Program Design and contents
Executive Master of Management in Education
The Executive Master of Management in Education spans 18 months and consists of 2 introductory start modules, 4 thematic blocks of 2 modules each, and 2 ongoing track modules. The program concludes with a master’s thesis. At the start of each module, you receive 4 weeks for preparation. This is followed by 3 days of interactive sessions and lectures. Each module ends with an assignment, due approximately 3 weeks after the lectures. The study load for this part-time MME master’s is 12–16 hours per week.
Thema Strategy in Connection
- Strategy and Environment
- Business & Society
What does the interplay between the educational organization and its environment look like? How do you determine which strategic response to policy developments is appropriate, and which strategies are suited to (co-)create public value? How broad is the playing field in which public value is created, and how can you navigate it?
Theme: Professional Quality
- Quality of Service Delivery
- HRM and Professionals
How do you translate the mission and strategy of an educational organization into high-quality service delivery? What organizational capacity is needed to meet the expectations of students, parents, and society? Does a public market value perspective and collaboration with the Executive Master of Public and Non-Profit Management inspire you to take a different approach?
Theme: Modern Organizations
- Networks and Alliances
- Organization and Governance
How can you execute mission and strategy effectively as a modern educational organization? What organizational capacity is needed? How can you improve internal and external collaboration through networks? How can governance, organizational design, and (financial) accountability contribute?
Track Modules
- Leadership
- Academic Skills and Master's thesis
Throughout the program, you will deepen your academic skills by integrating new theoretical insights into your personal leadership challenges. This journey culminates in a capstone project where you design a practice-oriented research study, directly applying these theories to enhance your dialogical leadership and address the challenges that matter most to you.
Examination
Each module is assessed through written or oral exams, individual papers, group papers, and evaluation of active participation. Attendance is mandatory at all teaching sessions. You write your master’s thesis under expert personal supervision from a faculty member. Two faculty members assess the thesis: the supervisor and a second reader.
Personal Development
The MME does not have a separate program with formal assessment of personal development. Nonetheless, personal growth runs as a common thread throughout the program. Your deepening knowledge, strategic scope, analytical assignments, and probing conversations with school colleagues; experiences during study trips; and discussions with fellow participants and faculty, all of this takes on personal meaning for you. In the Leadership track module, you pause together to reflect and share what the program is bringing you. In this way, alongside building knowledge and insights, you also take steps in your development and leadership qualities and expand your network. This impact continues long after you complete the program.
Result: MSc Degree
Upon successful completion of the program, you may use the international MSc designation. The program is accredited as a research master’s by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO). For participants from the primary education sector: The MME master’s is recognized by the PO-Raad (Primary Education Council). Its learning objectives align with the competencies outlined in the professional standard. The program is approved for both initial registration and re-registration and is listed in the Schoolleidersregister PO (School Leaders Registry for Primary Education). For participants from the secondary education sector: Contact our Program Adviser about funding options through the Schoolleidersbeurs VO.
Academic Director
Dr. Femke Geijsel has served as Associate Professor of Transformative Educational Leadership since 2022. Her research focuses on school development, policy implementation and its impact within schools, vision development, and strategic innovation. Additionally, she specializes in leading for learning and management within educational organizations. Femke supervises several Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral researchers and is a board member of the Policy and Organization division of the Netherlands Educational Research Association (VOR)
