Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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9
9th for Business and Management in the UK
QS World University Rankings (2024)
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72
72nd for Business and Management in the world
QS World University Rankings (2024)
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Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2024
This programme is tailored for high-potential middle managers to enable them to take their leadership to the next level, creating significant impact in their organisation. It is also relevant for senior executives who would benefit from developing their expertise in contemporary leadership challenges.
It enables high-potential employees to reflect upon and develop their personal leadership philosophies, working within a structured programme that provides facilitated and flexible learning, coaching and peer and mentor support.
The key themes of the programme are related to meeting the challenges and expectations of contemporary organisations. These include:
- ethical and sustainable leadership
- compassionate approaches to people management
- talent management of inclusive and diverse teams
- succession planning
- entrepreneurial approaches to decision-making
- self-development
The programme offers perspectives on 'wise compassionate leadership': developing deep understanding of what motivates people and promotes their wellbeing. But it still tackles the hard things that leadership demands.
It is a work-based programme, supporting you to apply your learning in practice, with an emphasis on learning through the delivery of negotiated work-based projects.
Course structure
To achieve a Postgraduate Diploma, you will first complete the modules required for the Postgraduate Certificate. This is shown in year 1 of the course structure below.
You will then further develop your skills by completing the following:
- Negotiating Your Professional Development
- Optional modules
Students may also make a claim (Accreditation of Prior Learning) to gain credits for exemption from some modules.
This programme is a progression route from the Postgraduate Certificate.
Course duration
This programme will take 2 - 4 years to complete.
Entry requirements
Applicants should be employed in roles with leadership responsibility, with usually at least five years’ work experience. All applications require employer/stakeholder endorsement as you will be engaging in work-based projects. A first degree is not always essential; aptitude and experience are equally valued.
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
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Compassionate Leadership
This module examines models, theories and frameworks that underpin the concept of compassionate leadership which can help support the development of a healthier and happier organisation and community of professional practice. The module challenges leaders at every level to have the courage and authenticity to embody compassion in their professional leadership role. It explores the concepts and research around burn-out, emotional contagion and psychological safety, which contribute to a leader’s ability to notice and build compassion into their practice. You will have the opportunity to:
- self-reflect on your own self-compassion
- identify opportunities to apply principles to colleagues and team leadership
- take away practical solutions to influence a more compassionate culture in your organisation.
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Inclusive Leadership
This module examines concepts, theories and frameworks underpinning emerging leadership theories, challenges traditional notions of leadership, explores key issues in and complexities surrounding inclusive leadership, and examines approaches to developing better equality, diversity and inclusion strategies. You will have the opportunity to assess critically both policies and practices within your organisation whilst reflecting on your own inclusive leadership skills.
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Personal Learning and Development
This module is mandatory and integral to your Postgraduate Certificate Programme. It initiates your programme by facilitating activities to raise self-awareness about your strengths, development needs and the skills and knowledge you need to for your personal and professional development. This enables you to negotiate a programme of study that best fits your personal and professional development needs, with the support of a learning mentor who will support you during the length of your programme of study.
Further to designing and negotiating your programme, this module will shadow your learning journey through to completion. The module’s main purpose is to facilitate your ‘learning about learning’ and develop this critical lifelong and work-based skill. This should bring confidence to critically evaluate and challenge ideas, have a voice to make a case and communicate complex ideas to different audiences.
Duration, attendance and delivery
You will normally start this module at the beginning of your Postgraduate Certificate Programme. The module course usually lasts 12 months as it runs alongside your taught courses in the Postgraduate Certificate. There is a face-to-face workshop at the start of the module and then the module learning consists of online self-study, online group mentoring, personal mentoring, reflection activities, and completion of a learning portfolio.
Assessment
You will be assessed at the end of the module through submission of a learning portfolio that represents the progress of your learning from the beginning to the end of this module. You will be assessed against the module learning outcomes, including evidence of learning with and from others on the modules that comprise your programme.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in work (paid or unpaid) in a role which enables you to meet the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate.
Start dates
- January
- April
- September
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
Optional
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Business Ethics and Sustainability
The responsibilities of managers and leaders are wide ranging and expanding to include wider ethical, environmental and social issues. This module aims to provide exposure to these issues with a view to examining the assumptions, practices, strategies and consequences of business and management activity. Ultimately, we strive to prepare future decision-makers for the challenges and uncertainties of an increasingly interconnected, interdependent and complex world.
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Entrepreneurial Decision-making
This module examines theories, models and frameworks underpinning entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial approaches to leadership and management and for understanding the complexities surrounding innovation. You will have the opportunity to identify and assess entrepreneurial opportunities within your own organisation. You will also:
- examine the impact of decision-making approaches, data, disruptive technologies and drivers of change
- consider creative, ethical and sustainable ways of working
- reflect on your own entrepreneurial leadership skills.
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Introduction to Mentoring & Coaching
Overview
Increasingly, organisations see the benefits of mentoring and coaching as a way to develop individuals in line with organisational objectives. Line managers and trainers can use mentoring and coaching skills as a way to support and develop staff.
This course is suitable for anyone wishing to gain personal knowledge, understanding and skills of mentoring and coaching with a view to applying these skills to their practice. It is also appropriate for managers and others who wish to consider whether this approach is appropriate for introduction into their organisations.
You will develop your understanding of well-researched approaches, techniques and frameworks and develop your mentoring and coaching skills. We will explore key principles and processes such as confidentiality, values and ethics and support you to consider them in your practice.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence, all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
Start dates
- May
- November
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
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Leading and Managing People
Overview
- Managing people for effective performance through the life cycle of employment
- Managing day-to-day performance
- Dealing with performance issues
- Understanding an individual’s motivation, personality, and behaviours
- Developing appropriate, effective people management responses
- Leading and developing your staff
Upon completion of the course, you will have developed an understanding of best practices in terms of managing staff performance and will have developed a range of skills to enhance your ability to lead and manage staff routinely. You will have increased your understanding of the behaviours and motivation of others, explored a range of tactics to engage staff and improved your own ability to manage staff performance.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
Start dates
- June
- November
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
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Negotiating and Influencing Skills
Overview
The ability to influence others and negotiate with those of opposing views is common in many situations, such as communicating with customers, clients, stakeholders, work colleagues, and even friends and family!
This course will give you an understanding of the key principles of negotiation and influence, which can be of great benefit, together with the opportunity to learn and practise effective strategies used by successful negotiators. Topics covered include:
- Communication modes – what are the key aspects of influence?
- Skills of persuasion
- Appreciative Inquiry
- Negotiating skills and approaches
- Self-management – resourcefulness and resilience
- Flexibility of approach
- Win-win strategies
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
Start dates
- February
- July
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
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Work-based Improvement and Innovation Project
The project syllabus will be largely determined by the focus and nature of your project and will be agreed between you and your mentor-facilitator. You will be guided, supported and encouraged to take a proactive role in designing your own learning. It is likely this learning will be located in the following areas:
- Knowledge creation - identifying potential enquiry approaches suitable for work-based projects that deliver impact
- Developing critical cognitive skills for questioning and challenging existing organisational ideas and practices
- Developing clarity and consistency in communicating with a range of organisational and academic audiences.
- Exploring social and ethical challenges in changing organisational contexts
Core
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Negotiating your Professional Development
This module is a key part of how we support you in customising your postgraduate programme.
You will:
- Develop your learning objectives to meet your personal development needs, the needs of your workplace and the requirements of the university.
- Update your personal development plan.
- Engage with your key stakeholders to determine organisational needs and the requirements for a substantive work-based project.
- Negotiate your future postgraduate programme, selecting modules to best meet your needs.
- Outline a proposal for a work-based project to fulfil personal, organisational and university requirements.
You will also negotiate timescales, target award and award title to construct an achievable programme that meets both your career aspirations and the requirements for success at postgraduate level.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The module lasts approximately 10 weeks and includes one introductory workshop/webinar, followed by online study, tutorials with your mentor, application of your learning in your workplace, and the completion of assessment tasks.
Assessment
This module assessment is in two parts: a negotiated development plan, and a supporting rationale.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows scope to apply your learning in practice. This is a core module for all Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's Degrees and is not available as a free-standing short course.
Start dates
- January
- March
- June
- September
Optional
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Accounting and Finance
It is imperative that managers understand the role and purpose of finance in organisations whether this be the financial reporting requirement, internal decision making or capital structure decision. This module attempts to impart this understanding. The course will provide a general understanding of theoretical and practical financial issues, particularly the use of financial information and analysis in strategic decision making.
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Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
Overview
Creative thinking is the ability to imagine or invent something new and is a powerful skill in the work context spanning the spectrum of 'brilliant ideas' to 'better ways of doing things'. It can be closely linked to problem-solving. This course will help you develop your abilities and support you to develop a creative, innovative culture in your team.
You will examine concepts and models used to stimulate creative thinking and frameworks for problem-solving and assess their applicability and usefulness to your work. For example, you might look at the work of experts such as Edward de Bono and evaluate ideas such as ‘left and right brain thinking’, ‘six thinking hats’ and a ‘solution focus rather than a problem focus’.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence, all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
Start dates
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February
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November
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
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Developing Emotional Intelligence
Overview
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to be aware of one's own and other people's emotions, to differentiate between different emotions and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour. There are different perspectives on EI, including the work of Daniel Goleman, who has linked it to self-awareness, self-management and the development of approaches for leading and working with others, for example, developing insight and empathy.
In this course, you will explore and critique the concept of EI as well as evaluate different models in terms of their validity and effectiveness. You will explore how you can apply emotional intelligence in your workplace, to yourself and in analysing and understanding others, increasing your ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions. We will also critically analyse the applicability of EI to areas such as job performance, leadership, team effectiveness and cultural awareness.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence, all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
Start dates
- May
- October
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
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Enhanced Coaching Skills
This module examines more advanced theories of coaching and is an ideal add-on to the Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring Module. It explores a broad range of tools and strategies to support coaching in different workplace contexts, examining approaches such as Gestalt, solution-focused coaching, and cognitive behavioural coaching. It also looks at the application of coaching to different settings such as team coaching, leadership coaching and how coaching can impact organisational culture when it is the preferred way to resolve problems and develop others.
It is a practical module whereby you will be expected to experiment with different approaches and critically review how well your organisation embeds a coaching culture.
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Future-proofing your Career
How can you develop 'career confidence' to ensure that you make the most informed choices for your career, job satisfaction and wellbeing?
It is quite common to experience career drift. People often find themselves in a job role by chance and forget to take control of their own career life. Whether at the start of your career or feeling stuck midway or later, there is a way to steer your career and supercharge it.
This module aims to guide post-experience students in the purposeful use of employability and career development research to inform their choices and prompt positive actions that ready them for career development and career change.
You will have the chance to evaluate your existing qualifications, experience and preferences in the light of the prevailing labour market, making use of psychometric tools and in-depth self-assessment. The learning will support the development of the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for career success.
You will learn how to identify and select a range of attractive and interesting opportunities for career development both inside and outside your current employment and develop a personal career development plan with the guidance of an experienced career development coach.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+ model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a professional work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
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Operations Management
The aim of this module is to improve your understanding of operations management and its contribution to the success of an organisation. We will discuss the key integrating role of operations as the connection between strategy and the delivery of a product or service to a customer. The tools and concepts that will be covered in this course apply to both manufacturing and service operations, and so will be relevant for all organisations.
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Systems Thinking
Overview
This module is for anyone grappling with change in a complex environment where systems, relationships and business boundaries are interdependent. This is becoming more prevalent in healthcare organisations whereby acute trusts, community healthcare, public health and social care work across traditional boundaries to solve problems. Despite this, systems thinking is applicable to organisations in other sectors. For example, a major US software organisation used systems thinking to analyse poor sales performance by using systems thinking tools to understand cross-divisional processes and relationships. During this module, you will explore complexity science theory and human system dynamics, evaluating tools and techniques to identify creative and efficient solutions to problems.
Duration, attendance and delivery
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
Assessment
At the end of the course you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
Start dates
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May
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
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Fees and funding
Fees for 2024/25 (Per 10 credit module)
Home and International: £500
- MSc/MA = 180 credits
- PGDip = 120 credits
- PGCert = 60 credits
Find more information on course fees and start dates for executive education programmes.
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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What is my fee status?
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Management and Business
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives MSc
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives PGCert
- Business Administration MBA
- Business Administration (Executive) MBA
- Business Analytics MSc
- Cyber Security Executive MBA MBA
- Digital Business, Innovation and Management MSc
- Human Resource Management MSc
- Human Resources and Consulting MA
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgCert
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgDip
- International Business and Strategy MSc
- International Masters Program for Managers No Qual (PGT)
- Leadership and Management PgCert
- Leadership and Management (Health Care) PgCert
- Leadership Practice MSc
- Leadership Practice PgDip
- Leadership Practice (Apprenticeship Pathway) PgDip
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
- Management MSc
- Management (Entrepreneurship and Strategy) PhD
- Management (Organisation, Work and Technology) PhD
- Management Science MRes
- Management Science PhD
- Management Science PhD (Integrated)
- Medical Leadership MSc
- Medical Leadership PgDip
- Medical Leadership PgCert
- Organisation, Work and Technology MRes
- Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
- Professional Development PGCert
- Professional Practice MA
- Professional Practice MSc
- Professional Practice PgCert
- Professional Practice PgDip
- Project Management MSc
- Theory and Practice of Management PhD
- Theory and Practice of Management (IDPM) PhD
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 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.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Why Lancaster?
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League tables and reputation
A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.
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Colleges and community
Your college will be your home away from home.
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Careers and employability
Career support for our students through university and beyond.
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Student life
Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.
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Where is Lancaster?
Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.
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The campus and the city
Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.
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Your global experience
Build your global community on campus and around the world.
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Wellbeing and support
Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.
