Englisch 
Deutsch Who is the Master's in School Management and Quality Development suitable for?
The part-time Master's programme in School Management and Quality Development at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel is aimed at teachers, education professionals and those working in the pedagogical field who aspire to or already hold a leadership or management position at a school or educational institution. It is especially suitable if you have already gained practical experience in school education and wish to further develop your skills in quality management, personnel leadership and pedagogical management.
Admission requirements for the Master's programme
The following formal requirements apply for enrolment:
- Completed university degree in educational sciences (e.g. teaching, educational science) with at least 240 ECTS or a comparable degree from a recognised university at home or abroad and at least one year of qualified pedagogical professional experience in the field of school education.
- If you have 180 to 239 ECTS, access is possible if you either
- complete a certificate course amounting to 45 ECTS or
- provide additional study achievements amounting to 30 ECTS and prove at least two years of pedagogical professional practice.
- Successful aptitude assessment by the CAU.
- The programme is open-access (no application required, but enrolment necessary).
On a personal level, you should have a strong interest in pedagogical leadership, quality development and communication. The ability for self-organised learning, openness to scientific reflection and the willingness to contribute or expand your own leadership experience are expected. Practical experience in educational institutions and motivation to actively shape changes in the education system are advantageous.
Which skills does the Master’s programme „School Management and Quality Development“ impart?
In the part-time Master’s programme „School Management and Quality Development“ you will acquire comprehensive knowledge of leadership, quality development and organisation in the school context. The curriculum is strongly practice- and research-oriented. The following topics and skills are the main focus:
- Management of schools and leadership of educational institutions
- Quality assurance and development, especially under the conditions of digitalisation
- Use of empirical methods and evaluation of comparative studies in the school system
- Diagnosis, evaluation and further development of teaching and school structures
- Personnel management, conflict management and professional communication in everyday school life
- Application of current research findings to practical challenges of school leadership
You will be enabled to lead schools as learning organisations sustainably and to design development processes both data-based and participatory. In doing so, you will also train to use digital tools confidently, which are essential for quality management and modern leadership.
How is the programme structured and organised?
The programme is designed for four semesters with a total of 60 ECTS and combines self-study, online modules and face-to-face sessions into a blended learning concept:
- Seven thematic modules, including „Managing organisations“, „Ensuring quality in the digital world“, „Diagnosing and evaluating“, „Leading personnel“ and „Professional communication“
- Each module includes five synchronous online seminars (webinars)
- Two face-to-face events per semester, which can also be attended digitally
- Two internships (each 5 days of 8 hours), which you carry out in commercial enterprises or educational institutions
- Regular introductory and orientation events at the start of each semester
- Examinations in the form of written exams, essays, assignments or portfolios
- Completion with a Master’s thesis (15 ECTS) in the fourth semester
The programme is designed to be taken alongside employment and allows you to integrate the modules flexibly into your working day. The entire organisation places great value on a close link between practice and science. The internship is linked to a module with concrete issues and serves to reflect on and apply what has been learned in the extended school or corporate environment.
Which career paths are open to you after the Master’s?
With the Master’s degree you open up diverse development and advancement opportunities in the education sector. Typical fields of activity are:
- Taking on leadership roles at schools, e.g. as headteacher, deputy head or in coordination teams
- Department or area management in ministries, educational authorities or institute-based further training institutions
- Quality management and organisational development in educational institutions
- Advisory activities for school development, school inspection or school supervision
- Leadership roles in educational providers, universities or state institutes
Depending on the federal state, the degree can serve as proof of school management qualification. In addition, there is the possibility to pursue a doctorate afterwards, especially in the field of educational management or educational sciences. The programme provides a solid foundation for young researchers or university staff as well as for consulting in educational matters.
What are the fees and what financing options are available?
The total cost of the Master’s programme is 2,680 euros (4 semesters at 670 euros each). The amount includes all teaching materials, participation in events and supervision of the Master’s thesis. Additionally, the regular semester fee of the University of Kiel applies. Financing options include:
- Installment payment of the semester fees
- Funding by the current employer, especially if the programme qualifies you for a leadership position
- Tax deductibility of expenses as income-related costs
- Possible grants through scholarships or education funds (subject to individual review)
The offer is primarily aimed at professionals in the school education sector who want to qualify specifically for leadership and quality tasks and invest in their further career.
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