Introducing: Dr Dong Nguyen – School of Education at Durham University

Dr Dong Nguyen is an Associate Professor in Educational Leadership in the School of Education.

Tell us about your professional roles and areas of expertise:

I joined Durham University to lead the MA in Educational Leadership and Change, together with colleagues in the School of Education. I am also Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Educational Management – one of the core journals in the field of educational leadership and management. My areas of expertise include leadership and management, professional learning, and diffusions of innovations in education.

Prior to joining Durham University, I researched and taught on the issues of leadership and change in education across systems, for example, in Scotland, Singapore, and Vietnam. My professional profile can be found in this link.

What first attracted you to your chosen field of expertise?

Leadership occurs in all walks of life. We all have leadership potential to be nurtured and developed. A desire to use research and teaching expertise to support learners with their leadership development was a major factor influencing my professional choice.

What is your favourite subject/module to teach and why?

Effective Educational Leadership. This module adopts an interdisciplinary approach to engage with theory and evidence, across sectors, on effective leadership practices and development. Designing and teaching this module is an excellent opportunity to engage with my colleagues’ and my own research to support our students with developing their leadership competences.

What can students expect from their first few weeks on your course?

Our MA Educational Leadership and Change is designed to push learners’ boundary of thinking. In the first few weeks, we have a series of concerted activities to help our students navigate their own learning journey with us. These activities aim to support students with: their individualised study plan, development opportunities in academic writing and digital skills, methods of argumentation, and their well-being.

What do you think makes your department unique?

I would say we offer high quality teaching and exceptional support for students. Our students deserve nothing less!

Our students have opportunities to learn from world-class researchers and experienced practitioners working in the department. We have pleasure to work with students from different parts of the world.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying your course?

I often advise students to view their masters’ studies as a journey of intellectual development and emotional maturation. Our curriculum, learning and teaching activities, and assessment aim to support our students with that journey.

I always encourage our students to optimise professional interactions with and learning from their supervisors, academic advisors, and teaching staff. Also, to make use of Durham University Library’s excellent facilities and resources.

What have your students gone on to do after graduating from Durham?

Our MA Educational Leadership and Change prepares students for professional career pathways that rely on combined expertise in education, leadership and management, and data analysis. Graduates from our programme may join the teaching profession, work in public sectors and in staff-development departments for corporate organisations, and pursue doctoral studies.

Find out more

• Dr Dong Nguyen is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Programme Director for the MA in Educational Leadership and Change. If you would like to find out more about Dong, visit his profile.
• Learn more about the MA in Educational Leadership and Change programme
• We are one of the leading Schools of Education in the UK and ranked in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. Feeling inspired? Visit our School of Education webpages to find out more about studying with us.