Master of Educational Leadership
Make a difference to the quality of educational programmes and creative opportunities for yourself as a leader. Learn how to support change and innovation and understand, critique and contribute to educational research.
180 points
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Master of Educational Leadership?
The Master of Educational Leadership is a 180-point postgraduate degree that develops advanced leadership capability and research expertise across a wide range of educational contexts. It is designed for qualified educators seeking to progress their careers in all educational settings, and/or contribute to policy development and research.
This programme nurtures leadership and has an inclusive pedagogy that affirms the relational and reciprocal nature of the teacher-student partnership within and beyond academic courses.
180 points
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$9,121 - $9,827 per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$39,580 (120 pts) $59,380 (180 pts)
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International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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Graduate outcomes Graduates with the Master of Educational Leadership:
- Lead with relational insight, sensitivity and compassion grounded in commitment to social justice
- Enact culturally sustaining and ethically grounded leadership that promotes inclusive and equitable systems and practices
- Build and sustain collaborative cultures and networks that empower learners, educators, and communities
- Critically analyse and navigate complex educational systems, organisational dynamics, policy settings, and sociocultural contexts
- Display intellectual independence and attunement to uncertainty and ambiguity
- Confidently apply leadership knowledge and skill in nuanced, contextually responsive and future-focused ways
- Demonstrate strong understanding of the major theories, concepts and knowledge traditions informing contemporary educational leadership
- Engage with educational research, evidence, and data that informs decision-making and evaluation
- Lead and support strategic change initiatives and innovation that enhances educational outcomes and leadership effectiveness
- Use critical reflection and inquiry-based approaches to deepen and sustain personal and collective professional learning
- Plan and carry out, to internationally recognised standards, a piece of original research
Estimated fees
$9,121 - $9,827 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$39,580 (120 pts) $59,380 (180 pts)
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Graduates with the Master of Educational Leadership:
- Lead with relational insight, sensitivity and compassion grounded in commitment to social justice
- Enact culturally sustaining and ethically grounded leadership that promotes inclusive and equitable systems and practices
- Build and sustain collaborative cultures and networks that empower learners, educators, and communities
- Critically analyse and navigate complex educational systems, organisational dynamics, policy settings, and sociocultural contexts
- Display intellectual independence and attunement to uncertainty and ambiguity
- Confidently apply leadership knowledge and skill in nuanced, contextually responsive and future-focused ways
- Demonstrate strong understanding of the major theories, concepts and knowledge traditions informing contemporary educational leadership
- Engage with educational research, evidence, and data that informs decision-making and evaluation
- Lead and support strategic change initiatives and innovation that enhances educational outcomes and leadership effectiveness
- Use critical reflection and inquiry-based approaches to deepen and sustain personal and collective professional learning
- Plan and carry out, to internationally recognised standards, a piece of original research
Research - guidelines & application forms
For those wishing to undertake a research component within the qualification the guidelines and forms are listed below:
- EDUCA591 Research-based Inquiry: Informing Practice
- EDUCA592 Dissertation - see the Dissertation Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA593 Education Thesis - see the Education Thesis Guidelines and application form
Research is governed by the Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application please email fedu.ethics@www.halfwinter.com.
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Structure of the Master of Educational Leadership Programme
The requirements are 180 points including:
- EDLED501 and EDLED502;
- one of the research methods papers listed below; and
- one of the research paper options listed below with a focus on educational leadership.
In order to be eligible for consideration for the award of honours, the requirements of the degree must be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study from the date of first enrolment in the degree - please see the MEdLeadership Regulations.
There are normally three options regarding how study can be planned.
Educational Partnership Study Awards
Te W膩nanga Toi Tangata Division of Education offers Educational Partnership Study Awards to all education settings in which our students are placed as part of their initial teacher education or counsellor education programme. In recognition of the partnership, the equivalent of a 15-point paper will be awarded to you for every student teacher or student counsellor your education setting supports. The credits can be used at your discretion to provide additional professional learning opportunities for your staff.
Study in Tauranga
Many postgraduate papers are taught either fully online or partially online, with some papers having block on-campus requirements at either our Hamilton or Tauranga campus. These requirements are paper dependent.