Overview
This programme is tailored for high-potential middle managers to enable them to take their leadership to the next level, creating significant impact in their organisation. It is also relevant for senior executives who would benefit from developing their expertise around contemporary leadership challenges.
It enables high-potential employees to reflect upon and develop their personal leadership philosophies, working within a structured programme that provides facilitated and flexible learning, coaching and peer and mentor support.
The key themes of the programme are related to meeting the challenges and expectations of contemporary organisations. These include:
- ethical and sustainable leadership
- compassionate approaches to people management
- talent management of inclusive and diverse teams
- succession planning
- entrepreneurial approaches to decision-making
- self-development
The programme offers perspectives on 'wise compassionate leadership': developing deep understanding of what motivates people and promotes their wellbeing. But it still tackles the hard things that leadership demands.
It is a work-based programme, supporting you to apply your learning in practice, with an emphasis on learning through the delivery of negotiated work-based projects.
Course structure
You will complete the three core modules outlined in the course structure below.
You then have to complete one of the following modules: Business Ethics and Sustainability, or Entrepreneurial Decision-making.
Then you can choose either: two 10-credit optional modules, or the Work-based Improvement and Innovation Project (which is 20 credits).
Students may also make a claim (Accreditation of Prior Learning) to gain credits for exemption from some modules.
Course duration
This programme will take 1-3 academic years to complete.
Entry requirements
Applicants should be employed in roles with leadership responsibility, with usually at least five years’ work experience. All applications require employer/stakeholder endorsement as you will be engaging in work-based projects. A first degree is not always essential; aptitude and experience are equally valued.
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
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This module examines models, theories and frameworks that underpin the concept of compassionate leadership which can help support the development of a healthier and happier organisation and community of professional practice. The module challenges leaders at every level to have the courage and authenticity to embody compassion in their professional leadership role. It explores the concepts and research around burn-out, emotional contagion and psychological safety, which contribute to a leader’s ability to notice and build compassion into their practice. You will have the opportunity to:
- self-reflect on your own self-compassion
- identify opportunities to apply principles to colleagues and team leadership
- take away practical solutions to influence a more compassionate culture in your organisation.
This module examines concepts, theories and frameworks underpinning emerging leadership theories, challenges traditional notions of leadership, explores key issues in and complexities surrounding inclusive leadership, and examines approaches to developing better equality, diversity and inclusion strategies. You will have the opportunity to assess critically both policies and practices within your organisation whilst reflecting on your own inclusive leadership skills.
This module is mandatory and integral to your Postgraduate Certificate Programme. It initiates your programme by facilitating activities to raise self-awareness about your strengths, development needs and the skills and knowledge you need to for your personal and professional development. This enables you to negotiate a programme of study that best fits your personal and professional development needs, with the support of a learning mentor who will support you during the length of your programme of study.
Further to designing and negotiating your programme, this module will shadow your learning journey through to completion. The module’s main purpose is to facilitate your ‘learning about learning’ and develop this critical lifelong and work-based skill. This should bring confidence to critically evaluate and challenge ideas, have a voice to make a case and communicate complex ideas to different audiences.
Duration, attendance and delivery
You will normally start this module at the beginning of your Postgraduate Certificate Programme. The module course usually lasts 12 months as it runs alongside your taught courses in the Postgraduate Certificate. There is a face-to-face workshop at the start of the module and then the module learning consists of online self-study, online group mentoring, personal mentoring, reflection activities, and completion of a learning portfolio.
Assessment
You will be assessed at the end of the module through submission of a learning portfolio that represents the progress of your learning from the beginning to the end of this module. You will be assessed against the module learning outcomes, including evidence of learning with and from others on the modules that comprise your programme.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in work (paid or unpaid) in a role which enables you to meet the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate.
Start dates
- January
- April
- September
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
Optional
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The responsibilities of managers and leaders are wide ranging and expanding to include wider ethical, environmental and social issues. This module aims to provide exposure to these issues with a view to examining the assumptions, practices, strategies and consequences of business and management activity. Ultimately, we strive to prepare future decision-makers for the challenges and uncertainties of an increasingly interconnected, interdependent and complex world.
This module examines theories, models and frameworks underpinning entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial approaches to leadership and management and for understanding the complexities surrounding innovation. You will have the opportunity to identify and assess entrepreneurial opportunities within your own organisation. You will also:
- examine the impact of decision-making approaches, data, disruptive technologies and drivers of change
- consider creative, ethical and sustainable ways of working
- reflect on your own entrepreneurial leadership skills.
The project syllabus will be largely determined by the focus and nature of your project and will be agreed between you and your mentor-facilitator. You will be guided, supported and encouraged to take a proactive role in designing your own learning. It is likely this learning will be located in the following areas:
- Knowledge creation - identifying potential enquiry approaches suitable for work-based projects that deliver impact
- Developing critical cognitive skills for questioning and challenging existing organisational ideas and practices
- Developing clarity and consistency in communicating with a range of organisational and academic audiences.
- Exploring social and ethical challenges in changing organisational contexts
Fees and funding
Fees for 2024/25 (Per 10 credit module)
Home and International: £500
- MSc/MA = 180 credits
- PGDip = 120 credits
- PGCert = 60 credits
Find more information on course fees and start dates for executive education programmes.
Additional fees and funding information accordion
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Management and Business
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives MSc
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives PGDip
- Business Administration MBA
- Business Administration (Executive) MBA
- Business Analytics MSc
- Cyber Security Executive MBA MBA
- Digital Business, Innovation and Management MSc
- Human Resource Management MSc
- Human Resources and Consulting MA
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgCert
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgDip
- International Business and Strategy MSc
- International Masters Program for Managers No Qual (PGT)
- Leadership and Management PgCert
- Leadership and Management (Health Care) PgCert
- Leadership Practice MSc
- Leadership Practice PgDip
- Leadership Practice (Apprenticeship Pathway) PgDip
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
- Management MSc
- Management (Entrepreneurship and Strategy) PhD
- Management (Organisation, Work and Technology) PhD
- Management Science MRes
- Management Science PhD
- Management Science PhD (Integrated)
- Medical Leadership MSc
- Medical Leadership PgDip
- Medical Leadership PgCert
- Organisation, Work and Technology MRes
- Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
- Professional Development PGCert
- Professional Practice MA
- Professional Practice MSc
- Professional Practice PgCert
- Professional Practice PgDip
- Project Management MSc
- Theory and Practice of Management PhD
- Theory and Practice of Management (IDPM) PhD
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.