Our MSc Strategic Leadership is a work‑based, professional programme studied part‑time over two years. It is designed to develop the practical management and leadership capabilities required to lead at a senior level.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to:

  • Develop self-awareness of personal effectiveness and recognition of understanding of influencing others as a leader.
  • Explore the practical application of theory to fostering more effective work relationships.
  • Introduce methods for finding, analysing and using relevant data to produce persuasive, evidence-based reports.
  • Build strategies for continuing personal development.
  • Develop ethical decision making practices.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Provide students with the knowledge and skills to create a strategic business plan.
  • Equip students with knowledge on horizon scanning, strategic positioning, strategic capabilities and resources, strategic options and innovative strategic thinking including the governance and risk analysis of successful strategic implementation.
  • Create an understanding of risk factors and the importance of stakeholder engagement and governance models.
  • Create an innovative strategic plan for a business which gains support from stakeholders and addresses risk factors involved in the implementation of the plan.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Develop an understanding of financial topics that contribute to the successful delivery of the organisational performance. Specifically, this will focus on the role of managing financial resources.
  • Develop the ability of participants to adopt a critical approach to financial decision-making within an organisational context.
  • Develop participants understanding of the link between strategy and finance.
  • Equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective use of accounting and financial information.
  • Develop participants' ability to challenge financial assumptions in accounts, budgets and strategic decisions.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Develop an understanding of the contribution of the management and development of people to the achievement of the organisation's strategy.
  • Develop an ability to identify and implement people management processes and practices that support and enhance organisational values, culture and strategic direction.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Familiarise students with the role of marketing management within organisations and explore strategic marketing issues.
  • Provide an understanding of the core concepts, principles and frameworks in strategic marketing.

Modern organisations are dependent on information systems to achieve their business objectives. This module aims to deliver an understanding of:

  • Information Systems and their strategic importance, examining various information systems used at different organisational levels and their impact on an organisation's competitive advantage.
  • Emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, and how they can enable value creation and transform businesses.
  • The challenges and risks associated with information systems within organisations and how to mitigate or avoid them, including cybersecurity and well-being.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to:

  • Raise participant's awareness of the need for entrepreneurship and innovative behaviour in the business environment.
  • Introduce the concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship theory and creativity.
  • Utilise analytical tools to evaluate the commercial viability of potential opportunities.
  • Develop a robust proposal and present a compelling argument to gain buy in from relevant stakeholders.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Develop participants' understanding of leadership, particularly within an environment of change.
  • Increase participants' skills in building agile and collaborative cultures which gain buy-in for change initiatives.
  • Equip participants with tools and methods to initiate and lead change in organisations and to manage conflict that might arise from the change process.
  • Identify methods for influencing organisational vision, culture and values.
  • Shape and manage communication strategy within change initiatives.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Develop a working knowledge of the standard processes and methods used in business and management research.
  • Give students the experience of executing a practically-based research study on an aspect of management of their choice.
  • Integrate ideas from the taught programme into this problem-solving context.

Sector specialisms

We offer three specialisms that give you the opportunity to explore leadership through the lens of your own sector, with contextualised learning, sector-specific examples, and opportunities to learn alongside peers facing similar challenges. 

All students complete the same core academic modules, the specialism simply shapes the way you apply your learning. 

General Strategic Leadership

Best for: Leaders from any industry who want a broad, cross sector strategic leadership development experience. 

The General Strategic Leadership option provides the full MSc Strategic Leadership experience without a sector specialism. You will engage with diverse peers from multiple sectors, apply learning to your own organisational context, and develop a strong, versatile leadership toolkit that can be applied in any professional environment. 

This option is ideal if you want a wide-ranging perspective on strategic leadership or work in an area that does not require specialist sector knowledge.

Building Societies Specialism 

Best for: Professionals working in building societies or organisations that operate on a member‑owned model, as well as those across the broader financial services sector. 

Delivered in collaboration with the Building Societies Association, this specialism has supported the development of over 150 senior leaders across the mutual sector. 

You will explore the strategic, regulatory, and governance challenges unique to building societies and other member-owned financial organisations. Learning is enhanced through: 

  • Mutuals sector-specific case studies and examples
  • Insights from senior leaders in the mutual sector 
  • Peer learning with colleagues in similar operational and strategic contexts 

This specialism strengthens your ability to lead within values-driven, customer-focused, and highly regulated financial institutions. 

Sports Leadership Specialism 

Best for: Leaders and emerging leaders working in professional sport, national governing bodies, community sport, or sport-related organisations. 

Our Sports Leadership specialism brings together participants from across the sports industry to examine strategic leadership through a sector-specific lens. 

You will explore how organisational performance, stakeholder dynamics, talent development, commercial pressures, and governance frameworks shape leadership within sport. Learning is complemented by: 

  • Case studies from elite and grassroots sport 
  • Contributions and insights from senior figures in the sports sector 
  • Building a peer network of sports sector leaders 

This specialism is ideal for professionals seeking to influence the future direction of sport at organisational or system level. 

Interested in a tailored specialism for your sector?

We are always keen to collaborate with professional bodies, industry associations, and large employers who wish to create a dedicated specialism for their organisation or sector. If you have a group of aspiring senior leaders ready to develop their strategic capability together, we can work with you to design a tailored learning experience that aligns with your sector’s priorities and delivers meaningful impact, email us at exec@lboro.ac.uk to learn more.