Course overview

Our MA in Leadership aims to meet the personal and professional requirements of leaders within contemporary organisations. The course is delivered through tutor-supported online learning. The emphasis is on a strong practical and professional skills. It is a modern, forward-thinking course with a focus on leadership competencies, strategic leadership, decision making and leadership in the globalised world.

The course philosophy is based on understanding a clear distinction between the concepts of leadership and management. We define the leadership function as relating to developing visions of the future, seeing the big picture, motivating and inspiring the workforce and producing change. Management relates to handling detailed operational issues such as planning, budgeting, staffing and problem solving. Our course focuses on leadership rather than management issues.

Your learning will be centred around Anglia Ruskin University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This online portal has been designed to maximise the opportunities for communication between students and tutors, enabling us to support you throughout your studies and for you to share ideas and feedback with your fellow students. The VLE also help you to manage your studies, enabling you to engage with the course at times that suit you. Learning activities will include work-based tasks, case studies, online conferencing, group work and self-managed learning.

Throughout the course you will be fully supported by Anglia Ruskin University's academic staff via electronic communication. You will also be entitled to use the University's facilities (e.g. the library) just like any other student. We have an extensive e-library containing journals and books and our other student support services are designed to be available and accessible to people studying off-campus. You may also be able to access a university library local to you via the SCONUL scheme.

The course will enable you to:

• develop a broad understanding of the principles and practices of leadership, and develop a critical awareness of your own leadership effectiveness
• develop key leadership competencies including negotiation, decision making, time management, team leadership, stress management, conflict resolution, and communication and presentation skills
• develop advanced leadership competencies and awareness including organisational transformation, innovation, intercultural leadership, power and politics, emotional and spiritual intelligence, and an understanding of leader-led dynamics
• handle complex organisational issues from a leadership perspective across a wide range of disciplines
• participate in a stimulating and supportive learning environment, which will foster personal growth and effectiveness as a leader
• benefit from the cutting-edge knowledge and experience of our wide range of expert practitioners, professors of management practice and visiting fellows, giving you the latest insights into contemporary global leadership issues.

Module guide

This is a clearly structured, three-phase course. Phase 1 focuses on gaining a thorough understanding of the leadership function, and the skills and competencies that are required for a leader to be effective. Phase 2 examines strategic leadership and the global context, while providing insights into contemporary research and leading-edge practice. Phase 3 equips you with the skills and competencies to conduct advanced research and gives you the opportunity to examine an area of specialism in greater depth.

Assessment

Assessment
Assessment has been designed to reflect and develop the skills leaders use in their professional environment, so you will be assessed on written assignments, presentations, reflective portfolios and personal development plans. There are no formal examinations.

Your learning will be centred around Anglia Ruskin's 'Virtual Learning Environment'. This online portal has been designed to maximise the opportunities for communication between students and tutors, enabling us to support you throughout your studies and for you to share ideas and feedback with your fellow students.

Teaching will include lectures, seminars, video and case studies. You will also learn through work-based tasks, case studies, online conferencing, group work and self-managed learning.

Facilities

Students will require access to a PC with Microsoft Office or similar software plus an internet connection, preferably a broadband connection.

Special features

Qualifications
On successful completion of Phase 1, you will be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert). You can then progress on to Phase 2, where you will work towards a Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip). On completion of the PG Dip, you can then enter Phase 3, which will culminate with the award of the Masters (MA).

Virtual Learning Environment
The course is delivered using Anglia Ruskin's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is a web-based facility that manages students learning and enables you to communicate with your tutor and with your fellow students. Through the VLE we are able to deliver support at times that suit you, and students are able to share ideas and feedback with each other, work on collaborative projects and receive guidance from their tutors.

University Library
We have an extensive e-library containing journals and books and our other student support services are designed to be available and accessible to people studying off-campus. You may also be able to access a university library local to you via the SCONUL scheme.

Associated careers

This course will equip you with the skills, competences and understanding to develop your career in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors, particularly in areas of leadership responsibility. Because the course reflects upon your work and your experience, it will enable you to apply the learning to your own context and to build expertise in areas that interest you.

Entry requirements

Normally entry to the MA Leadership will require: a UK university degree or equivalent. This will be at a minimum of lower second class honours, and; previous relevant leadership or supervisory experience; preferably two years at junior or middle management level.

Those applicants for whom English is not a first language will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent; Candidates who do not possess these entry criteria, but can demonstrate appropriate relevant experience in a post of management or professional responsibility, may be admitted if, in the opinion of the admissions tutor, they are capable of profiting from and contributing to the pathway.

Requests for admission with AP(E)L will be managed via standard university procedures.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements