Transform the world and your career by becoming a Master of Leadership for Development

In an ever-changing global landscape with increasing development challenges such as rising inequality and poverty, climate vulnerability, human rights violations, and national and international conflicts, leadership is a crucial skill needed to tackle these issues and drive global change for good.

As Dr Jaco Renken, course director at The University of Manchester argues, ‘What we need in today’s society is a committed group of globally minded, locally focused leaders, prepared for the challenges of tomorrow and better equipped to lead and advance development.’ The pioneering Master of Leadership for Development course, delivered in partnership between The University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne, is designed to empower leaders to effect a lasting, global impact in development.

A first-of-its-kind programme

Designed for those working in or alongside the global development sector, the course draws on the expertise of academics across two leading institutes in the development field and provides a collaborative, forward-looking approach to contemporary development challenges. Ranked as the second-best university in the world for action on sustainable development goals (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022), The University of Manchester is at the forefront of taking on present and future challenges in international development. By taking this course, you will be too.

You will, alongside a cohort of sector-wide colleagues, build your leadership capabilities; learn to navigate the complexities and challenges of contemporary development; build practical skills for effective negotiation, diplomacy and cross-cultural communication; champion positive, proactive and improved social transformation in a global context; and develop the digital competencies required in the modern development sector.

Seopedi Baitsile, founder of The Upcycle Project and Master of Leadership for Development student has found the programme fulfils both her career goals and the needs of the sector, stating ‘It provides the theoretical background about the world’s development challenges, but is also future-focused and deliberate about making leaders that will serve in various fields of the sector.’

Learning in balance with your life

The course is designed to fit alongside your ongoing work in this vital sector and will in, most instances, involve applying your experience to the course material. Being fully online, this part-time master’s gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world and the freedom to fit your studies around your day-to-day life.

Through our highly interactive teaching platform you will learn from and collaborate with your colleagues and fellow students, enabling you to take a truly global approach to your studies while benefitting from a range of transnational perspectives. You will be able to apply this knowledge to your work from day one and practise using your skills to real life scenarios, further preparing you for the situations you will encounter as a leader in development.

With a range of scholarship opportunities and discounts, like the Alumni Bursary and the Sustainability Development Goals Scholarship, funding your studies can be made more affordable. You can explore funding options further here

Find out more about the Master of Leadership for Development including entry requirements, course content and how to apply here

Just Leadership? Is it Possible?

If you wish to learn more about this programme and the issues being addressed by academics and students, there is a free webinar on Tuesday 9 November entitled Just Leadership? Is it possible?
In this webinar, leading academics and current students from the University of Manchester’s online Leadership for Development programme will discuss what it takes to be a just leader in an international development context.

The session introduces the course and how it can provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead in the development sector. You will also have the chance to learn more about the funding opportunities available for the next intake of students in September 2024.