Practices of Learning and Teaching, Information and Communication Technologies in Education, or Higher Education. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
