Overview
The Strategic Leadership MSc is a part-time, flexible, work-based programme. It’s delivered using a blended learning model.
You’ll have monthly one-day study blocks on campus during teaching time which supports your online learning. This will still allow you to study flexibly around your commitments.
This Master’s is designed for established organisational leaders and for those aspiring to become one. It will provide the development you need to:
- Develop a critical mindset
- Champion social justice
- Embrace sustainability
- Shape the future and create actionable change
The curriculum is dynamic and instantly applicable to your leadership practice. It combines:
- world-leading research
- thought leaders from the world of policy and practice
- real-time projects
The programme is also work-based and experiential. It’s been designed to enable you to learn through working on real organisational challenges. You’ll reflect on your own professional practice and through group action learning.
Throughout the duration of the Master’s course, you’ll become an ‘Affiliate’ member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This will give you access to a range of membership support and resources.
When you graduate, you’ll receive a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Management and Leadership*. There’s also the potential to achieve full Chartered Manager Status (CMgr). This is subject to meeting professional and work experience requirements.
Progression route
The Master’s course is available as a progression route when studying the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship. You will receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership. You can then progress to the full Master’s qualification.
Find out more about the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
*subject to successful completion of all required academic modules
READ LESS
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
The programme will develop your skills in:
- critical thinking
- analysis
- reflection
This will enable you to take a ‘deep dive’ into leadership theory through your own workplace experiences.
You’ll develop your own leadership identity and understand what it means to be a business leader in a global context. You’ll expand your knowledge of strategic leadership through critically exploring:
- leadership theory
- strategic decision-making in complex systems
- innovation and change
- sustainability
- inclusivity
- reflexivity for mastering leadership practice
This will prepare you and your organisation for the changing world of work.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Phase 1 (Year 1: Semesters 1 and 2)
The focus of this phase is to Explore. It will enable you to understand responsible leadership practice in relation to others, organisational performance and in a global context.
This phase includes four compulsory 20-credit modules. The modules are designed to provide you with a broad understanding of the main theories of leadership and organisational performance.
Two modules per semester are taught in parallel.
Phase 2 (Year 2: Semesters 1 and 2)
Building on the core understanding developed in Phase 1, the focus of this phase is to Challenge. You will develop your learning through two 20-credit modules. These modules will enable you to shape and lead the Future of Work.
Phase 3 (Year 2: Semesters 2 and 3)
The focus of this phase is to demonstrate impact. This phase will enable you to apply your learning and development in Phases 1 and 2 and to demonstrate impact in practice by undertaking the following 60-credit module:
This practical research-based module, together with the Exploring Theory in Practice modules in Phase 2, will enhance your strategic leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours.
You will also produce outputs that challenge you to develop insight at:
- a micro level of practice
- the meso level of your organisation and/or profession
- the macro environment in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals
How you’ll learn
Blended learning
Blended learning is delivered through online learning content. It is supported by circa monthly one-day study blocks on campus, during teaching time.
You’ll also engage individually and collectively with the programme through live scheduled online sessions.
Virtual learning
Your engagement will be supported by our virtual learning environment, Canvas. Canvas is a web-based system that does not need to be installed on your computer. Canvas runs on:
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
- any other device with a modern web browser
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral examination
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Some of our teaching staff on this course include:
- Dr Nicola Patterson (Degree Programme Director)
- Professor Sharon Mavin
- Dr Amy Stabler
- Dr Lucy Hatt
- Tracey Wilson
Your development
Practical skills
Apply your knowledge to real world problems and challenges. You’ll enhance your leadership practice and gain skills enabling you to:
- engage in leadership practices which are inclusive, critically reflective and collaborative
- manage complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty, and be pragmatic
- take personal accountability aligned to clear values
- act with integrity in challenging situations
Your future
Career development
This course offers a significant transformation in your career potential. We support your development and help you shape the next steps in your career journey.
Developing as a leader involves reflecting on:
- the strengths and attributes you bring to the role
- how best to apply your talents within any work context
- how you relate to others to influence their practising for strategic intent
You’ll be encouraged to develop a deeper awareness of yourself. This will lead to the articulation of a compelling professional identity.
The programme supports you in this process through:
- self-assessment activities
- compelling work-based assignments
- peer feedback
- group action learning
Careers support
Gain clarity about where you want your career to take you and the contributions you can make. We support you to articulate your knowledge and skills impact through work-based challenges.
The diversity of the programme’s cohort and alumni supports the growth of your professional network. This stimulates new connections for your career development.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Business and Management Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Newcastle University Business School accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Throughout the duration of the MSc, you will become an ‘Affiliate’ member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This will give you access to a range of membership support and resources.
When you graduate, you’ll receive a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Management and Leadership. This gives you the potential to achieve full Chartered Manager Status (CMgr), subject to meeting professional and work experience requirements.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.
Applicants with lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis.
You are expected to have a minimum of 3 years’ leadership/management experience.
You must currently be in paid employment.
Applicants will be interviewed before being accepted onto the programme.
