Master of Secondary School Leadership
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Become the principal you want to be—enhance your career and make a difference in education with the Master of Secondary School Leadership.
Important note
This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student. To apply for it, you must be in a middle or senior management position in a secondary school in New Zealand.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.
Gain the skills you need to become a principal. Learn how to lead a secondary school and raise student achievement through effective leadership and research-based decision making.
You’ll benefit from the research and teaching strengths of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences and the management acumen of Wellington School of Business and Government. By combining educational and business thinking, you’ll gain the tools you need to develop innovative solutions to issues you’ll face in the leadership and management of a secondary school.
Examine the role of leadership and how to foster leadership in others. Learn to make sound, evidence-based decisions about school organisation and management. You’ll develop techniques for planning and goal-setting and explore the different strategies for building strong relationships with community and stakeholders.
How you’ll study
Designed so you can continue working while you study, the courses are delivered through a mix of [block format] and online interactions. Block courses are held on Fridays or Saturdays, sometimes in term time and sometimes during school holidays. Block courses are held in Auckland where more students are based.
Valuable mentoring
Throughout the programme you'll have the opportunity to complete three, 3-day placements at secondary schools other than your own. During your placements, you'll shadow and be mentored by experienced senior staff in the school.
Scholarships for international students
We are 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.
Research project
You'll complete a 60-point dissertation with the support of an academic supervisor. This will be either a research project on a contemporary issue in secondary school leadership or an evaluation of the implementation of a new initiative in a secondary school.
To qualify for entry into this programme, you'll need to be in a middle or senior manager position in a secondary school and have the support of your principal. You'll also need to hold a Bachelor's degree with a B average, or have completed a postgraduate qualification.
Workload
You'll most likely study part time, studying two courses per trimester which will take you around 20–23 hours of work a week. You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.
Doctoral study
Once you have finished your MSSL, you may want to consider further study and complete a Doctor of Education.
Scholarships
The Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board and Gattung Foundation Scholarship is available for secondary school leaders of Ngāti Whakaue descent.
You can also look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with a B average or a postgraduate qualification, and hold a management position in a secondary school, and your principal's nomination.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.