Educational Leadership and Change (MA) 

Luke Cumiskey

I did my undergraduate degree at Teesside University studying Business Management, and then did the MA Educational Leadership course at Durham a couple of years after that. 

I chose my course because it sounded really interesting, offered an amazing and wide variety of modules which was much better than other university offerings. The lecturers of the course are also very highly regarded and cited, so I wanted to learn from the best. The content of the lectures was really interesting, and covered such a wide range of topics, so there is something for everyone. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the course, it was beneficial not only in the large amount of new knowledge offered through excellent lectures, interesting topics, and supportive programme staff, but most importantly how it can enhance your critical thinking and wider cognitive abilities.  

I especially enjoyed the Educational Policy module. It was an amazing module from staff who advise government on education policy itself, so interesting and insightful. I would recommend applying to the course to anyone, you will not regret it. 

My advice to new students is to go to every lecture. They are all really interesting. Make an effort to speak to your course mates, everyone is in the same boat and shy, so make that first step. Don’t leave your essays to the last minute and make the best use of your lecturers/support staff. They are brill and wont bite.  

I’m really happy with my new role. I always wanted to work in the civil service, in a policy related role, doing something to support opportunity for those in the North East. I recently got a civil service role after the course so really happy. 

I want to say a big thankyou to all the academic staff on the course. All were brill and really made the experience. Also a special shoutout to my Programme Leader Dong Nguyen, equally brilliant and insightful as he was supportive and kind during the course.  

Discover more

Follow our team of student content creators at The Durham Student on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Feeling inspired? Visit our School of Education webpages to learn more about our postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. 

Luke Cumiskey

Hi, I am Luke Cumiskey from Teesside (20 min drive from Durham). I studied MA Educational Leadership and Change in 2022/2023. After the course I started work in the Civil Service, as International Visits Manager for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Related Posts

What is a formal?

In this blog, I am going to explain what is meant by the term ‘formal’ at Durham and hopefully give you an idea of what

Read More »

My China experience

In the summer of 2018, I went to Beijing on a two-week exchange programme with my secondary school. Fast forward to the beginning of September

Read More »

Money saving hacks

Life is expensive! As a student, I often find finances overwhelming. Especially when you first start university, it can be difficult to know exactly how

Read More »

Isabel – Why I chose Durham

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal! Deciding where to go to university can feel overwhelming—trust me, I’ve been there. It’s a big decision, and it’s completely normal

Read More »