This module supports critical exploration of organisational culture in educational settings and examines how leadership both shapes and is shaped by that culture. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and practical tools, you will analyse culture through lenses such as values, trust, engagement, and psychological safety. Recognising the complexity of educational environments, the module explores how culture influences staff morale, student outcomes, communication, and decision-making.

You will consider how culture can be assessed, understood, and intentionally influenced, alongside the role of ethics and social justice in fostering inclusive environments. Models of organisational culture will support reflection on leadership behaviours and wider system dynamics, with particular attention to cultivating psychologically safe spaces where individuals feel respected and able to contribute.

The module develops your ability to question assumptions, challenge norms, and build collaborative, trust-based cultures.

Weekly learning follows a structured Prepare–Practice–Participate–Produce–Ponder cycle, combining readings or videos with applied activities, reflection, and peer discussion.

Assessment involves applying theory to practice through a case study, where you design and conduct a culture assessment in an educational setting. This enables critical reflection on leadership, organisational dynamics, and the practical challenges of evaluating and shaping culture.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate approaches to understand organisational cultures in education.
2. Analyse models of leadership and culture in a specific educational context.
3. Effectively communicate and present findings regarding organisational culture.

Learning and teaching

This is a fully asynchronous module, with all materials and communication on our online learning platform Blackboard. Occasional module drop ins which are communicated on Blackboard announcements during modules.

This involves self-directed study and participation in online activities (12-18 hours per week) with the support of an online tutor. You will have access to the course materials for 8 weeks.

International students

This module is available to international students. Please see English language proficiency requirements below.

Assessment

There will be formative and summative assessments. You can also elect to take the module as non-assessed. 

If you are interested in taking this module as non-assessed, please get in touch at pd@uwe.ac.uk. Please be aware this means you would receive no evidence of completion of any kind (no certificate, credit or “confirmation of attendance"). Often, employers do not want to sponsor individuals to take a module as non-assessed as they would not receive confirmation that individual had attended.