Developing an innovative and effective Master's degree program

This article analyses the University’s experience in developing and delivering what is believed to be cutting edge professional development programs for school leaders entitled Master of Leadership and Management in Education (MLMEd). It explains how the graduate students, the school systemic authorities and an empirical survey identified the need for a specialist program in educational administration. It examines the problems confronted in initiating positive action towards this development, followed by procedures and processes in developing and delivering it both on-campus and off-campus modes and the structure of the program. The article also discusses the external and internal challenges faced and finally, how the program triumphed, attracting students from all Australian school systems and other sectors as well as around 20 other countries, becoming one of the five most successful master’s degree programs in the University of Newcastle under a full-fee paying regime