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Online
Introduction
Expectations of leaders in educational and other settings can change significantly over the course of a career. In addition to understanding individual issues of changing professional identity, self-preparation, and role transition, leaders are required to engage with heightened responsibilities when government and institutional reforms of structure, culture and practice entail high stakes accountability through outcome-focused performance targeting. By the end of this unit, you will have developed advanced knowledge and skills in the connection between individual and systemic change in leadership practice through study of modules on: approaches to leadership, theories and styles of leadership, the practice of leadership; and the social dimension of leadership in educational and related work contexts. Part of the aims this unit is to enable you to have a better understanding of yourself as a leader and how to lead others.
Summary
| Unit name | Understanding Leadership |
| Unit code | EDP715 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Faculty of Education |
| Discipline | Education |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Lisa Ehrich |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |
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- Key:
On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 23/02/2026 | 17/03/2026 | 20/04/2026 | 14/06/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theories, styles and practices of leadership
- Critically reflect on the nature of leadership and its practice within educational and other organisational contexts.
- Demonstrate your ability to use the literature to support the arguments that you make.
- Apply new knowledge and understandings in a critically analytical way to practice
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 079999 | $592.00 | $592.00 | not applicable | $2,562.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
ESM709Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Off Campus: Weekly (online) lectures or equivalent (1 hour) and participation in discussion boards (1 hour), reading the textbook and other set readings (5 hours) and attending zoom sessions (1.5 hours once per fortnight). |
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| Assessment | Reflection (10%)|Comparative Essay (40%)|Reflective Case Study (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Northouse, P. (2022). Leadership theory and practices (9th edition). Sage Publications.
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| Recommended | See MyLO site for readings and other resources |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.