This programme is unique in that it is the only Catholic School Leadership master's programme offered currently in the UK, supporting specifically the distinctive leadership development for people at all levels of Catholic education
- This course integrates a Catholic philosophy of education with the principles and practice of contemporary school leadership.
- About one-third of the 150-plus students are senior leaders - headteachers and college principals; deputies and assistant heads.
- The majority of our students gain promotion while studying for their MA.
This highly regarded postgraduate degree will be of interest to all who hold or are aiming for leadership positions in Catholic schools and colleges.
About one-third of the 150-plus students are senior leaders - head teachers and college principals; deputies and assistant heads. The other two-thirds are subject or pastoral leaders, primary curriculum coordinators, classroom leaders or aspiring school leaders.
All are welcome and will enjoy participating. Securing quality leaders committed to modelling leadership on Christ constitutes one of the key challenges for Catholic and indeed all Christian schools.
This course aims to promote a vision that sees the maintenance of a balance between school improvement and Catholic distinctiveness as a feature of the mission of schools and colleges.
Why St Mary's
Several students have cited the flexibility of this degree as a particular advantage since it is possible to complete the programme within one to five years.
The variety of modes of delivery, including blended and full-distance, also makes the programme especially attractive. The combination of personalised learning and tutorial support - together with the excellent reading materials and online resources - is noted by students as distinctive.
The course helps students understand the core aims and values of a Catholic school while encouraging them to reflect upon the reality of practice within their schools.
The programme can be completed in a minimum of one year (two semesters) full-time or two years (four semesters) part-time. The maximum allowed is five years (ten semesters), although you will normally be expected to complete the course within three academic years (six semesters).
To request a copy of the MA Catholic School Leadership information pack please email caroline.healy@stmarys.ac.uk.
Dr Caroline Healy
Course Lead - MA in Catholic School Leadership
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
3rd
Previous degree
The course is open to all who have a first degree and are committed to Catholic education.
St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
Additional requirement information
Applicants who have relevant experience of working in Catholic schools are also encouraged to apply.
Students who have attained an NPQH Qualification are entitled to a 15 credit exemption from two modules, CSL7022 and CSL7024 upon provision of a NPQH certificate. They will be entitled to a 50% reduction in fees for these two modules.
Students who hold the NCTL National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership (NPQML) or similar programme are entitled to a 15 credit exemption which applies to the assignment for either module CSL7022 or CSL7024 upon provision of the appropriate certificate. This will also entitle a Student to a 50% reduction in the fee for that module.
Students who hold the NCTL National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) or similar programme are entitled to a 15 credit exemption which applies to the assignment for either module CSL7022 or CSL7024 upon provision of the appropriate certificate. This will also entitle a Student to a 50% reduction in the fee for that module.
A full exemption from CSL7021 and CSL7022 is available to Students who have gained 60 credits from the Catholic Leadership Programme offered by the Diocese of Salford.
A full exemption from up to two modules is available for Students who have gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 credits at M-level.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2025
Home
£9,240
International
£17,820
January 2026
Home
£9,240
International
£17,820
Funding Information
Distance-learning
If you are studying the programme at distance, your fees may differ slightly:
- Home: £9,240
- International: £11,910
Additional costs
*Please note: Tuition fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Career opportunities
The MA in Catholic School Leadership: Principles and Practice is the only postgraduate course of study available in the UK that specifically supports the distinctive leadership development needs of leaders and aspiring leaders at all levels and within all phases of Catholic education. NPQH is no longer a requirement for headship, so aspiring headteachers will find that this course offers the ideal alternative qualification.
The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.
Apply now
January 2025
October 2025
October 2025 (distance learning)
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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