MA Educational Leadership and Management alumni profiles

Afiya Riyaz Mohammed

Year of Graduation: 2023
Home country: India

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham? 

It was love at first sight for me!

The University of Nottingham is among the top 50 in the world for education and proudly positions itself as number two in the UK for graduate employability (High Fliers Graduate Report 2022). It has high quality education taught by some world-class professors in the School of Education.

It has a lush green sustainable campus. The atmosphere for acculturation was advantageous for me as this provided me with holistic development and a safe bubble with the buzzing campus life, with various clubs, societies and presence of the Students' Union.

How has the course helped you in your career, or will help with your future career?

It has given me global platform to learn and explore so much in the British and Indian education context. The course design and assessments gave me a new perspective and critical thinking abilities. 

Without a doubt it will help with my future career, yes! The confidence I have gained by studying at the university has opened dynamic career options for me. With educational leadership and management at its core, I am already working on developing my skills in project management for HE, as taking this particular course was always about being a change maker and implementing those changes in the educational sector.

Was there a particular module that you enjoyed the most?

‘Issues in Educational Leadership and Management' was my very first module. It was an eye opener for me. The more literature I read, the challenges faced by educational leaders seemed similar throughout the globe. Knowledge gained through this module made me more determined to keep working in resolving these issues.

What was the best part of your course? 

My professors and tutors, they have been extremely supportive and understanding, and the inclusive and diverse nature of my class. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and interacting so much with my Chinese, Colombian and Moroccan friends. As a cohort it was just one big family sharing ideas, having fun and creating memories all the way.

How were you supported on the course?

As an international student, I was well informed during induction week about all the academic and well-being help available. The academic language and communications skills support right at the start of the course gave me an edge in the classroom as I was better prepared to ask if I had doubts. Apart from this there was always something engaging and interesting happening on the campus which made sure I enjoyed my leisure time.     

Why do you think students should come to Nottingham to study this course?

It’s not just a beautiful city but also has lovely and extremely polite people. The university gives me all the hustle and bustle while Nottingham city gives me the quiet and scenic place to live. The housing and transportation throughout the city is student friendly. As an international student, another highlight for me was the city has been consistently accredited by a prestigious Purple Flag in recognition of the safe, vibrant and diverse dining, culture and entertainment.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering the course?

Just do it! You will never regret coming to Nottingham. The course and the connections made will change the trajectory of your goals and career. 

I cannot thank enough the University of Nottingham and School of Education MA Educational Leadership and Management course for all these experiences and opportunities. 

Sasha Borg

Year of Graduation: 2022
Home country: Malta

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham? 

I was looking for a university that offered a postgraduate course in educational leadership and management by distance learning and part-time in the UK. I found out about the University of Nottingham while researching online and was immediately attracted by its reputation for high teaching standards and the courses it offered.  

How has the course helped you in your career?

When I started this course, I was already in a leadership position for a couple of years. Still, I felt I needed to learn more to improve and to be an agent of change and growth. This course has helped me grow, understand better the responsibility of being a leader, and to be more accountable.    

Was there a particular module that you enjoyed the most?

Practice-Based Inquiry, because it involved practical work and deep reflection on research and observation.  It felt more personal and relevant to my work. Moreover, I found this module helpful when carrying out research for my dissertation.  

Leading Learning was a more interactive module. At times when studying by distance learning you feel isolated.  However, in this module we had weekly discussions using various digital tools and had to communicate and share with other students. It made me feel connected and I learnt a lot from the experiences of others.   

What do you want to do now you’ve completed your degree? / What are your plans for the future? 

I want to put the knowledge into practice and continue to learn and grow in this field.  

What was the best part of your course? 

It was fully online, module notes and tasks were very well organised and clear.   

How were you supported on the course?

All module tutors were very supportive and understanding, always willing and available to chat/email/call.  Also they were very supportive when personal matters influence study progress.    

If you were working while studying, how did you balance your job, the course and your personal life?

It was probably the most difficult part. Setting priorities, work hard when you can, and sacrifice are key.  Thankfully you do get a lot of support from your tutors and course leader.   

Why do you think students should come to Nottingham to study this course?

If one is in a leading position, or aspires to be, I highly recommend it. The module content of this course is pertinent, it prepares and provides you with the skills needed to be a good and successful leader.   

Do you have any advice for anyone considering the course?

My advice is to be organised and manage time well.  Also, self-care is important and knowing where to turn for help.  

Adam Kelly

Year of Graduation: 2022
Home country: UK

Why did you choose to study at the University of Nottingham? 

The University of Nottingham has a highly ranked reputation and very supportive School of Education. The ease of studying online through distance learning was a great advantage to me, with my busy schedule. 

How has the course helped you in your career?

The course has allowed me to gain insight into management techniques and aspects of education that normally would not be experienced; the course has helped me move towards a research position.      

Was there a particular module that you enjoyed the most?

I particularly found the Educational Leadership Policy and Practice module useful as it highlighted ways that changes can be implemented into education and this is an area I want to specialise in later. 

What do you want to do now you’ve completed your degree? / What are your plans for the future?

I am already working as an English teacher and this course has added to my skillset and experience. I want to move away from high school and towards a more academic role in a university setting. 

What was the best part of your course? 

Completing the dissertation module as an example of my first piece of extended research. The techniques and the final process has aided me for progressing my career into other fields related to education. 

How were you supported on the course?

I have been adequately supported by the School of Education with many different matters, including guidance, research, finance, and general support. My teachers have always been available to cater to my many needs and I am extremely grateful for their assistance. 

If you were working while studying, how did you balance your job, the course and your personal life?

It was a challenge to balance work, life and studying but I allocated specific times for study, which to be successful in the course, I stuck to. It was important for me as a coordinator, teacher, and as a student, to prioritise the tasks as needed with a degree of flexibility. 

Why do you think students should come to Nottingham to study this course?

It is a well-balanced course that teaches leadership and management in a cohesive and structured way. The use of collaboration as a tool for sharing practice and learning helped me a lot. The professors and support staff, especially in the CELE department who offer writing support, were extremely helpful and provided me with many resources to achieve the highest grade possible. The course is recommended for any individuals wanting to pursue a career in educational leadership.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering the course?

When considering any course, it is important to think about work/life balance as the course demands commitment, otherwise it will be a waste of time and effort to study the course if time can not be managed. The School of Education at Nottingham has many resources and dedicated staff that will help with any type of educational discipline. The course has helped me progress with my career, it is highly recommended for future students.