Leadership Practice

MSc

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Part time 3 - 5 years

Overview

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    QS World University Rankings (2024)

  • Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025

The work-based Learning MSc in Leadership Practice is designed for professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive meaningful change within their organisations. This course is ideal for current and aspiring leaders, managers, and those in strategic roles who want to develop advanced capabilities in leading organisational change and innovation.

Course outline

The course covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for effective leadership. It begins with a core module on Leadership and Organisational Change, exploring leadership theories, change management models, and their practical application. You then choose from specialised modules, including Business Strategy and Innovation, which focuses on strategic analysis and innovation management; People, Culture and Organisational Performance, which examines the impact of organisational behaviour and culture; and Digital Innovation and Change, addressing the role of digital technologies in transforming organisations and professional practice.

During the programme you will tailor your learning by selecting further modules from a portfolio that includes Compassionate and Inclusive Leadership, Financial Decision-Making, Managing Projects, Sustainability and Ethics, and Advanced Coaching and Mentoring. The course also features a significant research component through the Practitioner Research for Work-based Transformation module, where you will conduct a work-based project addressing a critical organisational need. This module enhances research skills and the ability to implement sustainable changes within your organisation.

Flexible delivery

The MSc in Leadership Practice is structured with maximum flexibility and choice in mind, perfect for fitting into your busy life. The course is delivered through distance learning, allowing you to study from anywhere at your own pace over three to five years. This means you can seamlessly balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments.

Although the course is primarily online, if you can visit the campus, you have the opportunity to attend additional activities offered by the Management School, such as Masterclasses and networking events, where you can deepen your learning and connect with peers and industry professionals.

You'll benefit from the support of module tutors who are specialists in their fields, ensuring you receive expert guidance and insights. Additionally, each student is assigned a learning coach to provide personalised support and advice throughout the course. This combination of specialist tutors and dedicated learning coaches ensures that you have the resources and support you need to succeed in your studies and apply your learning effectively in your workplace.

Assessment

Your work will be assessed through a variety of coursework methods that relate directly to your workplace and role, ensuring that your learning is practical and applicable. There are no exams or theoretical case studies. Instead, you will create your own key projects and areas of focus, tailored to your professional context and goals.

Assessments include reports and presentations, posters, plans, and projects. You will engage in individual assessments for most modules, however there will also be opportunities to complete collaborative assignments, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that all your work is directly relevant to your career, providing immediate benefits to both you and your organisation.

Course outcomes

The learning on this programme is not just theoretical - it's practical and immediately applicable in your workplace. You’ll be able to take what you learn and put it into practice right away, making a tangible difference. This means you’ll see the benefits of your learning from day one, not just after graduation.

Follow a personalised learning pathway and choose specialised modules to match your interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in Business Strategy and Innovation, People, Culture and Organisational Performance, or Digital Innovation and Change, you can tailor this programme to your needs. You'll build skills that will boost your career and empower you to lead and innovate within your organisation.

If you’re considering taking your learning further, this programme lays a solid foundation for doctoral studies. It also prepares you for sharing your insights through publications and conferences, helping you gain recognition in your field.

Overall, the MSc in Leadership Practice is designed to help you grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact in your professional life. We’re excited to support you on this journey and see the incredible things you’ll achieve.

Course duration

This programme will take 3 -5 years to complete.

Start dates

We are recruiting now for January and June 2025 starts. For more information or to apply please make an enquiry.

Entry requirements

Applicants will be employed in a role that allows the scope to undertake postgraduate work-integrated projects, and have employer/ stakeholder support. Entry to apprenticeship courses is subject to eligibility criteria. A first degree is not always necessary.

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

Detailed module information for this postgraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2025/26 (Per 10 credit module)

Home and International: £520

  • MSc/MA = 180 credits
  • PGDip = 120 credits
  • PGCert = 60 credits

Find more information on course fees and start dates for executive education programmes.

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 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.

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