About the degree programme

The MEd Leadership and Learning is designed for practising teachers and educational leaders and managers who wish to undertake practice-focused Masters-level study.

You can earn the Masters of Education in Leadership and Learning through completing a mixture of Postgraduate Certificates (PgCert).

The programme has been developed by the Teacher Education Partnership with funding from the Scottish Government.

Study options

Postgraduate Certificate

The Teacher Education Partnership has developed a number of Postgraduate Certificates (PgCert), each available to take on their own.

Successful completion of one of these courses of study will award a Postgraduate Certificate:

  • Core Processes for Leadership and Learning (60 credits)
  • Middle Leadership & Management (with Standard for Middle Leadership) (60 credits)
  • Into Headship (with Standard for Headship) (60 credits)
  • Growing Professional Learning (60 credits)

Applications for this Certificate are managed by Local Authorities and Education Scotland.

Postgraduate Diploma

To earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Leadership and Learning, in addition to one of the above Certificates, you will complete a further 60 credits, either by way of another Postgraduate Certificate from the list above, or either of:

  • Leadership and Learning: Extended work-based project
  • 60 credits from any relevant University of Edinburgh Masters programmes (including the option for 60 credits Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) for Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Level 11 credits)

If you are exempt from taking any of the courses on this programme by way of previous professional learning, there may be an opportunity for you to gain recognition for your prior learning to contribute towards your award. Please contact us for further information.

Masters

To earn the Masters of Education (MEd) in Leadership and Learning, you will complete an additional 60 credits from the above options, ensuring this includes the Postgraduate Certificate Leadership & Learning: Extended work-based project.

Programme rankings

Moray House is one of the top 20 Schools in the world for Education and Training (2025 QS World University Rankings). We rank 4th in the UK for Education in both the 2025 Times Good University Guide and the 2025 THE World University Ranking.

See our latest rankings

Programme benefits

  • Provides a flexible pathway for Masters study that is aligned with and supports professional learning relevant to your professional context, career stage and potential career pathways
  • Each course provides an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and critical understandings of practice
  • The programme is aligned to the GTCS Professional Standards and underpinned by the national model of professional learning

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant discipline.

As this is a professional programme and practice-focused, all applicants must be working in a relevant professional context in Scotland.

We may also consider your application if you have relevant employment or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Learning outcomes

This programme cultivates:

  • high-quality professional dialogue
  • a critical and informed reflection on your teaching and leadership practice
  • a comprehensive introduction to different aspects of practitioner enquiry/teacher leadership

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

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

How to apply

The Application process is led by our Partner Local Authorities. Please contact us for further information on how to apply:

TEPartnerships@ed.ac.uk

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

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 programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If 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.

Societies

Sport 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

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 adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support