Postgraduate Specialist Programme Title: Postgraduate Specialist University Study Programme in Educational Institution Leadership and Management
Academic Domain: 7.0. Interdisciplinary Academic Domain
Academic Field: 7.01. Educational Sciences
Programme Duration: Two semesters (60 ECTS credits).
Academic Title Awarded: University Specialist in Educational Institution Leadership and Management (spec. educ.).
Programme Head: Assoc. Prof. Nevenka Maras, PhD
(E-mail: nevenka.maras@ufzg.unizg.hr)
Deputy Programme Head: Assoc. Prof. Daria Rovan, PhD
(E-mail: daria.rovan@ufzg.unizg.hr)
Postgraduate Specialist Programme Council:
- Assoc. Prof. Nevenka Maras, PhD, Programme Head
- Assoc. Prof. Daria Rovan, PhD, Deputy
Programme Head - Prof. Daria Tot, PhD, Member
The critical importance of the principal’s role in determining the operational quality of an educational institution, coupled with the rigorous demands of the position, necessitated the establishment of formalised education and continuous professional development for principals. Therefore, the developmental foundation of this specialist study programme was rooted in an analysis of the proposed Standards for Principals of Educational Institutions (NCVVO, 2016). Subsequent activities encompassed a review of academic literature on competency development models for principals, an evaluation of existing specialist programmes in Croatia, an investigation into competency frameworks across the European Union and internationally, and consultations with both novice and experienced principals regarding optimal forms of learning and teaching that contribute to the development of principals’ competencies.
In accordance with these findings, the specialist study programme curriculum was designed to educate, train, and professionally develop principals in the domains of effective leadership and management of educational institutions, continuous self-evaluation, and the implementation of innovative leadership approaches. The programme maintains a strong focus on integrating theoretical and practical knowledge, experiential learning, mentorship by seasoned principals, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange among candidates.
The Study Programme is a two-semester (one-year) programme. The curriculum places particular emphasis on experiential learning, facilitating the acquisition of competencies mandated by the Occupational Standard for Principals of Educational Institutions. Therefore, mentor-supported experiential learning within educational institutions constitutes a core component of the programme. Compulsory courses are structured across five thematic domains representing key areas of headteacher competency development: (1) Educational Institution Management, (2) Legal and Financial Support for Institutional Leadership, (3) Human Resources, (4) Personal Professional Development, and (5) Educational Process Management. Alongside these thematic courses, a methodological course on Action Research is mandatory. Elective courses (of which candidates must select at least one), principal mentorship, and principal practicums are tailored to facilitate competency development aligned with the candidate’s specific professional interests and requirements.
Admission Requirements:
Eligibility is extended to applicants fulfilling the following criteria:
completion of a graduate university study programme or an integrated undergraduate and graduate university study programme;
completion of formal pedagogical and psychological training;
a minimum of five years of professional experience in the education sector.
All candidates meeting the formal prerequisites must undertake a qualifying examination. This examination comprises a written essay detailing the applicant’s professional background and future developmental objectives in the field, along with an oral interview to assess academic readiness and motivation.
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