IH Diploma in
Academic Management

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Reach Your Full Potential With the IH Diploma in Academic Management

Most academic managers in language education are expected to excel in their positions with little formal training and limited support.

The IH Diploma in Academic Management is designed to provide academic managers in language schools with the skills and knowledge to perform better, make assured decisions and feel confident when approaching issues.

Choose the five courses most relevant to your specific context from a diverse range of management topics and gain practical tools and insight to make a difference in your organisation. With the support of experienced tutors and discussions with your cohort around the world, you will gain new perspectives and solutions to the challenges in your school or institution.

After developing your knowledge in five different areas of academic management, you will find further value through the practical application of your learning, specific to your career context, with the Action Research Project.

IH Diploma in Academic Management = 5 Courses in Academic Management + Action Research Project

IH Diploma in Academic Management: Key Information

Fee:

Diploma Bundle: (5x Courses in Academic Management + Action Research Course) £1974 (£200 saving)
EARLY BIRD OFFER: £1900 – Pay for the IH Diploma Bundle three months before the start date of your first course.
Individual Courses in Academic Management: £385 | Action Research Project: £249

Discounts available for IH staff. Please note that discounts cannot be used in conjunction with each other.

Assessment
Each short course is assessed individually. Your tutor marks your tasks as the course progresses and there is the opportunity to resubmit if necessary. Participants are expected to submit a minimum of 70% of the tasks on a course. At the end of the course, there is a final assignment which pushes you to reflect on what you have learnt. The assignment, along with your completed tasks, makes up the portfolio that is submitted electronically to the IHWO Assessment Unit. Portfolios are submitted two weeks after course completion.

Entry Requirements:

Working in a language teaching institute at the time of the course
We require a minimum language level of C1 – according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
A higher teaching qualification (DELTA or equivalent) is desirable
Some experience in management or the specific area is beneficial

Weekly Time Commitment: You should expect to spend 7 – 10 hours per week on a course.

Why Choose the IH Diploma in Academic Management?

Connect with a global community

Engage with peers in different contexts facing similar challenges and share solutions.

Flexible Schedule

Choose the courses that fit your role, organisation, and preferred start dates throughout the year.

Study at Your Own Pace

Our online, asynchronous format allows you to learn when it suits you best.

Make Your CV Stand Out From the Crowd

Outshine other candidates when applying for academic management jobs.

Gain Insight and Strategic Skills

Learn to assess issues effectively and find solutions.

Prepare for Future Opportunities

Academic management roles increasingly require qualifications (Source: British Council Accreditation Criteria).

What Topics are Covered in the Courses in Academic Management?

To earn the IH World Diploma in Academic Management, you need to successfully complete 5 out of the 7 IH Courses in Academic Management, along with the Action Research Project.

Business Management in Language Education

Designed for those aiming to run their own school or take on a senior head of department role, this course covers essential marketing and finance principles to support both your professional growth and that of your institution

Managing Change in Language Education

Gain skills to effectively manage change, overcome change fatigue, perfect the timing of transitions, and create smooth implementation plans.

Managing Customer Service in Language Education

Focuses on enhancing the customer experience and addressing quality challenges, with particular attention to the unique demands of language schools.

Observation and Giving Feedback in Language Teaching

A must for anyone conducting observations, this course offers insights into various observation techniques, feedback strategies, and managing resistance. “The most valuable aspect for me was being challenged to reflect on my ideas, beliefs, and practices.” (Chris, Spain).

Performance Management in Language Education

Delve into techniques for assessing and improving staff performance, boosting your confidence in handling difficult situations such as staff conflicts, and enhancing motivation.

Teams and Communication for Academic Managers

Develop effective communication strategies for your team and learn how to handle problematic situations with confidence.

Young Learner Centre Management

Covers the essentials of curriculum planning, course design, resource management, and policy support for those leading a YL department. Ideal for those aspiring to manage a summer school.

“The diversity of participants, from different contexts, enriched the learning experience as we exchanged ideas on the challenges we faced and the strategies we employed to address them. The tutors were consistently supportive, providing detailed feedback on assignments and insightful comments on online discussions.”

Antoinette Breutel-O’Donoghue | Director Languages Division, Switzerland

Action Research Project (ARP)

A stand-alone, self-access module with tutor support. Apply all the knowledge you’ve gained in the courses to solve a specific challenge in your working context. The project involves creating a document and video presentation for submission.

Course Dates

See the course dates for the 2025 IH Academic Management Courses below. If you want to plan further ahead, the courses will run in different months in 2026. This ensures people who are always busy in a certain month can still have the opportunity to study the courses they are interested in.

The timeframe to complete all five courses and the Action Research Project and achieve the IH Diploma in Academic Management (IHDipAM) is two years. We can help you with scheduling and choosing the right courses for you, please contact IH OTTI.

Young Learner Centre Management
31st January – 14th March 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

Managing Change
4th April – 16th May 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

Observation and Giving Feedback
4th April – 16th May 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio) 31st October – 12th December 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

Managing Customer Service
6th June – 18th July 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

Business Management
18th July – 29th August 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

Performance Management
12th September – 24th October 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

Teams and Communication
31st October – 12th December 2026 (plus 2 weeks to complete the assessed portfolio)

2026 Course Dates Overview

We can help you with scheduling and choosing the right courses for you. Contact the IH OTTI team.

Apply for
this course

Complete the form below. Fields marked * are required.

01 Personal Info

02 Experience

03 Additional Info

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Your current job. *

Qualifications *

City *

Country *

Which diploma modules are you interested in? *

To complete the Diploma in Academic Management, you need to complete five (of these seven) modules. If you haven't decided which 5 courses to study, please choose at least 2 or 3.

Managing Change Teams and Communication Managing Customer Service Observation and Giving Feedback Business Management Performance Management Young Learner Centre Management

Please tell us about any management experience you have, particularly related to the courses you wish to study. *

In about 100 words please describe your reasons for taking this course and how it will further your career *

0 / 100 words minimum

Is there anything else we should know to help you complete and succeed on the course?

Is your employer paying?

IH Staff discounted price?

How did you hear about this course? *

We host online events and share teaching tips and resources and advertise jobs and other courses. If you'd like to be included, please sign up!

How to Get the IH Diploma in Academic Management

You can still get the IH Diploma discount if you don’t know which 5 courses you want to take at the time of application. You need to be sure of 3 courses and then the IH OTTI team will guide you in choosing the final 2.

1 – Complete the Application Form

Provide details about your qualifications and experience.

2 – Application Review

Our team will review and get in touch if we need more information.

3 – Secure Your Place

Once approved, receive a payment link for the Diploma fee.

4 – Register and Plan

5 – Start Learning

You will Gain Access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) a few weeks before the start date and start the course!

6 – Complete the Courses and ARP

Complete all 5 courses, submit your portfolios and Action Research Project.

7 – Receive Your IH Diploma in Academic Management

Showcase your achievement!

“I see the diploma as part of getting ready for the future and opening up more opportunities… The diploma will enable me to talk a better game at interview for academic management positions, especially for places that will require me to get a work visa if I go abroad.”

Matthew Hallett | Senior Teacher

Tutors and Teachers saying

Katja Preston is the IH Online Teacher Training Institute Coordinator and handles the administrative side of the centre. She has been in ELT for nearly two decades and has lived on every continent (apart from Antarctica!) and worked in a very broad range of schools. Her experience includes one-to-one specialist English classes with adults in Chile, mixed level groups of 35 Korean primary school students, residential summer camps with Thai teenagers, and teacher training with minimal resources in rural Tanzania.

Shaun Wilden is the online course manager for the IH Online Teacher Training Institute. He will be your first port of call when booking an OTTI course. He has been in the ELT industry for more than 30 years, but these days is more of an education technologist, holding an MA in technology and education. He heads up our fantastic team of experienced OTTI tutors based around the world. Read more about them below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the IH Diploma in Academic Management differ from other diploma courses?

The IH Diploma in Academic Management is more flexible – it’s fully online and asynchronous, so you can take it at your own pace without needing to attend in-person or live sessions. Also, with the IHDipAM, you’re able to choose the specific areas that interest you most.

How well recognised is the IH Diploma in Academic Management?

The IH Diploma in Academic Management is offered by IH OTTI, the Online Teacher Training Institute of International House World Organisation, a globally-renowned leader in teacher training. This means the diploma is highly respected and widely recognised. We’re committed to quality, so you can expect excellent courses and tutors. You’ll join a community of professionals passionate about language education.

Who will be my tutor?

Each Academic Management course has its own expert tutor who is a specialist in the subject area. Tutors have extensive knowledge in the relevant topic areas, as well as being experienced and qualified online teacher trainers. They have been Academic Managers for many years, often in International House schools. With qualifications such as the DELTA, DipTESOL, and Masters degrees, plus years of experience in top English language schools, they’ll provide you with valuable guidance and support. They’ve written textbooks, trained teachers, and shaped industry standards – so you can be sure you’re learning from the best.

What is Action Research?

Action Research is a practical approach to professional development that involves identifying a problem or area for improvement, implementing changes, and reflecting on the results. It's a powerful tool for educators and managers alike to enhance their practices and contribute to the overall success of their institution. In the words of Adrian Underhill, “Action research is not just a method; it is a way of being as a teacher, a way of seeing and understanding the classroom and our role within it.” For academic managers, fostering a reflective culture within your institution can lead to continuous improvement and innovation.

Will I be with the same people on every course?

You might see some familiar faces across different courses, but each course has its own group of students. So, whether you'll meet the same people again depends on which courses you choose.

Can I have a trial before committing to the whole IH Diploma?

We can’t offer a trial, but you can get a feel for the Diploma by enrolling in one course to start; that’s why we offer the option to pay for each course individually. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll get a 10% loyalty discount on any courses you take after the first one! Please keep in mind that the Action Research Project (ARP) cannot be discounted.

Which modules do you recommend?

This depends on the area of language teaching that you want to focus your career on, you can get in touch with us at ihotti@ihworld.com for advice.

Can the Diploma be completed in one year?

The Action Research Project is a crucial part of the diploma, so it's important to allocate enough time for it. While it’s possible to complete your five courses within a year, you’ll need to allow at least three months for the project. This gives you time to do your best work and delve deeper into a topic that interests you.

What is the reading list?

Each course includes all the reading materials you’ll need to succeed, so you won’t need to go and buy any textbooks to be able to engage with the content of the diploma. We've designed our course this way to be as accessible as possible; you'll find all the necessary resources available on our learning platform. Nonetheless, we encourage you to pursue your learning as far as you’d like! While we provide plenty of reading, you can always explore the topic further if you’re interested. Some modules suggest extra reading to help you dive deeper and strengthen your reflective portfolio.

IH Diploma in
Academic Management

Students

Schools

Reach Your Full Potential With the IH Diploma in Academic Management

IH Diploma in Academic Management: Key Information

Format:

Duration:

Certificate:

Fee: