Modes of Study

Our flexible modular programme can be accessed wherever you live - within the UK or overseas. The same high quality programme is offered through alternative modes of study designed to meet the varying needs of busy professionals.

The mode you will choose will depend upon your personal preferences and to some extent on geography as where you live may limit the options open to you.

Some people feel it is important to meet other colleagues regularly to discuss issues and they enjoy the 'face to face' contact with fellow students and tutors. For those who are happy to work independently and feel they do not have the time to commit to regular seminars the full distance mode may be perfect.

Full Distance Learning

  • If you are happy to work independently, joining an online learning community and supported by a designated tutor, this may be the option for you.
  • Available throughout the UK and colleagues based in Catholic schools overseas are also welcome to apply.
  • You will study two 30 credit modules per year - three possible start dates - October, January and June
  • Our highly regarded hard copy course materials are posted to you - see course details . You will be enrolled within St Mary's Online and invited to engage in online learning activities and discussions with fellow learners. Independent learning but not isolated learning!
  • Full Distance Learning

Semi-Distance Learning

  • combines independent learning with attendance at four (two per module) Saturday Schools per year (10am to 3pm) held on the attractive St Mary's University College campus. Join the next programme commencing in October.
  • We have students who travel a considerable distance to attend these seminars - York, Birmingham and even flying from Northern Ireland and Jersey!
  • After meeting your colleagues face to face at the first Saturday School you work independently, join in discussions and share ideas within St Mary's Online .

Centre Based Courses

The MA in Catholic School Leadership is taught by St Mary's lecturers in a number of regional centres that make access to the programme easier for busy school leaders.

By blending monthly evening taught seminars - mixing input with lively discussion - with independent and e-learning, participants can more easily fit the course in with the professional demands of their roles in schools and colleges. Take one module with four seminars per module in each half of the school year. All the centres have excellent facilities.

It is anticipated that new cohorts will commence with Module 1 at the following Centres:

If you are a headteacher/principal, who would like to consider basing a course in your school or college and believe you can attract a group of 10 to 12 from their own community and neighbouring Catholic schools, contact Dr David Fincham - finchamd@smuc.ac.uk and he will contact you to discuss the possibilities.

Course is inspirational - knowledge and understanding of Catholic school leadership has been enhanced significantly. NPQH failed to 'light any fires' for me - as potential of leadership dynamics was insufficiently explored as the role was scrutinized 'out of context'. (Kim O'Neill, Secondary Deputy Head)

Leadership and Management for Catholic Schools and Colleges - Centre Based Courses

In addition to courses offered on the St Mary's University College campus, the MA in Catholic School Leadership is taught by St Mary's lecturers in a number of regional centres that make access to the programme easier for busy school leaders.

By blending monthly evening taught seminars - mixing input with lively discussion - with independent and e-learning, participants can more easily fit the course in with the professional demands of their roles in schools and colleges. Take one module in each half of the school year. All the centres have excellent facilities.

The programme is offered at the following centres:

Holy Cross College, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 9BB

  • serving the North West of England
  • close to the motorway network and accessible from all the major conurbations
  • modules 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 available
  • four evening sessions per module - 6pm to 9pm

St David's College, Cardiff, CF23 5QD

  • serving South Wales and also accessible from the Bristol area
  • Modules 1, 2, 3 & 4 available
  • four 'twilight' sessions per module - 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Christ The King College, Lewisham, SE13 5EG

  • serving South East London and many parts of Kent
  • after the success of the first cohort, applications are invited for a new cohort
  • four 'twilight' sessions per module - 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Ursuline Convent High School, Brentwood, CM14 4EX

  • Serving Essex and Suffolk, including the whole of Brentwood Diocese
  • Close to the M25
  • New Module 1 course commences early October 2012
  • Four evening sessions per module - approx one per month - 4.30pm to 7.30pm

St Peter’s Catholic School, Guildford, GU1 2TN

  • Serving Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, including the whole of Arundel & Brighton Diocese
  • Close to the M25
  • New Module 1 course commences early January 2012
  • Four evening sessions per module - approx one per month - 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Full Time Tutor Supported Study

    • It is possible to study for the MA in Catholic School Leadership full time.
    • Full time students work to complete the programme in one academic year attending regular evening tutorials.
    • The 2012/13 course commences early September 2012
    • For more information about this mode of study contact Dr David Fincham

     

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