Students as a Teaching Resource in Preparing Educational Leaders - An International Masters Programme

Oct 15, 2026

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The Institute of International and Comparative Education at Beijing Normal University offers a Masters Programme in Educational Leadership and Policy (Comparative Education), supported by substantial Chinese government scholarships and drawing an international cohort. The authors outline the programme’s purpose: building theoretical understanding and leadership preparation through a multinational, multicultural student body. They discuss both distinctive programme features and challenges, within the wider context of China’s international education admission goals.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

China’s national education reform goals

Programme development at Beijing Normal University

Course structure and dissertation requirements

Students as a Teaching Resource in Preparing Educational Leaders: An International Masters Programme Qiang Liu and David A. Turner Dr. Qiang Liu is Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for International Exchanges in the Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University and Assistant Secretary General of the Comparative Education Society of Asia. His research focuses on comparative higher education, and he has published in academic journals in English and Chinese. Dr. David Turner is Professor in the Institute for International and Comparative Education, Beijing Normal University. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in the UK. His research interests include higher education policy, and leadership in education. He has written many scholarly articles and books. Abstract The Institute of International and Comparative Education, Beijing Normal University has offered a Masters Program in Educational Leadership and Policy (Comparative Education) for the last four years and it attracts students from around the world, with substantial support in terms of scholarships, from the Chinese government. Beijing Normal University introduced a PhD programme in the same discipline in 2013. The programme is intended to train talented individuals from all over the world, and to provide them with theoretical understanding and skills that will prepare them to take positions of leadership. The programme benefits from the high calibre of students that it attracts, and a multi-national multi-cultural student body is an important educational resource. The authors have worked in the programme, with other colleagues, since its inception, and describe some of the unique features of the programme, as well as some of the challenges. Introduction In the Outline of China’s National Plan for Medium and Longterm Education Reform and Development (2010-2020) issued by Communist Party of China Central Committee and State Council of the People’s Republic of China in 2010, it is clearly stated that: More international students shall be admitted for studies in China. Chinese government scholarships shall be increased, with financial assistance offered mainly to students from other developing countries, and the composition of students coming to this country for studies shall be optimized. Foundation courses shall be given to international students before they start college education in China; more disciplines shall be taught in foreign languages in Chinese colleges; and education quality for those studying in China shall be improved. (Communist Party of China 2010, 35) 56 Vol. 43, No. 3, Summer 2016 In response to the call, Beijing Normal University (BNU) actively encourages its academic institutions to establish English-taught degree programmes. This paper describes the development of the Masters Programme in Educational Leadership and Policy (Comparative Education). The location of the programme in the Institute of International and Comparative Education, and the inclusion of comparative education as a core component of the programme, is a key element in its design, but before focusing on that, some background information will help to give the setting for the programme. BNU was founded in 1902 and is a leader not only in Chinese education but also on the world stage. BNU places great emphasis on exchange and cooperation with educational institutions nationally and internationally and is building a first-class reputation for scholarship, research and training.(QS 2016) The Institute of International and Comparative Education, founded in 1962, is the oldest and most influential institute for the study of comparative education in China, and is the only nationally recognized centre for comparative education. The Institute has a strong profile of national and international research and is staffed by senior faculty members. The International Masters Program in Educational Leadership and Policy (Comparative Education) is a unique

FAQs

What programme does Beijing Normal University offer for international students?

It offers a Masters Programme in Educational Leadership and Policy (Comparative Education), delivered by the Institute of International and Comparative Education at Beijing Normal University.

How does the programme support student recruitment and attendance?

The programme benefits from substantial Chinese government scholarships that cover fees and living expenses for a significant proportion of students.

What core academic components are included in the programme?

Students complete core courses on comparative education, leadership and management, educational policy, educational planning, and research methods, plus elective courses and a required course on Chinese history and culture. All students prepare a master’s dissertation based on personal research.

Oct 15, 2026

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