MA Degree
in
School Improvement & Leadership

This programme is a two-year part-time course for education practitioners committed to school improvement and leadership. It is relevant to school personnel and leaders in related fields regardless of their backgrounds and/or formal positions.

Hong Kong schools are under increasing pressure to improve the quality of education they offer. Recent educational and curriculum policy initiatives such as School Self- evaluation, External School Reviews, School-based Management, Certification for Principalship and the Continuing Professional Development of Teachers are pushing schools to experiment with a broad range of innovations. This trend is expected to continue, or even intensify, in the years ahead. Educational leaders at all levels in schools, sponsoring bodies and the government are charged with leading school improvement, and are being held accountable for its success. It is increasingly contingent upon schools themselves to drive their own improvement programmes in line with global trends and local needs. This programme is designed to provide innovative and energetic educators with both the theoretical and applied knowledge and skills needed to implement successful school improvements.

The programme is offered by the Department of Educational Administration and Policy, and draws on both the department’s existing offerings and those of the wider Faculty. Students are expected to engage in close cooperation with other practitioners to apply their knowledge and ideas in their own workplaces and educational contexts. The programme employs a variety of learning methods, including traditional lectures, school visits, case learning, applied research (including action learning) and focused small group interactions.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is specially designed for applicants who are serving school principals or vice principals, school administrators, teachers, school development consultants/officers, or Education Bureau officials. Applicants with no relevant professional experience but have taken specialized courses in equivalent programmes offered by recognized institutions may also apply.