Master of Secondary School Leadership

Summary

Become the principal you want to be—enhance your career and make a difference in education with the Master of Secondary School Leadership.

Important note

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student. To apply for it, you must be in a middle or senior management position in a secondary school in New Zealand.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Gain the skills you need to become a principal. Learn how to lead a secondary school and raise student achievement through effective leadership and research-based decision making.

You’ll benefit from the research and teaching strengths of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences and the management acumen of Wellington School of Business and Government. By combining educational and business thinking, you’ll gain the tools you need to develop innovative solutions to issues you’ll face in the leadership and management of a secondary school.

Examine the role of leadership and how to foster leadership in others. Learn to make sound, evidence-based decisions about school organisation and management. You’ll develop techniques for planning and goal-setting and explore the different strategies for building strong relationships with community and stakeholders.

How you’ll study

Designed so you can continue working while you study, the courses are delivered through a mix of [block format] and online interactions. Block courses are held on Fridays or Saturdays, sometimes in term time and sometimes during school holidays. Block courses are held in Auckland where more students are based.

Valuable mentoring

Throughout the programme you'll have the opportunity to complete three, 3-day placements at secondary schools other than your own. During your placements, you'll shadow and be mentored by experienced senior staff in the school.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Research project

You'll complete a 60-point dissertation with the support of an academic supervisor. This will be either a research project on a contemporary issue in secondary school leadership or an evaluation of the implementation of a new initiative in a secondary school.

To qualify for entry into this programme, you'll need to be in a middle or senior manager position in a secondary school and have the support of your principal. You'll also need to hold a Bachelor's degree with a B average, or have completed a postgraduate qualification.

Workload

You'll most likely study part time, studying two courses per trimester which will take you around 20–23 hours of work a week. You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.

Doctoral study

Once you have finished your MSSL, you may want to consider further study and complete a Doctor of Education.

Scholarships

The Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board and Gattung Foundation Scholarship is available for secondary school leaders of Ngāti Whakaue descent.

You can also look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.