Inaugural Program
Master’s in Educational Leadership
A transformative, blended two-year Master's programme empowering current and future leaders to catalyse change through education.
Rooted in the belief that ethical leadership improves individual and community learning, MEL equips working professionals to drive systemic reform in schools, higher education, and educational programs. Through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), research, and collaborative inquiry, participants explore the intersections of policy, culture, and pedagogy while applying learning directly within their professional contexts.
Why Choose MEL at KBU?
MEL combines academic rigour, reflective leadership, and real-world practice, preparing graduates to guide education systems toward more equitable and effective futures.
Designed for working professionals in education and related fields.
Earn academic credit through Work-Integrated Learning from your professional role.
Conduct action research on real education challenges.
Small cohorts enabling close mentorship and collaborative learning.
Learn from international faculty and regional education leaders.
Our Flexible Programme Design
Duration: 2 years
Six academic terms each year (6 weeks per term)
Blended learning combining seminars, collaborative work, and independent research.
Work-Integrated Learning credits based on professional practice
Optional January Term modules for additional credits.
Up to 2 years grace period to complete remaining coursework
Component
Structure
Terms per year
6 terms
Weeks per term
6 weeks
Learning hours per week
34 hours
Credit earned per week
~1 UGC credit (1 KBU credit)
Credits per year
36 KBU credits
Total programme credits (2 years)
72 KBU credits (~81.6 UGC credits)
The curriculum combines foundational learning, specialization, and research.
Year 1
Foundations
Students build a grounding in education systems, leadership, and pedagogy through core courses, electives, and structured reading discussions. Work-Integrated Learning begins in the first year.
Year 2
Specialisation and Research
Students deepen their focus through advanced coursework and a supervised action research thesis addressing a real educational challenge.
Choose Your Leadership Focus
In the second year, students pursue one of two strands
Instructional Coaching Leadership:
Focus on teacher development, classroom practice, and data-informed instructional improvement.
Higher Education Leadership:
Explore institutional leadership, governance, policy, and academic innovation in universities and colleges.
How will you learn?
Learning at KBU is collaborative, reflective, and practice-driven. The classroom extends beyond lectures, encouraging dialogue, inquiry, and collective learning. Our teaching methods include:
Case-based learning
Studio-style workshops
Reflective writing and discussion
Field immersion and practitioner dialogue
Mentored research and leadership practice
Faculty
The MEL programme draws on a network of global scholars and regional practitioners. Together, they bring diverse perspectives across policy, pedagogy, and leadership practice.
International Faculty
Dr. Lisa Smulyan
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Dr. Diane Anderson
University of Pennsylvania
Chris Stodolski
Columbia University
Charles Newman
NA
Ted Munter
NA
Jonathan Golding
NA
Jeremy Polk
NA
Regional Faculty
Peter L. Denzongpa
Dawa Yolmo
Reshma Thapa
Dr. Neeraja
Is this for you?
Eligiblity
We’re looking for purposeful learners with humility and a drive to transform education.
Your Background:
Bachelor's required. Diverse fields welcome - rigorous engagement trumps prior specialisation.
Core Traits:
Curious thinkers; reflective and open to growth; ethically committed to societal good; collaborative; resilient leaders who act.
Learning Outcomes
Become a skilled teacher mentor and school leader
Lead ethically with international perspectives tailored to India/Himalayas.
Use research and data for transformative decisions.
Foster community engagement and reflective practice.
Career Outcomes
Graduates emerge ready to embody KBU's karuṇā - compassionate action, prepared to lead across multiple areas of education.
School principals and administrators leading systemic school transformation
Master teachers and instructional coaches mentoring teachers through data-driven feedback.
Higher education leaders shaping institutional policy and pedagogy.
Himalayan education innovators bridging local needs with global best practices
Admission Process
Discover if MEL is your path to transformative leadership.
Our holistic, invite-only process evaluates purposeful candidates across three meaningful stages, honoring intellectual curiosity, reflective depth, and commitment to education.
01
Application Form
Grade 10/12 scores
Valid test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT, CUET)
Degrees/certificates post-Class XII (Bachelor's mandatory)
Education experience details
Statement of Purpose showcasing your intent
Recommendation from a professional educator observer
02
Video Submission
Record a 2-minute video:
Choose from a list of provided topics.
Speak passionately on one thesis statement that resonates with you.
03
Case Study Workshop
Applicants join an online session to engage with a real education leadership case, responding to prompts through written reflection and discussion.
Fees and Financials
Affordable excellence for professionals. Fees support instruction, workshops, research supervision, and access to digital and physical learning resources.
Category
Amount
Tuition (Year 1)
₹5,05,000
Resource Fees (Year 1)
₹65,000
Admission (One-Time)
₹30,000
Total Program Fees Payable
₹6,00,000
What Makes Us Distinctive
KBU is envisioned as a small, intentional, and globally connected community of learning. What sets us apart:
Education is understood as an ongoing lineage of learning carried through mentorship. Students work closely with faculty and practitioners who guide intellectual, professional, and personal development.
Programmes are developed collaboratively by international scholars and regional practitioners, ensuring that learning is both globally informed and locally grounded.
KBU brings together Himalayan knowledge traditions and contemporary global scholarship, encouraging reflection across cultures and contexts.
Small cohorts enable deeper dialogue, collaborative inquiry, and close mentorship throughout the programme.
Equity is central to KBU’s mission. Scholarships, donor support, and flexible contribution models aim to make transformative education accessible to a wider community.
Looking Ahead
The Master’s in Educational Leadership is envisioned as a living model of how leadership education can grow. Its design will continue to evolve in conversation with educators and institutions in Sikkim, across India, and internationally.
Stay Connected
For Students
The program is still in planning. If you would like to receive updates as details are finalized, please register your interest.
For Donors & Partners
Your support can help shape scholarships, strengthen leadership pathways, and bring this program to life.