Learn to lead a school
Gain the skills and practical expertise to become a secondary school principal or senior leader.
The programme combines educational theory with practical leadership skills so you’re ready to lead a secondary school and resolve complex educational challenges. You’ll develop strategic leadership capabilities, an understanding of educational policy, and expertise in creating effective learning environments.
This is the only qualification in Aotearoa New Zealand that specifically develops your potential to lead secondary schools.
Who can study for the MSSL
This professionally oriented Master’s degree is aimed at aspiring educational leaders in secondary schools. The programme is designed to be completed part-time while you work in your teaching position full-time.
Places are limited
There are only 30 places available on this programme each year. Read about the application process to learn more.
What you’ll learn
The MSSL combines theory, research, and practical experience to prepare you for school leadership.
The programme teaches you how to:
- lead at a strategic level—how to manage teams, foster leadership in others, and set a clear direction for your school or educational institution
- demonstrate educational leadership in context—the cultural, social, and political factors shaping New Zealand schools, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- make evidence-based decisions about school organisation and management—for example, to manage resources and the professional development of your staff
- structure learning and teaching—for example, improve teaching quality, and use evidence-based strategies to help your students achieve more at school
- manage school operations while fostering a positive school culture and climate
- develop strategies for planning and goal-setting, and for building relationships with the community and stakeholders
- demonstrate ethical and responsive leadership based on clear values, and engage effectively with students, staff, whānau, and the community.
As well as your coursework, you’ll learn and use research methods and inquiry-based learning to investigate leadership challenges and develop answers based on evidence. You’ll then directly apply what you’ve learnt at your school placement to strengthen your leadership skills in a practical, relevant way.
How you’ll study
The MSSL is a six-trimester (2-year) programme. It is designed to fit around your work—most students complete the course part-time over 2 or more academic years.
Coursework
You’ll study part-time while you work. The programme consists of one or two courses per trimester, which will take you 10 to 20 hours of work each week.
You’ll study through a mix of full- and half-day block courses, and online courses and interactions. The full-day block courses are delivered in person, either in Wellington or Auckland, and the half-day classes are online.
Placement within a secondary school
During the programme, you'll do three 3-day placements at secondary schools other than your own. On each placement, you’ll be mentored by senior staff at the school.
Research project
You'll complete a 60-point dissertation with the support of an academic supervisor. Your dissertation will be either:
- a research project on a contemporary issue in secondary school leadership
- an evaluation of the implementation of a new initiative at your school.
The MSSL course solidified my aim to become a principal. I realised it would allow me to make the ultimate difference in a school. I would advise anyone thinking about this course to go for it even if you are not sure principalship is for you.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MSSL degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree with a B average or have completed a postgraduate qualification, and hold a middle or senior management position in a secondary school; and
(ii) been nominated by and have the support of the principal of the school in which the candidate works; and
(iii) been accepted by the Associate Dean (Academic) of the Wellington Faculty of Education as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study. This acceptance will depend, inter alia, on the positive endorsement of an interview panel of principals and academic staff of the University.
(b) Requirement (a) (i) may be waived by the associate dean in exceptional circumstances.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the requirements for the MSSL
2. (a) Except as provided in (b) or in section 4, the course of study for the MSSL shall comprise:
Part 1: Developing Leadership Capacity (MSSL 501), Shaping the Future (MSSL 502), Leading Learning and Teaching (MSSL 503), Managing the Organisation / Systems (MSSL 504)
Part 2: Partnerships and Networks (MSSL 505), Leading Evidence-based Practice (MSSL 506), Te Tiriti Based Leadership Practice (MSSL 507); one approved elective from the EMBA or MEd schedules
Part 3: Research Project (MSSL 508).
(b) A candidate who has sufficient mastery of the material contained in any required course, whether through appropriate professional or scholarly experience or through passing a similar course for a completed qualification, may be permitted by the associate dean to replace it with a further elective from the EMBA or MEd schedules.
(c) To enrol in Part 2 a candidate must normally have completed Part 1 or be concurrently enrolled to do so. To enrol in Part 3 a candidate must normally either have completed Parts 1 and 2 or be concurrently enrolled to do so.
(d) A candidate who fails two or more courses in any one trimester or who has failed any course on two occasions will need the permission of the associate dean to re-enrol.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least two years of part-time study and shall normally complete the degree within five years of first enrolling in it (or in the PGCertSSL or PGDipSSL). The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Future careers
The MSSL helps you stand out in a competitive field—over 20 graduates of the programme have already moved into principal roles, and many others into senior leadership positions within schools.
More career information
Find out more about careers in education.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Education-specific scholarships
Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board and Gattung Foundation Scholarship is available for secondary school leaders of Ngāti Whakaue descent. It aims to:
- increase access for secondary school leaders of Ngāti Whakaue descent to gain a university Master’s degree in school leadership
- provide study scholarships for chosen candidates to undertake their Master’s degree
- encourage Māori secondary school leaders to become principals.
There are also scholarships available for staff who teach at high Equity Index schools. Contact the School of Education to see if you qualify.
Scholarships for Education
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This scholarship has been established by a gift from Autism New Zealand to further its mission to empower the autistic and wider autism communities. The scholarship is designed to support Education and Educational Psychology Master’s by thesis students to undertake research evaluating early support for Autistic children.
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This scholarship is open to any undergraduate or postgraduate student who is currently enrolled full-time in a degree majoring in Education. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, but where more than one top applicant consideration will be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
Scholarships for international students
We’re currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Education
-
This scholarship has been established by a gift from Autism New Zealand to further its mission to empower the autistic and wider autism communities. The scholarship is designed to support Education and Educational Psychology Master’s by thesis students to undertake research evaluating early support for Autistic children.
-
This scholarship is open to any undergraduate or postgraduate student who is currently enrolled full-time in a degree majoring in Education. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, but where more than one top applicant consideration will be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Consider PhD study
Once you’ve finished your MSSL, you may want to think about enrolling as a candidate for a PhD—the highest level professional qualification in Education.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.