Why study this course?
Take your career to the next level by developing your existing leadership experience, management skills, and critical understanding of what being a leader means. Part-time, flexible, and spread out over two years, this programme caters to learners with experience in a leadership role, allowing you to continue working within an organisation or running your own business while completing your Masters degree.
This programme will give you in-demand skills in decision-making, adaptability, and inclusive, sustainable leadership. We offer a structured and dynamic approach to leadership development, blending academic study with practical application.
- Address global and organisational challenges, make use of insights from industry leaders, and study cutting-edge topics such as digital leadership and reflexive practices for personal growth
- Benefit from blending work with study while still enjoying the benefits of in-person learning and interaction with our world-class academic staff
- Continuously develop skills that will support your personal development and your organisation
- Develop new networks and learn collaboratively alongside like-minded people in a similar stage in their career
- Gain industry connections, learn from world-leading academics, be part of an international and diverse Business School community, and establish lifelong alumni networks
Teaching
In-person residential teaching and independent study through online workshops, peer-to-peer sessions, and one-to-one sessions with tutors.
Class size
Groups range from 15 to 20 students.
Dissertation project
A practical six-month leadership project in an organisation or with your sponsoring employer.
Assessment
A mix of individual written and group assessments.
Modules
The programme is in three parts:
- Part 1: Leadership Foundations – delivered in year one
- Part 2: Leadership Challenges – begins in the summer between years one and two
- Part 3: Leadership Project – studied in year two
Modules begin with a seven-day residential, after which they are studied online for ten weeks.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Gain insights into the real-world leadership challenges that organisations are facing through events with guest speakers from a wide variety of sectors, giving you the opportunity to learn from best practice while expanding your professional network.
Embed your learning, enhance your performance, and progress your career goals with access to qualified and experienced coaches.
Develop your leadership potential and resilience through reflexive practice, building the self-knowledge essential to becoming an effective leader.
Apply your learning to your current organisation through practical assessments and projects, allowing you to explore leadership in a real-world context or use the programme as a springboard to develop your career and take on a new leadership role.
Study while you lead
This course blends online learning with in-person sessions and is specially designed to allow you to study part time alongside your current leadership role.
Accreditation
This programme is dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Successful graduates have a fast track to Chartered Manager status upon completing their studies.
Why St Andrews?
Industry connections
The Masters Extra (MX) is a programme of events focused on careers and personal and professional development, designed specifically for taught Masters students in the University of St Andrews Business School. The series of talks, workshops, networking opportunities and activities includes guest lectures from entrepreneurs, experienced managers, and leading researchers.
Alumni
As a graduate of St Andrews, you become part of a prestigious and globally connected alumni community. This lifelong membership offers access to career services, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources. Engaging with the University's worldwide alumni network ensures you remain connected to St Andrews, no matter where your career takes you.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification and at least two years' experience in a professional leadership role.
- If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- We may also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have at least five years' experience in a professional leadership role.
- English language proficiency.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
£15,000 per year
(£30,000 total, accommodation not included)
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 18 March 2025
