MA Educational Leadership and Management alumni profiles

Nigar Ahadli - graduated 2025

Studying at the University of Nottingham was a personal goal for Nigar since her brother was a student here in 2015, and although this is her second master’s degree, she says achieving the opportunity to study at Nottingham felt like fulfilling a long-standing dream. Nigar chose the University of Nottingham because of its strong international reputation but also based on the positive experiences shared by family members who had studied here saying that "while rankings played a role, what truly influenced my decision was the consistent, first-hand feedback received from relatives who highlighted the university’s supportive environment and academic quality".

Nigar says "This course has had a significant impact on my career development. Before enrolling, I was working as a teacher and already held a master’s degree in teaching and learning. However, over time, I discovered a strong interest in educational leadership and administration, which led me to pursue the MA Educational Leadership and Management. The course deepened my understanding of the management side of education and helped me build the confidence to pursue higher-level roles—positions I once felt uncertain about applying for. Thanks to the knowledge and support I gained, I now feel equipped and motivated to step into leadership positions. Moreover, this course has sparked a genuine interest in further academic study. The encouragement I received from my tutors has inspired me to consider pursuing a PhD in the future, and I am truly grateful for their guidance and belief in my potential".

Asked to choose the module she enjoyed the most, Nigar said "While I genuinely enjoyed all four modules thanks to the expertise and support of our tutors, the one that stood out most for me was Issues in Educational Leadership. The content of this module was closely aligned with my personal interests and addressed many of the questions I had before starting the course. The sessions were highly interactive, and the diverse perspectives shared by my peers challenged my thinking and deepened my understanding of key challenges in the education sector. I still vividly remember our discussions and debates, which left a lasting impression on me and will continue to guide my thinking and professional practice in the future".

Then commenting on the best part of the course from her point of view, Nigar said "The most valuable part of the course for me was its overall structure and the way the learning experience was designed. Every two weeks, we had keynote sessions featuring renowned experts in the field of educational leadership and management—many of whom had authored the articles we were studying. It was an incredible experience to read their work and then have the opportunity to hear directly from them, ask questions, and gain further insights. Following each keynote, we had in-depth seminars with our tutors and classmates, where we discussed key takeaways and explored the topics more critically. This combination of expert input and peer discussion created a dynamic and engaging learning environment. I remember how excited we were before each keynote—eager to learn who the speaker was and to dive into their research. It was truly an inspiring and enriching part of the course.

"Overall, my one-year journey as a master’s student at the University of Nottingham has been truly transformative and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am deeply grateful to everyone - tutors, staff, and classmates - who supported me along the way and contributed to my development. This experience has not only allowed me to achieve my goals but also inspired me to continue striving for excellence in my future career. I look back on this time with pride and appreciation for all the opportunities I was given".

Nigar said "The most valuable part of the course for me was its overall structure and the way the learning experience was designed. Every two weeks, we had keynote sessions featuring renowned experts in the field of Educational Leadership and Management—many of whom had authored the articles we were studying. It was an incredible experience to read their work and then have the opportunity to hear directly from them, ask questions, and gain further insights. Following each keynote, we had in-depth seminars with our tutors and classmates, where we discussed key takeaways and explored the topics more critically. This combination of expert input and peer discussion created a dynamic and engaging learning environment. I remember how excited we were before each keynote—eager to learn who the speaker was and to dive into their research. It was truly an inspiring and enriching part of the course.

When asked about support received during the course Nigar said "One of the most surprising and positive aspects of my experience at the university was the level of support offered by both academic and support staff. From the very beginning, during the induction day, we were introduced to the university’s well-being team, which immediately made it clear that student welfare was a priority. All of our teaching staff were approachable, kind, and always willing to help—creating a safe and open environment where we felt comfortable asking questions or seeking guidance. I also appreciated having a personal tutor, someone I could talk to not only about academic matters but also about challenges related to mental health or adjusting as an international student. That consistent, reassuring presence made a big difference. Throughout the entire year, I never felt alone or overlooked. Even when tutors were busy, I always knew they were there and willing to support me whenever needed. Just having that sense of ongoing availability made me feel more confident, comfortable, and cared for during my studies".

Nigar highly recommends this course to students who are passionate about education and see themselves taking on leadership roles in the future. She believes "one of the biggest strengths of the course is the opportunity to learn directly from world-renowned experts in educational leadership and management. Their research and contributions to the field are widely respected, and having access to their lectures and insights is a rare and valuable experience. As a student, you truly feel fortunate to be taught and guided by such influential figures. Their expertise not only enhances the academic depth of the course but also inspires you to think critically and confidently about your own potential in educational leadership".

Finally we asked Nigar if she had advice for anyone considering this course and said "Being a student at the University of Nottingham’s School of Education is an amazing experience, and I encourage future students to fully enjoy all aspects of it. The course offers a wealth of opportunities—from engaging discussions with tutors and classmates to thoughtfully assigned readings that deepen your understanding. However, it’s important to take responsibility for your own learning and make the most of these resources. I highly recommend going beyond the core requirements by attending optional seminars organised by the School of Education. These sessions cover specific topics and provide valuable chances to engage with tutors and peers in more depth.

Additionally, getting involved in student societies is a great way to balance study and leisure. I personally enjoyed the Travel Society, Yoga Club, Art Club, and Dog Club—there’s something for everyone’s interests. I also made use of the university’s Career Service, which offers excellent advice on CV writing, LinkedIn profiles, career choices, and finding work experience or part-time jobs, and so on. They regularly share job vacancies and professional development sessions that can enhance your CV.

Taking advantage of these extra-curricular activities, seminars, and career resources will enrich your university experience and strengthen your future career prospects". 

Yiyi Tao - graduated 2025

Yiyi has many friends who have been students at the University of Nottingham who consider their study here critical to their success, so that inspired her to study here also and said that the university is a highly reputable higher education institution among Chinese students interested in studying abroad. She added that her study not only helped her acquire valuable knowledge in leadership and management, but the structure of the course and the school's emphasis on extracurricular activities taught her to manage her time effectively. This skill was of vital importance because Yiyi successfully balanced her studies with badminton training and competition, and eventually became the women's doubles champion of the 2025 European University Badminton Championships.

"This deliberately designed course offered me a chance to put theories into practice while thinking creatively for solutions to issues that I was concerned about, such as how middle leadership can be used to help promote gender equality in China’s campuses. It is my fervent hope that the takeaways from this illuminating course can help me work effectively as a female educator in China and find it easier to make it to leadership roles in my school".

Yiyi feels all the modules were expertly designed but asked to choose the one she enjoyed the most she selected Leading Learning saying "it helped me come to the realisation that leaders are not born and that leadership skills can be learned. It gave me hope and boosted my confidence, inspiring me to fight tooth and nail to be an educator leader myself".

Overall Yiyi felt the best part of the course for her was the dissertation when "instead of directly working on what I am interested in, I went through a thorough process to figure out the procedures and protocols to ensure my findings will be valid, meaningful, and ethical, so they can also benefit me in the future". 

Yiyi felt very well supported from staff and classmates on the course and said "I am most grateful to my personal tutor, whose support was invaluable. When I first arrived in the UK for a month, I was extremely anxious because neither my coursework nor my language skills were good. However, she patiently listened to my needs and successfully helped me overcome my anxiety".  

Asked why she feels others should consider this course and her advice to those people, Yiyi said "Well, I think Nottingham has some of the best educators on this course. In addition, the course also focuses on helping students turn what they learn into reality and therefore make a difference to educational issues that they care about. The university also has a great campus, which is highly inclusive and as a Chinese international student, I do feel at home. For anyone considering the course, they should not be shy. Instead, they should feel free to discuss points with staff and classmates, even when they have opposite ideas".  

Diem Do - graduated 2025

Diem's was successful in her application for a Chevening Scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Having selected three universities on her application, she decided to enroll at the University of Nottingham because of its "distinguished course design and its renowned research centre in educational leadership, complemented by the expertise of leading professors in the field". Diem felt the robust, research-based foundation of the university's courses would significantly enhance her knowledge and skills in educational leadership, thereby strengthening her capacity to achieve future career objectives.

"Leading extracurricular training schools without a robust foundation in educational leadership posed significant challenges in effectively supporting my team and achieving transformative outcomes. Participation in the course has equipped me with comprehensive knowledge of school operations and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities inherent in the role of a school leader. This enhanced expertise will enable me to provide more effective support to my team and strategically refine the vision for my organisation in the future".

Commenting on modules within the educational leadership and management course, Diem said they were "both engaging and highly valuable, with each module contributing distinct perspectives to the development of effective school leadership competencies. The module Leading Learning provided critical insights into fostering an optimal learning environment for both school team and pupils. Similarly, the modules Successful Educational Leadership and Management and Challenges of Educational Leadership and Management offered a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by senior school leaders, equipping me with strategies to address these effectively and cultivate a sustainable, supportive school environment. Additionally, Practice-Based Enquiry introduced a robust framework for conducting independent research, enabling me to formulate and explore pertinent questions throughout my educational endeavours".

Diem feels "the interpersonal connections formed during my master’s course have been profoundly valued and represent a key component of my academic experience. A primary objective of pursuing this course was to establish a robust professional network. The opportunity to engage with distinguished scholars as keynote speakers and lecturers in the field of educational Leadership, both from the United Kingdom and globally, was immensely enriching, facilitated by the expertise, dedication, and collegiality of the faculty. Additionally, collaboration with a diverse cohort from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, China, and Chile fostered meaningful exchanges of knowledge and perspectives. These relationships are anticipated to endure, enabling ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field".

Asked about support received whilst on course, Diem said "The academic team, student support services, and facility staff at the University of Nottingham surpassed my expectations, exemplifying a truly student-centred environment. Their collective efforts fostered an exceptional educational experience, characterised by comprehensive support and a commitment to student success".

Diem's advice for anyone considering the course is:

1. Thorough preparation through pre-class reading, review of relevant articles and setting questions beforehand is essential to facilitate meaningful discussions during class sessions. Such preparation enables you to engage actively with lecturers and peers, thereby deepening your understanding of the subject matter and fostering critical insights.
2. Cultivating high-quality professional relationships with lecturers and classmates who share similar academic interests is crucial. These connections create opportunities for collaborative learning, knowledge exchange, and the development of a robust professional network within the field of study. 

Ziyi Zhou - graduated 2025

Ziyi chose the University of Nottingham for its outstanding academic reputation, particularly its strength in education. She felt that as a member of the Russell Group, it offers world-class research capacity and high quality teaching, ensuring strong academic support for students. The university’s diverse community, with students from over 150 countries, fosters an inclusive and open learning environment. In addition, its comprehensive career development services provide a wealth of internship, employment, and research opportunities and these resources not only enhance professional skills but also gave Ziyi great confidence in her future development.

"I believe students choose this course primarily because it places a particular focus on developing the core skills required of future educational leaders. The course content is closely aligned with real life issues in the field of education, helping students to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and complex problem solving skills, all of which are essential for effective leadership. Additionally, the teachers in the School of Education are very experienced and highly professional in the field of education, providing us with practical advice and case analyses".

Ziyi enjoyed the Practice-based Inquiry module the most saying "it combined theory with practice, allowing me to deeply reflect on my role in educational inquiry. The course placed strong emphasis on applying relevant theories to improve practice, and it taught me valuable skills in data collection and analysis, which have been very helpful for my dissertation. Through this module, I enhanced my ability to analyse and evaluate educational inquiry, skills I believe are essential for effective leadership and ongoing professional growth".

Aside from the modules, the best part of the course for Ziyi was the opportunity to connect with classmates and the academic staff. She felt that meeting peers from diverse backgrounds and sharing ideas really enriched her learning experience. Collaborating on research and discussing different perspectives broadened her understanding and made the process more engaging. The support and guidance from staff was also invaluable, helping her to stay motivated and confident throughout the course. Overall, the sense of community and collaboration was a highlight for Ziyi.

Ziyi received a lot of support from the teaching staff and classmates throughout the course and says "The teachers were friendly and responsive, always willing to help whenever I encountered difficulties or needed clarification. We had course tutors and also personal tutors. The course tutors primarily assist with academic matters, patiently guiding us through our studies. Personal tutors help with issues beyond the coursework and hold regular meetings to check on our well-being and are happy to offer support when needed. The collaborative atmosphere with my classmates has also made the learning process more fulfilling and enjoyable".

Additionally, as an international student, Ziyi says she greatly benefited from the Academic Language and Communication Skills courses offered by the Centre for English Language Education at the university, where she received help with revising academic papers and valuable guidance on language and grammar.

Ziyi's advice to those considering this course is "Stay curious and open minded. Educational leadership involves both theory practice, so be prepared to engage critically with different ideas and reflect on your own experiences. Don’t hesitate to collaborate with your peers, there’s a lot to learn from different perspectives. Take full advantage of the support services available, especially if you’re an international student, like language help or academic workshops. Finally, try to connect what you learn with your own goals and context; that will make the course more meaningful and rewarding".

In conclusion, Ziyi says "The course has been very helpful for my career planning. Initially, I planned to continue with PhD studies. The excellent teaching quality and academic reputation of the University of Nottingham helped me secure interview opportunities with supervisors and committees from universities in many countries. Later, I carefully considered my future development and felt that it was necessary to gain some practical work experience in the field first. Now, I plan to enhance my skills through work and then return to the university in the future to complete my PhD, so that I can truly apply the knowledge I have learned to educational practice".

ManPing Guo - graduated 2023

ManPing chose to study at the University of Nottingham because of its strong academic reputation, diverse range of courses, and the opportunity to study in a vibrant, multicultural environment. The university's emphasis on research and its global outlook were also key factors in her decision.

Manping says "The course has significantly enhanced my career by equipping me with the skills and knowledge to take on higher-level leadership roles within educational institutions. It has not only deepened my understanding of effective leadership practices but also opened up new career opportunities in educational administration. I am now better positioned to apply for senior roles."

"Overall, this course has not only equipped me with essential skills for higher-level roles but has also inspired a deeper commitment to advancing educational practices. It has been a transformative experience that has prepared me for new challenges and opportunities in the field of educational leadership."

Issues in Educational Leadership and Management was the module ManPing most enjoyed saying it provided invaluable insights into how to effectively lead and manage educational institutions, with a strong focus on strategic planning, decision-making, and fostering a positive organisational culture. The practical case studies and discussions around real-world challenges made the module especially engaging and relevant to her career goals.

For ManPing, the best part of the course was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers from various educational backgrounds, engaging in discussions, sharing ideas, and learning from each other's experiences as she felt this enriched her understanding of leadership in different educational contexts. The supportive and knowledgeable tutors also made the experience particularly rewarding, encouraging a deep exploration of concepts and real-world applications.

Commenting on the support received during the course, ManPing said "I received excellent support throughout the course from both the tutors and the university. The tutors were always approachable and provided valuable feedback on assignments, which helped me improve my work. The university also offered various resources, such as academic writing workshops and access to an extensive online library, which were crucial for my research. Additionally, the peer support within my cohort was invaluable, as we regularly collaborated and encouraged each other throughout our studies."

ManPing thinks students should choose Nottingham to study this course because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and its focus on practical, real-world applications in educational leadership. The university offers a diverse and supportive learning environment, with access to experienced staff who are leaders in their field. Additionally, Nottingham provides a wealth of resources, including networking opportunities, that can significantly enhance both personal and professional growth. The course's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience prepares students to excel in leadership roles within the education sector.

ManPing said "my advice for someone considering this course is to approach it with an open mind and be ready to engage fully with both the theoretical and practical aspects. Take advantage of the diverse perspectives within your cohort, as learning from others' experiences is invaluable. Stay organised and proactive in seeking support from faculty and university resources, as they can greatly enhance your learning experience. Lastly, be prepared to challenge yourself and apply what you learn to real-world situations—this will maximise the course's impact on your career."

Hao Chen - graduated 2023

Hao was inspired by two great Chinese role models who studied at the University of Nottingham and chose to follow in their footsteps -  the most famous Chinese Olympic Gold Medalist, Deng Yaping and Chinese CCTV host, Ji Xiaojun. 

Asked what was the best part of the course, Hao said the relationships built with peers, professors, and mentors have been incredibly valuable. "These connections provided support, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities during and after my studies. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and forming genuine connections during your time in the program. Beside this, one of the most satisfying aspects of the course was seeing how theoretical knowledge could be applied to real-world problems. I hope to solve problems using these theories in my educational settings."

The Successful Leadership and Change in Education module left a profound impression on Hao. It delved deeply into the strategies and principles of effectively leading and managing change within educational institutions, exploring various theories and approaches to change management, including how to identify the need for change, design effective strategies, and overcome resistance. This content was incredibly relevant, as the education sector frequently encounters a variety of changes and challenges.

"The relationships formed during the course have endured well beyond the classroom. These friendships and professional connections continue to offer support, collaboration opportunities, and a strong sense of community within the field of education. Moreover, the university's alumni network plays a crucial role in extending these connections. It provides a platform for ongoing professional development and collaboration, further enhancing the value of our shared educational background and common professional interests."

Hao also took advantage of the free academic English courses offered to students, which significantly improved his academic writing skills. Additionally, all the professors and tutors were incredibly supportive and considerate. They would slow down their speaking pace to ensure that all students fully understand the lectures, so Hao said students should not worry about this aspect.

Asked why he thinks students should choose the University of Nottingham, Hao said "the University of Nottingham is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, known for its high academic standards and research excellence. This course is taught by experienced staff who are leaders in their fields, bringing a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge to the classroom. Additionally, the course includes numerous case studies relevant to China's educational settings, providing valuable insights and practical examples for students."

Hao's advice for those considering applying for this course is, if possible, seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time roles in educational settings to gain practical experience. "This will help you become more aware of the essential knowledge you're seeking. Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios will not only deepen your understanding but also make you more effective in your future role."

Hoa also said collaboration is key in this field as working with classmates and tutors on group projects can teach you a great deal about teamwork, communication, and leadership dynamics. These skills are just as important as academic knowledge. Additionally, you can gain valuable insights from peers who have extensive experience in their educational and professional lives.

Afiya Riyaz Mohammed - graduated 2023

Afiya chose to study at the University of Nottingham because it 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) and said it has high quality education taught by some world-class professors in the School of Education.

Asked how the course has helped with her career, Afiya said "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.

Afiya enjoyed the Issues in Educational Leadership and Management module most saying it was an eye opener for her and the more literature she read, the challenges faced by educational leaders seemed similar throughout the globe. Knowledge gained through this module made her more determined to keep working in resolving these issues.

Afiya said her professors and tutors, were been extremely supportive and understanding and she thoroughly enjoyed learning and interacting so much with her Chinese, Colombian and Moroccan friends and as a cohort it was just one big family sharing ideas, having fun and creating memories all the way.

As an international student, Afiya felt 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 her an edge in the classroom as she was better prepared to ask if she had doubts. Apart from this there was always something engaging and interesting happening on the campus which made sure she enjoyed my leisure time. 

Afiya also sought out extra-curriclar activities during her time in Nottingham to enrich her personal and professional growth saying "I was awarded the Nottingham Advantage Award (2022-2023), the university’s employability scheme that recognises students’ involvement in extracurricular initiatives. As part of this, I took the Inspiring Young People module, where I designed and delivered curriculum-based activities to support young people from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering their aspirations for higher education. Beyond academics, I was a member of the Islamic Society, which provided a home away from home during Ramadan. The university’s inclusivity during such festivals made a significant impact, ensuring international students felt truly welcomed and supported. Additionally, my involvement with the Travel Society allowed me to explore the UK with like-minded individuals, broadening my cultural experiences while building meaningful friendships. These experiences not only enhanced my university journey but also strengthened my leadership, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills".   

Afiya's advice to new students is to embrace every opportunity—both academically and beyond. "As someone who navigated university life as an international student, I know how overwhelming it can feel at first, but Nottingham provides an incredibly inclusive and supportive environment that will soon feel like home. First engage with your tutors and course mates—the faculty here is highly experienced and always willing to guide you. If you're passionate about a particular field, seek out professors who specialise in that area

Second, get involved in extracurricular activities. Whether it's joining a society like the Islamic Society which provided me with a sense of belonging...or the Travel Society..., these experiences truly enrich student life. If career development is a priority, consider participating in programs like the Nottingham Advantage Award—it helped me gain real-world skills and reflect on my professional growth.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Some of my most rewarding experiences, like consulting for the Get Connected Project and working on employability initiatives for underrepresented students, came from saying yes to new challenges. The university has fantastic support systems, from the Students' Union to the Careers and Employability Team, so make the most of them.

Your time at Nottingham will be transformative—stay open, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!"

Sasha Borg - graduated 2022

Sasha was looking for a university that offered a postgraduate course in educational leadership and management by distance learning and part-time in the UK and 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.  

When she started this course, Sasha was already in a leadership position for a couple of years but still felt she needed to learn more to improve and to be an agent of change and growth. She says this course has helped her grow, understand better the responsibility of being a leader, and to be more accountable.    

Practice-Based Inquiry was Sasha's most enjoyable module because it involved practical work and deep reflection on research and observation. It felt more personal and relevant to her work and she found this module helpful when carrying out research for her dissertation.  She said Leading Learning was a more interactive module. At times when studying by distance learning you feel isolated, but she felt in this module there were weekly discussions using various digital tools and you had to communicate and share with other students. It made her feel connected and she learnt a lot from the experiences of others.   

Sasha thought all module tutors were very supportive and understanding, always willing and available to chat/email/call and were also very supportive when personal matters influence study progress.    She thought working full-time and juggling study was the most difficult part and advises that setting priorities, working hard when you can, and sacrifice are key and said "thankfully you do get a lot of support from your tutors and course leader."

If one is in a leading position, or aspires to be, Sasha highly recommends this course saying the module content of this course is pertinent, it prepares and provides you with the skills needed to be a good and successful leader.  She says "my advice is to be organised and manage time well.  Also, self-care is important and knowing where to turn for help."  

Adam Kelly - graduated 2022

Adam chose the University of Nottingham because it has a highly ranked reputation and very supportive School of Education. The ease of studying online through distance learning was a great advantage with his busy schedule. The course has allowed Adam to gain insight into management techniques and aspects of education that normally would not be experienced; the course has helped him move towards a research position.      

Adam 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 he wanted to specialise in later. He was already working as an English teacher and this course has added to his skillset and experience as he wants to move away from high school and towards a more academic role in a university setting. 

Completing the dissertation module as an example of my first piece of extended research was the best part of the course for Adam as the techniques and the final process has aided him progressing his career into other fields related to education. 

Adam felt supported on with many different matters, including guidance, research, finance, and general support, adding that his tutors were always available to cater to his many needs and he is extremely grateful for their assistance. 

Acknowledging it was a challenge to balance work, life and studying, Adam allocated specific times for study, which he stuck to to ensure his success on the course.

Recommending the course to others, Adam said "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 Centre for English Language Education 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.

Adam concludes with this advice "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."