MSc Strategic Leadership

Timeline for the Next MSc Cohort

Funding Application Process

• Mid-April – Mid-May: Funding application period opens. If you or your School are funding your place, this step can be skipped.
• Mid-May: Deadline for funding applications.
• Week commencing [X]: Candidates notified of the outcome of their funding applications.

 

Pre-Programme Preparation

• Week commencing [X]: Participant briefing session covering the MSc structure and APEL/APCL prerequisites.
• Week commencing [X]: Deadline for participants to submit APEL/APCL assessment.
• Week commencing [X]: Review of APEL/APCL applications to determine awarded credits and eligibility for the fast-track MSc.
• Week commencing [X]: Candidates notified of their awarded APEL/APCL credits (up to 105 credits) and confirmed MSc pathway.

 

Additional P&OD Modules (if required)

• Week commencing [X]: Individual meetings with the P&OD team for participants requiring additional modules to meet credit requirements.
• Week commencing [X]: Submission of additional P&OD modules and presentation of learning outcomes.

 

Programme Launch & Modules

• Week commencing [X]: MSc Programme Launch & Induction.
• End September 2025 – January 2026: Module 1 – The Responsible Consultant (Consultancy Skills)
• January 2026 – June 2026: Module 2 – Work-Based Consultancy Project

Accreditation of Prior Experiential and Certificated Learning (APEL/APCL)

To gain credits towards your MSc in Strategic Leadership, you may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL). These processes recognise your previous experience and qualifications, allowing you to fast-track your studies.

• APEL (Experiential Learning) refers to relevant work experience and responsibilities that demonstrate leadership capabilities.
• APCL (Certificated Learning) includes formal academic or professional qualifications that align with the MSc curriculum.

To obtain the MSc qualification, you need 180 credits. The MSc Strategic Leadership programme provides 75 credits, meaning you must evidence 105 credits through APEL/APCL.

 

How is APEL/APCL Evaluated?

You may be eligible for up to 105 credits based on your prior learning and experience. Each application is reviewed individually by the MSc Strategic Leadership Course Leader, Dr. Andy Youde. You can discuss your eligibility via MSc Teams or email a.youde@hud.ac.uk. Your assessment will determine the most appropriate pathway for you to complete the MSc.

Important: Only participants with substantial leadership experience are likely to qualify for the maximum credit allowance.

 

What Evidence Do You Need to Provide?

You will need to submit documentation (CREATE MS FORMS TEMPLATE) to support your APEL/APCL claim, which may include:

• CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership
• Evidence from your Chartered Manager application
• Your CV
• Your current job description
• Evidence from your most recent PDPR (Performance Development and Review Process)
• Testimonial(s) from employers or colleagues

 

What If You Don’t Meet the Credit Requirement?

If you do not yet meet the 105-credit threshold, you can complete selected modules to gain additional credits. These include: 

• Two Online Modules (worth x credits each, towards the MSc)
• CMI-Accredited Personal and Professional Development Module (worth x credits towards the MSc)

 

Which modules require evidence APEL/APCL?

You must provide evidence of learning aligned to the following modules:

BMO0272: Fundamentals of Management (30 credits)

• Understanding the economic purpose of organisations
• Key business functions and their application
• Real-world management scenario analysis
• Effective communication using academic conventions

BMO0273: Fundamentals of Leadership (30 credits)

• Leadership styles, skills, and diversity in leadership
• Application of leadership theories in various contexts
• Justifying leadership approaches in organisations

BMS0072: Strategic Management (15 credits)

• Theories and principles of strategic management
• Analysis of strategic scenarios
• Developing and defending logical strategies

BMO0259: Professional and Personal Excellence (PROPEL 1) – Developing Self-Awareness (15 credits)

• Learning styles and self-awareness
• Personal development planning
• Critical reflection on professional growth

BMO0260: Professional and Personal Excellence (PROPEL 2) – Developing Relationships (15 credits)

• Interpersonal relationship analysis and self-reflection
• Maintaining collaborative workplace relationships
• Establishing and achieving professional goals

 

Participants have a choice of online modules. These modules are self-directed and participants can choose to complete the modules which best suit their learning needs.  

 

Option 1: Supporting Others (Wellbeing and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)

This module focuses on the important topics of wellbeing and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). As a strategic leader, you have a unique opportunity to shape our University's culture and drive positive change. This module is designed to help you explore how wellbeing and EDI intersect with your leadership approach and provide you with an opportunity to discuss the tools and insights for enhancing these critical areas. 

Learning Outcomes ...

• Understand the impact of managing the mental health and wellbeing of colleagues on strategic performance. 
• Understand the impact of effective systems that ensure equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level. 
• Know how to develop strategic priorities for equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Know how to develop a culture of mental health and wellbeing. 

 

Option 2: Strategic Performance Management

As a strategic leader, you are responsible for setting the direction and goals of your area of the University and ensuring that it is performing effectively and efficiently. During this module, we'll be asking you to reflect on the challenges of managing strong performers and the development of those that are not meeting expectations. 

Learning Outcomes ...

• Understand the principles for developing people and managing performance. 
• Reflect on the systems and structures that underpin strategic performance management. 
• Identify appropriate performance management approaches for different levels of individual performance. 
• Review how University HR processes support to performance management  

 

Option 3: Leading Change and Innovation 

This module focuses on the important topics of leading change and innovation. As a strategic leader, you play a critical role in driving change and promoting innovation within our University. This module is designed to help you explore your leadership approach and provide you with an opportunity to discuss the tools and insights for leading change and fostering innovation. 

Learning Outcomes ...

• Know how to plan for leading a strategic change initiative.
• Understand how to use theoretical models for leading and managing change. 
• Understand how approaches to leadership can be applied to support the implementation of change programmes. 
• Understand innovation in a strategic context. 
• Apply principles of innovation theory to strategic leadership practice. 

 

How will these modules be assessed?

There is no formal assessment, however, participants will need to evidence reflective practice and present how they are using the learning in their role to a member of the People & Organisational Development team.

Personal and Professional Development for Strategic Leaders

Learning Outcomes Include ...

• Exploring the interrelationship between the skillset and mindset.
• Considering your personal values and behaviours and their impact on your leadership.
• Reflecting on the professional competencies needed to lead strategically.
• Getting 360 feedback around the Huddersfield Leader Framework and a deeper understanding of self through psychometric tools.
• Creating a personal and professional development plan, aimed at enhancing your ability to lead strategically.

 

How will this module be assessed?

Through a 3500–4000-word work-based assignment.

The Responsible Internal Consultant (15 credits)

The Responsible Internal Consultant is a distance-based module that prepares you for the Strategic Consultancy Project, promoting ethical and responsible practice. In doing so, the module analyses various models of consultancy and explores different stages in the consultancy cycle; in the end, you need to evaluate your consultancy competency skills and identify development needs.

Learning Outcomes Include ...

• Understand the theories, principles, and approaches to management consultancy.
• Consider the range of skills you need to successfully undertake a management consultancy project.
• Reflect on the possible issues and challenges surrounding management consulting and commissioned projects.
• Learn about the ethical and professional dimension of management consulting.

 

How will this module be assessed?

Through a 2500-word applied report.

Work-Based Consultancy Project (60 credits)

The Strategic Consultancy Project module is where you will get 'hands on' as a responsible, ethical and strategic internal consultant.  You will identify, agree and deliver an internal project and as a result, add value to the University, School or Service.  You are supported throughout by an academic mentor from the School of Business, Education and Law.  The culmination will be an opportunity to show case your work to senior leaders in the University.

Learning Outcomes Include ...

• Understand your strengths and areas of further development, in planning, managing and completing a work-based consultancy project.
• Reflect on the ethical principles of your approach to management consultancy.
• Critically evaluating the implications of your consultancy project and experience on your team(s), School, Service or our University.

 

How will this module be assessed?

Through a 5,500 words project report and presentation to our Vice-Chancellor, Head of People and Organisational Development, your Line Manager and Academic Mentor.