Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation and relevant professional experience.

Typical requirements include:

• • A Master’s degree in education or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution
  • Evidence of relevant professional experience (e.g., teaching, academic administration, leadership, policy, or institutional development)
  • English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent; applicants from China may provide CET-4/CET-6 as supporting evidence)
  • A clear research interest aligned with educational leadership (e.g., higher education management, curriculum development, policy, quality assurance, or educational innovation)
  • Satisfactory performance in an academic interview conducted by the program committee

Applicants with interdisciplinary backgrounds and senior teaching or administrative roles are welcome and encouraged.

The program offers two study plans, both totaling 48 credits, allowing students to select the route that best fits their research readiness and academic goals.

Plan 1.1 – Dissertation Track (48 credits)

• • Designed for candidates with strong research preparation
  • Focuses fully on independent doctoral research under academic supervision
  • Culminates in an original dissertation that contributes to educational leadership theory and practice

Plan 2.1 – Coursework + Dissertation Track (48 credits)

• • Suitable for candidates who benefit from structured doctoral coursework before dissertation work
  • Includes:
    • Core coursework (e.g., comparative education, advanced research methodology, transformational leadership)
    • Elective coursework aligned with the student’s research focus
    • A doctoral dissertation based on empirical or conceptual research

Both study plans emphasize research rigor, ethical scholarship, and applicability to real educational contexts.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of educational leadership theories, policy, and governance systems
  • Design and conduct independent, high-quality research addressing complex educational challenges
  • Apply research-informed leadership strategies to strengthen institutions, curricula, and education systems
  • Integrate critical thinking, ethical leadership, and strategic decision-making in professional practice
  • Communicate research findings effectively to academic, professional, and policy audiences

Graduates are expected to contribute both scholarly knowledge and actionable leadership solutions.

Graduates commonly pursue leadership and research roles across schools, higher education, government, and international contexts, such as:

• University faculty and researchers in education and leadership fields
• Senior academic administrators (e.g., deans, directors, department heads)
• Educational policy analysts and consultants
• Leaders of curriculum, quality assurance, and institutional development units
• Educational innovation leaders and entrepreneurs in schools, higher education, and professional learning organizations

This program is particularly suitable for professionals seeking to advance into strategic, system-level educational leadership roles.