Leadership, Accountability and the Challenge of Complexity

Postgraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
EDUC 5080
Course ID icon
Course ID
206261
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
5
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course will develop critical awareness about assumptions underpinning strategic leadership to inform students' understandings about the nature of complexity related to key policy themes of quality, accountability and equity. Students will examine the complex work undertaken by school leaders to strategically deliver on educational outcomes framed by the notions of quality, accountability and equity. Assumptions underpinning strategic leadership and a range of contemporary educational perspectives on educational leadership will be examined including consideration of global and local drivers of education policy production and the positioning of the school leader in various policy debates. 'Quality, accountability and equity' as key drivers of strategic leadership will be critically reviewed through the lens of enacted complex practise, making visible both intended and unintended outcomes. Critical examination of key policy drivers as stated will be undertaken in review of: dimensions to educational measurement and the notions of 'performativity'; data-driven accountability and the concept of transmitted risk; educational leadership as adaptive responsible processes including tools, tactics and technologies to enterprise dynamics of coherence, collaboration and productivity.

Course learning outcomes

  • Develop a critical understanding of the position and role of the educational leader in relation to educational debates
  • Examine the policy drivers that inform the positioning of the educational leader within a specific context
  • Develop strategies for delivering educational outcomes that are framed by notions of quality, accountability and equity
  • Analyse the processes, including tools, tactics and technologies, that inform the complex dynamics of coherence, collaboration and productivity in an educational setting.
  • Develop critical perspectives of local and global influences on educational policy.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A