13
13th for Business and Management in the UK
QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025)
99
99th for Business and Management in the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025)
Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2026
The Advanced Professional Practice Postgraduate Certificate offers you a flexible, bespoke work-based route to a postgraduate qualification. Designed to align with your professional needs and aspirations, this programme allows you to customise your learning journey while delivering valuable outcomes for your organisation. You will benefit from a highly relevant and customised programme that integrates your professional practice with academic learning.
Enrolling in this programme offers numerous benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal development. Here’s what you can expect:
If you’re considering taking your learning further, this programme can lead to a Postgraduate Diploma and Master's (MSc) in Advanced Professional Practice, with specialism in your chosen area of study, for example, sustainability, innovation and improvement, and organisation development. The master's itself lays a solid foundation for doctoral studies, preparing you for sharing your insights through publications and conferences and helping you to gain recognition in your field.
The programme is structured with maximum flexibility and choice, perfect for fitting into your busy life. The course is delivered through distance learning, allowing you to study from anywhere at your own pace over one to three years. This means you can seamlessly balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments.
Although the course is primarily online, students who can visit the campus have the opportunity to engage in additional face-to-face events.
You'll benefit from the support of module tutors who are specialists in their fields, ensuring you receive expert guidance and insights. Additionally, each student is assigned a learning coach to provide personalised support and advice throughout the course. This combination of specialist tutors and dedicated learning coaches ensures that you have the resources and support you need to succeed in your studies and apply your learning effectively in your workplace.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Practice is assessed through various coursework methods that relate directly to your workplace and role, ensuring that your learning is practical and applicable. There are no exams or theoretical case studies. Instead, you will create your own key projects and areas of focus tailored to your professional context and goals.
Assessments include reports and presentations, posters, plans, and projects. You will engage in both individual and collaborative assignments, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that all your work is directly relevant to your career, providing immediate benefits to both you and your organisation.
We look forward to supporting you on your journey through this postgraduate diploma. The programme will equip you with the tools and knowledge to become an effective leader and drive positive change within your organisation.
This programme will take one to three years to complete
An undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.
We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications, please contact us for information.
Applicants usually have at least three years of experience in a role with the scope for them to apply their learning in the workplace.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.
We also have more details on our website about:
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master's pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master's degrees. Visit INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Master your professional growth and foster continuous development with this essential module. Designed for ambitious professionals, it combines reflective practice, ethical professionalism, and strategic career planning, focusing on critical skills needed to advance your career.
You will explore foundational theories such as:
By critically evaluating these theoretical frameworks, you will discover practical ways to enhance your own professional development and that of others within your organisation. Assessment methods include reflective reports and active participation in discussion forums, emphasising practical application through case studies and individual development plans. This module uniquely prepares you to navigate career transitions and develop essential professional competencies in today's rapidly changing world.
Enhance your leadership and management skills through this advanced module. It provides deep insights into coaching and mentoring theories, principles, and effective practice strategies. You will explore the psychological foundations of successful coaching, master various coaching and mentoring tools, and critically evaluate their real-world applications.
This module focuses on practical skills. You will be encouraged to reflect on your personal coaching experiences, analyse the effectiveness of coaching sessions, and explore the transformative impact of coaching cultures within organisations. Stand out by gaining proficiency in advanced coaching methodologies, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and promoting organisational growth and talent retention.
Assessments involve detailed case studies of coaching sessions and reflective reports. This will prepare you for professional accreditation and career advancement in leadership and coaching roles.
This impactful module will help you become an empathetic and inclusive leader. It merges theory with practical strategies to help you foster an environment of psychological safety, empathy, and diversity. You will enhance your self-awareness and empathetic listening skills while critically analysing current organisational practices.
This module will prepare you to build inclusive, resilient teams that achieve their highest potential. You will explore essential concepts such as:
You will benefit professionally from improved emotional intelligence, stronger team cohesion, and the ability to cultivate equitable organisational cultures. You will be assessed through reflective journals, critical organisational evaluations, and practical implementation strategies. This will enable you to directly influence positive cultural shifts within your professional setting.
Prepare to become a visionary leader who can drive digital transformation in your organisation. This cutting-edge module blends strategic insight with operational practicality. The digital leadership themes we will cover include:
The module is designed for leaders who wish to develop a robust understanding of digital ecosystems and platform-based business models alongside techniques for effectively managing digital change and overcoming cultural resistance. You will learn how your organisation can leverage data-driven decision-making capabilities, enabling you to implement ethical and impactful AI and automation solutions. This module elevates your strategic thinking and future-proofs your career by preparing you for upcoming technological disruptions.
Distinctive features include practical case studies, scenario planning exercises, and interactive masterclasses. You will be assessed through practical digital transformation project proposals, reflective essays on ethical considerations, and strategic analyses. This hands-on approach will prepare you to apply these techniques in your workplace.
Gain key insights into excellence in project management through this foundation module. Essential for those new to project management, the curriculum covers key project management principles aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 8th edition. Engage actively in simulated team-based projects, allowing you to apply essential methodologies and tools immediately.
This module prepares you for various project management roles by equipping you with essential practical skills such as strategic planning, effective team collaboration, and critical problem-solving. You will benefit professionally from increased project delivery effectiveness, enhanced leadership capabilities, and the practical ability to consistently manage and deliver successful outcomes.
What sets this module apart is its unique blend of theory and practice, ensuring you leave prepared for real-world project challenges. You will be assessed through a combination of team-based project reports, reflective diaries, and strategic analyses, thoroughly preparing you for successful professional practice in the project arena.
Unlock your unique writing voice and learn to captivate your readers through this dynamic module. This module is ideal for aspiring writers aiming for professional publication and for professionals looking to master impactful workplace writing. It guides you through the intricacies of compelling and persuasive communication.
You will explore acclaimed works across diverse genres, such as fiction, biography, memoir, essay, and case studies, to refine your style and enhance your critical analysis skills. You will develop proficiency in crafting concise, powerful arguments and master the art of clarity and brevity. Stand out in professional and academic settings by communicating your ideas effectively.
By completing this module, you will gain the skills to:
You will be assessed through a combination of practical writing assignments, reflective journals, and peer-reviewed projects, ensuring comprehensive skill development.
The total fee for the course is £3,120, with the option to set up a payment plan to spread the cost of the course.
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.
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 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
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.
For most taught postgraduate programmes starting in 2025 you must pay 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.
There is no application fee if you are applying for postgraduate study starting in 2026.
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.
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.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Find all fees and funding information for students at Lancaster University.
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.
This programme is part of a 3-stage pathway to a Master’s degree.
You can choose which stage you finish at and how long you spend at each stage.
For example, after completing your Postgraduate Certificate, you can choose to take the additional modules that would earn you a Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree.
The first stage of Master's education and the shortest award available.
The second stage of Master's education. You’ll take additional modules to the modules you’ve taken at the Postgraduate Certificate stage.
The final stage of Master's education. You'll take 1 module additional to the modules you’ve taken at the Postgraduate Diploma stage. This module is a final work-based research project.
‘Accreditation of prior learning’ is our process for awarding module credits for postgraduate (Level 7) learning you’ve done before enrolling with us.
This opportunity has two main advantages to you:
Learners in this Executive Education programme study remotely, not on the University’s premises. Enrolling in this programme would not enable you to obtain a student visa from UK Visas and Immigration.
Lancaster University Management School offers full-time Master’s programmes where learners study full-time at our Lancaster campus. Go to list of Master’s programmes
Lancaster is ranked 13th in the UK and joint 99th globally for Business and Management according to the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025, one of nine subjects at Lancaster to be featured in the top 100 in these prestigious listings.
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year 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.
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. Find out more about our Charter and student policies.
