Leadership and Management in Education (in Bulgarian)
Short presentation of the programme:
The educational system in Bulgaria is going through a period of dynamic transformation, striving to respond to global trends in terms of quality training of future generations. The process of decentralisation of education and growing demands of society strengthen the role of educational leaders as factors of change and sustainable development of educational organisations.
The master’s degree programme in Leadership and Management in Education aims to support future and current educational leaders in building a wide range of competencies necessary for the successful management and development of public and private educational organisations. The programme is interdisciplinary and includes elements from disciplines such as business and administration, management, psychology, information and communication technologies, political science, economics, law, communications, cultural studies, etc. Students acquire competencies in a number of areas and topics: national and European education policies and reforms, strategic planning, management technologies, leadership styles and approaches, team development in an educational organisation, coaching and mentoring, organisational culture and resource management, educational innovation, and quality assurance.
The programme is a two-semester one designed for professionals who plan to occupy or already occupy managerial and administrative positions in private or public educational organisations. It is also suitable for pedagogical specialists from educational organisations whose tasks include coordinating various school teams (methodological associations, vocational training, project teams, educational innovation implementation teams).
The programme reflects modern academic achievements in the field of educational leadership and management and is in accordance with the regulatory framework in Bulgaria regarding the requirements and responsibilities of school leaders.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Graduates in professional fields other than 1.2 Pedagogy, 1.3 Pedagogy of training in..., or ones with teacher qualification, enrol in several additional courses at the discretion of the department.
Major and professional qualification:
Major:
Leadership and Management in Education
Qualification: Manager in Education
Practical training courses:
The programme provides opportunities for placements and internships in ministries, agencies, municipal administrations, schools, etc. regional and national educational structures; field work.
International mobility:
The programme is in the process of concluding contracts under the European Erasmus program with the Higher Pedagogical School, Porto, Portugal.
Graduate Student Competencies:
In compliance with Ordinance No. 15 of 22.07.2019 on the status and professional development of teachers, principals and other pedagogical staff, the programme contributes to the development of the main groups of competences, as follows: 1. pedagogical competence; 2. managerial competence, including: a) administrative and legal culture; b) planning, organising and controlling; c) resource management; 3. social and civic competence.
Graduates will have acquired basic knowledge on the theoretical, methodological and practical foundations and models of leadership and management applied in educational organisations; supranational and national policies in education; formation of school development strategies; normative documents and legislation in the field of education; management of educational projects.
Graduates will have developed essential skills in applying leadership and management strategies in an educational environment; applying and evaluating innovative approaches in the educational process; applying national legislation and European trends in the management of state, municipal and private educational institutions; implementing school development strategies; analysing and proposing solutions and changes for improvement of various management processes and educational methodologies to increase the quality of training and education; preparing and managing educational projects; evaluating, stimulating and motivating people and teams in an educational environment; using modern information sources and technologies in management activity; introducing innovative strategies and technological tools that can improve teaching and learning in an educational institution.
Graduation:
Completion of studies takes place by defending a master’s dissertation or passing a state exam upon earning the required number of credits.
The graduation process complies with the NBU Standard for Educational and Qualification Degree Completion.
Occupation and possible positions:
In compliance with the National Classification of Professions and Positions (NCPD - 2011), graduates can occupy the following positions:
• school principals;
• children's institution managers;
• vocational training centre directors;
• kindergarten directors;
• educational and methodological centre heads;
• manager in municipal, regional, national institutions responsible for the implementation of policies in the field of education;
• management consultants (in education);
• quality specialists (in education);
• training organisers in the system of continuing education and lifelong learning.
In addition, graduates can supplement their teaching activities as leaders of extracurricular activities, projects, clubs, circles, centres, forums, etc.
Department :
Foreign languages and cultures