Pre-task instructions
Assessment of the pre-task
The pre-task is graded with a maximum of 50 points available. Based on the pre-task results, the best applicants will be invited to an online interview. We will not provide any further information about the pre-task. The pre-task must be uploaded by the deadline.
Pre-task part 1: An essay (30 points)
The applicant is required to write a short essay. The applicant’s name must be clearly visible on each page of the essay document. The essay should be submitted in a pdf-format and named “Last name_First name_MELessay.pdf”. The length of the essay is minimum 500 and maximum of 800 words not including references and any declarations. The essay covers the following questions:
- Reflecting on an education organisation that you know or work for, what are the strategic challenges concerning pedagogy, technology, economics and leadership?
- When you take a critical look at this organisation, what are the most important areas for change and why?
- What are the skills and knowledge that you would like to develop in yourself to enable these changes?
Each question has equal weighting, so be sure to answer all three within the space available.
The evaluation criteria for the essay are:
- all the questions have been answered. (pass/fail)
- all the instructions have been followed precisely. (pass/fail)
- the candidate is able to explain the challenges clearly and concisely. (6 points)
- the candidate expresses reasoned and rational arguments for the need for change within their selected institution. (8 points)
- the candidate demonstrates their suitability to study in an international Master’s level programme. (8 points)
- the candidate shows capability for self-evaluation. (8 points)
Please note that the essay will be checked for plagiarism. Should the ethical standards of academic writing not be met, the essay and the application will be automatically disqualified. The student should cite and reference their sources. The candidate should also declare any use of the generative AI technologies.
Pre-task part 2: A video (20 points)
The applicant is required to create a short video. The accepted formats of the video are: MP4, WMV or AVI. The video should be named “Last name_First name_MELvideo.xxx”. The candidate should present to camera with sufficient lighting and clear audio. The maximum length of the video is three (3) minutes.
The video covers the following questions:
- Who are you and what you do for work?
- Why do you want to apply to the MEL programme?
The evaluation criteria for the video are:
- both questions have been answered. (pass/fail)
- all the instructions have been followed precisely. (pass/fail)
- there should be a coherent link between the video and the essay (pass/fail)
- the candidate demonstrates their suitability to study in the Master’s in Educational Leadership programme. (20 points)