COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Education (MEd) in Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria is a 15-unit, project-based graduate program designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership knowledge and practice in educational and organizational settings. The program combines theoretical study with applied learning and culminates in a major project (ED-D598) along with a comprehensive written examination (ED-D597). Students begin by selecting a foundational course in leadership, adult education, or critical and anti-oppressive perspectives, which helps them build a strong conceptual base for the program. They then complete 7.5 units of advanced coursework covering topics such as leadership theory, policy and organizational change, social justice, diversity, gender and leadership, global perspectives, and community development. These courses allow students to critically examine leadership practices in a wide range of social and institutional contexts. The program also includes a required methods course (ED-D561B), which prepares students to design and conduct their final project using appropriate research or applied methodologies. A limited number of elective courses outside the department may also be taken with approval, provided they are relevant to the student’s academic goals. Overall, the program is designed to help students apply leadership theories directly to real-world challenges, making it especially suitable for educators and professionals aiming to create meaningful change in their workplaces and communities.