Master of Leadership for Development (Online)

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with honours (minimum Upper Second (2:1) or international equivalent) and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience; or a H2B (70%) or equivalent at The University of Melbourne.

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Months of entry

September

Course content

Created in partnership with the University of Melbourne, this pioneering Master of Leadership for Development online course offers a practical approach to leadership development, combining critical thinking with hands-on skills. You’ll explore key themes like communication, decision-making, and self-reflection, and apply them to real-world challenges. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to lead positive change in any development context.

The course is delivered 100% online and can be completed in 24 months part-time.

Two world-leading institutions

As a student of this course, you’ll benefit from two world-leading institutions. Both The University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne are in the top 50 universities in the world (34th and 13th respectively - QS 2025). The University of Manchester is ranked as the 6th best university in the UK and the 10th best in Europe; and the University of Melbourne is ranked 1st in Australia (QS 2025).

Course unit overview

Contemporary Development

This unit explores the evolving global landscape and its impact on development challenges. It delves into key development theories, paradigms, and concepts, and examines the implications of shifting power dynamics on development institutions, programs, and frameworks.

Contemporary Leadership

This unit focuses on leadership theory, exploring the foundations of influence and the role of situational factors. It examines different leadership styles and models, the distinction between leadership and management, and the qualities required for effective leadership.

Leading Development

This unit examines the unique aspects of leadership in the development sector, particularly the post-heroic perspective. It draws on development and leadership concepts to develop a leadership model suitable for global development contexts.

Organisation Development and Change

This unit focuses on organizational change and development. It explores theoretical foundations from applied behavioral science, including interventions at individual, group, and organizational levels. It also covers leadership development and succession planning strategies.

International Management and Leadership

This unit examines the internationalization of organizations, particularly multilateral institutions and NGOs. It explores challenges and opportunities in addressing global inequalities and global trends such as public-private partnerships, social entrepreneurship, and value chain arrangements.

Leadership Skills in Action

This unit provides practical application of leadership and management skills through simulations. Participants will tackle real-world development challenges and practice managing change and leading through uncertainty.

Project

This unit involves undertaking a research-based project, either individually or as part of a group. The project allows students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a specific development issue.

Benefits to your career

• Master contextually relevant leadership skills: Leadership in development is contextually unique when compared to broader leadership. Learn leadership skills specifically tailored to development, preparing you for real-world challenges.
• Hone your practical skills: Build practical skills for effective negotiation, diplomacy and cross-cultural communication. You’ll understand different development paradigms and how to adapt strategies to various cultural and political contexts.
• Gain a global perspective: Global development challenges require globally minded, collaborative leaders. Through the course you will build a network of peers in the industry across the globe and learn from their experiences.
• Build your resilience: Complex development issues need resilient leaders. Build your resilience and practise applying your skills in real-life scenarios so you’re ready for the situations you’ll encounter as your career grows.
• Apply your knowledge to your work: Designed for working professionals, the course lets you apply your learning immediately to your current role. You can balance work, study, and personal commitments without needing to pause your career.

Fees and funding

Please view the course overview page on The University of Manchester website for more details of fees, plus any scholarships and bursaries applicable for this course. Application discount, Alumni discount and fee remissions are available.