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Graduate study

M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership

Two international graduate programs, approved by the University Board of Trustees on 14 June 2025 (meeting 46/2025).

A3 PDF

Bilingual program posters

Download official A3 posters with M.A. and Ph.D. program details in English and Chinese, including Payap × POLUS integrated-intake versions.

Payap × POLUS integrated intake

Master of Arts

M.A. in Educational Leadership (International Program)

Download M.A. poster (A3 PDF)

A 2-year, 36-credit graduate program designed for educators and education professionals who seek to strengthen research-informed leadership, educational innovation, and evidence-based practice in diverse institutional and cross-cultural contexts. Language of instruction is English or Chinese (international language track).

Entire course: 2 years / 4 semesters

Total expenses: 310,000 Baht, inclusive of IRB fees, qualitative exams, and IS/Thesis defense fees.

Study plans (36 credits)

Plan 1 — Academic (Thesis)

Core 18 · Electives 6 · Thesis 12

Semester 1: two major electives (EL xxx). Semester 2: EL 799 Thesis.

Plan 2 — Professional (Independent Study)

Core 18 · Electives 12 · Independent Study 6

Semester 1: four major electives (EL xxx). Semester 2: EL 798 Independent Study.

Year 1 core courses (both plans)

  • Semester 1
  • EL 601 Innovation and Leadership for Educational Excellence
  • EL 602 Ethical Leadership in Transformative Education
  • EL 603 21st-century Curriculum and Instruction
  • Semester 2
  • EL 604 Research Methodology in Educational Leadership
  • EL 605 Applied Educational Psychology for Teaching and Learning
  • EL 606 Educational Administration for Global Excellence

Upon completion, graduates will be able to

  • Propose solutions to complex educational problems using research skills and evidence-based practice
  • Apply educational innovations to enhance learning and development within institutions and communities
  • Demonstrate effective educational leadership competencies — adaptive, innovative, dynamic, and cross-culturally responsive
  • Demonstrate professional integrity, ethical leadership, and commitment to community service

Career paths

  • Educational administrator (e.g., principal, deputy principal, academic affairs director)
  • Policy and planning officer (governmental or NGO sectors)
  • Curriculum developer
  • Academic coordinator (international schools / higher education)
  • University lecturer
  • Educational researcher
  • Training and development specialist
  • Educational consultant
  • Education project manager (reform / international development)
  • Ph.D. applicant (further doctoral study)

Doctor of Philosophy

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (International Program)

Download Ph.D. poster (A3 PDF)

A 3-year, 48-credit English-medium doctoral program for experienced educators, administrators, and education professionals who seek to lead educational change through research, policy, and strategic leadership. Both study plans emphasize research rigor, ethical scholarship, and applicability to real educational contexts.

Entire course: 3 years / 6 semesters

Total expenses: 672,500 Baht, inclusive of IRB fees, qualifying exams, and dissertation defense fees.

Plan 1.1 — Dissertation track (48 credits)

Designed for candidates with strong research preparation. Focuses fully on independent doctoral research under academic supervision (EL 999 Dissertation across six semesters). Culminates in an original dissertation that contributes to educational leadership theory and practice.

Plan 2.1 — Coursework + dissertation (48 credits)

Suitable for candidates who benefit from structured doctoral coursework before dissertation work: 12 credits coursework and 36 credits dissertation (EL 998).

Plan 2.1 Year 1 courses

  • EL 701 Comparative and International Education
  • EL 702 Advanced Research Methodology for Educational Leadership
  • EL 703 Transformational Leadership in Education
  • EL xxx Elective course aligned with the student’s research focus

Graduates will be able to

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of educational leadership theories, policy, and governance systems
  • Design and conduct independent, high-quality research addressing complex educational challenges
  • Apply research-informed leadership strategies to strengthen institutions, curricula, and education systems
  • Integrate critical thinking, ethical leadership, and strategic decision-making in professional practice
  • Communicate research findings effectively to academic, professional, and policy audiences

Typical roles

  • University faculty and researchers in education and leadership fields
  • Senior academic administrators (e.g., deans, directors, department heads)
  • Educational policy analysts and consultants
  • Leaders of curriculum, quality assurance, and institutional development units
  • Educational innovation leaders in schools, higher education, and professional learning organizations

Apply online