Into Headship PgCert Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Education Year of entry: 2027 Study options Mode of study On campus Key facts School Moray House School of Education and Sport College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study location Holyrood campus Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme Into Headship prepares aspiring headteachers for the role of headship and enables them to demonstrate their achievement of the Standard for Headship.Designed in consultation with universities, local authorities, Education Scotland and GTCS, Into Headship is Scotland's national qualification for headship. The programme focuses on the head teacher's strategic role of leading the whole school community to build and sustain conditions for effective learning. Into Headship is delivered in partnership between Moray House School of Education and Sport, Education Scotland and the local authorities in our Teacher Education Partnerships.Teacher Education PartnershipsPartner Local AuthoritiesEducation Scotland Programme rankings Moray House ranks:1st in the UK for Education in the Times UK University Ranking 2027 and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 20269th in the world for Education and Training in the 2026 QS World University Ranking by subject Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees The PG Certificate Into Headship is fully funded by Scottish Government for GTCS-registered teachers in Scotland. Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Costs Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Funding opportunities Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications Recruitment and the entry requirements are determined by Education Scotland, the GTCS and local authorities. For more information on entry and eligibility, please visit the Into Headship page on Education Scotland's website.Education Scotland: Into Headship Programme details What you will study The Postgraduate Certificate is 60 credits.You will learn through:workshopsseminarsproblem-based learning activitiespeer group learningone-to-one meetings. Teaching and assessment Learning outcomes The programme prepares you to:initiate and lead improvement through engagement with the full school communitybuild and apply sound knowledge and understanding of strategic leadership and management theories and practices in the context of the role of the headteacherdevelop practice in the use of critical enquiry and reflection to evaluate and strengthen the impact of your practices on the school communityunderstand the place of values in leading a school community and explore ways of addressing some of the challenges this posesfurther develop your interpersonal and personal skills, confidence and resilience Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Careers and further study Professional links We deliver this programme in partnership with five local authorities:City of Edinburgh CouncilEast Lothian CouncilFife CouncilMidlothian CouncilScottish Borders CouncilWe work closely with our local authority partners to provide high-quality professional learning experiences for teachers. Further study After completing the programme, you may wish to consider applying for a Master's programme.Postgraduate Taught DegreesMSc by Research (MScR) in Education Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply The PG Certificate Into Headship is fully funded by Scottish Government for GTCS-registered teachers in Scotland.The Application process is led by our Partner Local Authorities. Please contact us for further information on how to apply:TEPartnerships@ed.ac.uk When to apply Applications are expected to open in January. For more information about key dates and applying, see the Into Headship page on Education Scotland's website.Into Headship: Education Scotland Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. Apply For further information about applying for the programme in 2027, please contact:your local authority officer with responsibility for Professional Learning and LeadershipEDSPLL@educationscotland.gov.scot, if you are enquiring from the independent sector Education Scotland: Applying for the Into Headship programme Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply. College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office Academic contact Kevin Brack Programme Director Moray House School of Education and Sport Contact details Email: leadershipandlearning@ed.ac.uk
