Master of Education in Educational Management (M5EDMC)

(Coursework; Carousel Format)

Programme Overview

The Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Management is an online programme designed for professionals in the formal and informal education sectors.

This programme offers a diverse range of modules that build on prior learning while introducing conceptual and theoretical frameworks to critically evaluate and enhance educational management practices. While globally informed, students are encouraged to critically engage with international perspectives in light of their local contexts to develop their own educational management voice. The programme fosters critical thinking, reflective practice, and leadership development. The Masters programme develops research capacity, building on research skills from prior learning towards creating independent scholarship as candidates’ journey through their research modules.

Purpose

The MEd in Educational Management (theory-based) equips students with the professional and academic skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for effective leadership, management and research informed practice in education. The programme deepens students’ understanding of theories, concepts and develops their research capacity in educational leadership and management, enabling them to:

• Critically analyse and evaluate their professional experiences, performance, and progress.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to practical educational settings.
• Engage in research-based inquiry to advance leadership and management practices.
• Contribute to the professionalisation of educational leadership and management.

This programme is particularly suited to emerging and practising educational leaders and managers in schools, government departments, and other education-related institutions. It aims to develop expertise in educational management research.

Programme Duration

The programme runs over 2 years. It follows a carousel model with 7-week modules taken one at a time in a set sequence. *No breaks in study are allowed until the 8 coursework modules are completed due to the carousel format where the module is only offered once in the 8-module cycle. Thereafter, the candidate proceeds to the 4 dissertation modules.  

• 1.3 years – 8 coursework modules
• 0.7 year – 4 dissertation modules

Admission Requirements

This programme is specifically aimed at qualified teachers and education managers holding a BEd Honours degree. Admission is subject to selection and evaluation by the programme coordinator and/or head of department (HOD), who will assess applicants’ career history and academic background.

Minimum Requirements

Admission is in accordance with the University of Johannesburg’s Admission and Selection Policy applicable at the time of registration.

Candidates must meet ONE of the following criteria:

A BEd Honours degree (NQF Level 8) with a research project component in Education or a related discipline.

• Applicants with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Leadership and Management may be considered if they have completed a research project component.

OR

A professional Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 8) with a research component PLUS a teaching diploma or qualification, with relevant work experience in educational leadership and management.

• The disciplinary knowledge of applicants will be assessed by the programme coordinator and HOD.
• A reading programme may be prescribed before registration.

OR

An Honours degree (NQF Level 8) with a research project component PLUS a teaching qualification and work experience in educational leadership and management.

• The same assessment and reading programme conditions apply as above.

OR

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Candidates with extensive verifiable experience in educational leadership and management may apply for RPL under institutional policy guidelines.
• Experience should align with NQF Level 8, including research methodology knowledge and skills.

Academic Performance Requirement

• Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 65% average in their preceding NQF Level 8 qualification (or equivalent).
• Applicants with an average between 60% and 64% may be considered if space is available. In such cases, the programme coordinator and/or HOD will assess prior academic performance, with particular attention to research-related and discipline-specific modules.

Selection Process

• The programme coordinator may request applicants to complete discipline-specific writing or practical tasks to assess their knowledge and skills.
• Strong computer literacy and reliable internet access are essential requirements for enrolment.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Certified academic records and copy of the highest qualification obtained
2. Updated and detailed CV
3. Proof of work experience in education
4. Honours research project (upon request)

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome to apply providing they meet the admission requirements.

The University of Johannesburg prides itself as a pan-African centre and global hub for critical intellectual inquiry.

For international applicants, qualification equivalence from SAQA is required if the previous qualification was not awarded at an accredited South African Higher Education institution. Also, refer to the Application Guidelines HERE

Programme Overview (M5EDMC)

Coursework Modules

• Future Trends in Educational Leadership (FTELCC1)
• Quantitative Research in Education Leadership & Management (QNRMCC1)
• Academic Writing and Research Skills (AWRSCC1)
• Resource Management in Education Leadership & Management (RMEMCC1)
• Educational Policy and Practice (EPPMCC1)
• Organisational behaviour (OBEMCC1)
• Educational Leadership (ELEMCC1)
• Qualitative Research (QREMCC1)

Dissertation Modules

• Minor Dissertation A (RPMACC1)
• Minor Dissertation B (RPMBCC1)
• Minor Dissertation C (RPMCCC1)
• Minor Dissertation D (RPMDCC1)