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 work-based learning Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Practice is designed for professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive meaningful change within their organisations. This programme is ideal for current and aspiring leaders, managers, and those in strategic roles who want to develop advanced capabilities in leading organisational change and innovation.
The programme covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for effective leadership. It begins with a core module on leadership and organisational change, exploring leadership theories, change management models, and their practical application. You will then choose from specialised modules, including:
During the programme, you will tailor your learning by selecting further modules from a portfolio that includes Compassionate and Inclusive Leadership, Financial Decision-Making, Managing Projects, Sustainability and Ethics, and Advanced Coaching and Mentoring.
This programme is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and make a real impact in your organisation. One of the best parts of this programme is its flexibility. You can complete it over two to four years, fitting your studies around your busy life. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, this programme adapts to your schedule.
Moreover, the learning isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical and immediately applicable in your workplace. You can immediately take what you learn and put it into practice, making a tangible difference. This means you’ll see the benefits of your learning from day one, not just after graduation.
Another great feature is the opportunity to personalise your learning pathway, choosing specialised modules to match your interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in business strategy and innovation, people, culture and organisational performance, or digital innovation and change, there’s a module for you. Plus, with optional subjects like compassionate and inclusive leadership, financial decision-making, and managing projects, you can tailor the programme to your needs. These skills will boost your career and empower you to lead and innovate within your organisation.
Overall, the Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Practice is designed to help you grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact in your professional life. We’re excited to support you on this journey and see the incredible things you’ll achieve.
If you’re considering taking your learning further, this programme can lead to a Master's (MSc) in Leadership Practice, with specialism in your chosen area of study, for example; sustainability, innovation and improvement, and organisation development are just a few of the areas in which you may wish to specialise. 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 in mind, perfect for fitting into your busy life. It is delivered through distance learning, allowing you to study from anywhere at your own pace over two to four years. This means you can balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments seamlessly.
Although the course is primarily online, students who can visit the campus have the opportunity to engage in additional activities offered by the Management School, such as masterclasses and networking events. These sessions provide a chance to deepen your learning and connect with peers and industry professionals.
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.
During your programme, you can tailor your learning by selecting from a portfolio that includes modules such as Compassionate and Inclusive Leadership, Financial Decision-Making, Managing Projects, Sustainability and Ethics, Leading Digital Innovation and Change, Managing Professional Development, and Advanced Coaching and Mentoring.
The programme 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 individual assessments for most modules, however there will also be opportunities to complete 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.
This programme will take two to four 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. VisitINTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
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.
Dive into leadership theories and change management models and learn how to apply these concepts to lead successful change initiatives in your organisation. This module provides a solid foundation for understanding the dynamics of leadership and organisational transformation.
You will learn to apply coaching and mentoring concepts, tools, and models within your work setting, making reasoned judgments on the value of research-based approaches. The course integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, focusing on reflective practice, self-awareness, continuous development, ethical standards, effective communication, and addressing diversity and inclusion to drive personal, professional, and organisational growth.
In this module, you will critically examine the principles and practices of compassionate and inclusive leadership, along with the evidence linking personal wellbeing to improved organisational outcomes. You will use tools and frameworks to develop your self-awareness, self-compassion, listening and empathy skills. You will apply theoretical knowledge to develop practical strategies to lead diverse teams and foster inclusive organisational cultures. Through a blend of reflective practice, case studies, and real-world applications, you will strengthen your ability to lead with compassion and inclusivity, and drive positive results for your organisation.
In this module, you will discover the transformative power of digital technologies in business and learn how digital transformation, technology adoption, and leadership of digital initiatives will help keep your organisation ahead of the curve. This module prepares you to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring your organisation remains competitive and innovative.
This module aims to enhance your professional skills and knowledge. It provides a solid foundation for both personal and professional growth, assisting you in effectively managing your development within the workplace. The module promotes reflective practitioner skills, enabling you to critically evaluate your experiences and learning. You will examine various perspectives, contexts, and boundaries related to your professional role, using theoretical frameworks to articulate your learning position and adopt a critical approach to your development.
This module introduces essential terminology and knowledge related to project management tools, techniques, methods, and team collaboration. You will have the opportunity to work together on a live project, applying the tools and techniques discussed earlier in the module. This valuable experience will provide a foundation for your reflections on the challenges and realities of working on projects in teams.
In this module, you will explore the potential for future improvement or innovation in your workplace by: analysing existing practice, engaging key stakeholders and identifying a change opportunity; considering the benefits and risks of change; and making recommendations for implementing that change Conducting your enquiry will both enhance your professional practice and make a relevant and useful contribution to your organisation.
Your output from this enquiry can be the starting point for the module Practitioner Research for Work-based Transformation, leading to your Master’s qualification.
The total fee for the course is £6,240, 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 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.
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, even if you initially plan to earn a Postgraduate Diploma, you can later opt for a Postgraduate Certificate.
Or, you can complete your Postgraduate Diploma and then later take the additional module that would earn you a 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 2025/2026 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.
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.
