Master of Business Administration
(Strategic Management and Leadership)
Programme Overview
The Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management and Leadership) is a twostage postgraduate programme designed to develop advanced strategic leadership, managerial and organisational capability within complex and dynamic business environments.
The programme integrates advanced taught learning with supervised research and applied investigation, enabling learners to develop strategic thinking, leadership effectiveness, analytical capability and professional competence relevant to organisational transformation, innovation and sustainable business practice within global contexts.
Stage 1 develops advanced strategic, managerial and leadership capability through specialist taught modules focused on strategic management, leadership and governance, global business strategy and sustainability, strategic human resource management and strategic change and innovation. The programme equips learners with the analytical capability and practical skills required to formulate, implement and evaluate strategic decisions across a range of organisational and business functions.
Stage 2 focuses on independent research, advanced investigation and applied problemsolving through a Research Proposal module and a substantial Management Investigation (Capstone Project).
The programme supports progression into senior leadership, strategic management and organisational development roles across a wide range of industries and sectors, while also preparing learners for further academic and professional development.
Course Information
Course Objective
Develop Human Resource & Leadership Expertise
Build advanced knowledge and specialist expertise in human resource management, organisational leadership, and workforce development.
Strengthen Strategic & Research Capabilities
Enhance analytical, strategic, and research capabilities relevant to contemporary organisational and people management environments.
Apply Strategic HR & Leadership Frameworks
Develop the ability to critically evaluate and apply strategic human resource management, organisational behaviour, and leadership theories, concepts, and frameworks.
Manage Workforce Performance & Talent Development
Strengthen professional competence in managing organisational performance, employee engagement, talent development, and workforce challenges across diverse organisational environments.
Build Evidence-Based Decision Skills
Develop independent research capability and evidence-based decision-making skills relevant to human resource management and organisational strategy.
Advance into HR Leadership Roles
Prepare learners for professional advancement, HR leadership, and further academic progression within contemporary global organisational environments.
Programme Outcomes
- Critically evaluate strategic management theories and models relevant to complex organisational environments.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles, corporate governance and ethical frameworks in diverse business contexts.
- Critically apply advanced knowledge of business functions (e.g., finance, marketing, HR, operations) to formulate and implement strategic plans.
- Critically evaluate the impact of external and internal environments on strategic decision-making and organisational performance.
- Analyse and synthesise complex information to identify strategic issues and opportunities for organisational improvement.
- Develop evidence-based, innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges through critical reasoning and problem-solving.
- Evaluate and integrate quantitative and qualitative data to inform strategic business decisions.
- Design and manage strategic initiatives and organisational change activities using appropriate management and performance evaluation approaches.
- Interpret financial information to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Conduct applied business research, including literature review, data collection and analysis to support strategic initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders using appropriate media and formats.
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and negotiation skills in solving real-world business problems.
- Apply reflective practice and self-direction to manage professional development and lifelong learning.
Course Structure
The Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management and Leadership) is structured as an integrated two-stage postgraduate programme comprising a taught Postgraduate Diploma stage and a final MBA research stage, totalling 180 credits at Level 7.
Stage 1 – Taught Stage (120 Credits)
Stage 1 consists of the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Strategic Management and Leadership, which develops advanced strategic management knowledge, leadership capability, organisational insight, analytical competence and applied managerial skills relevant to contemporary organisational environments.
The taught stage enables learners to critically engage with strategic management and leadership disciplines, including strategic management, leadership and governance, financial management, strategic human resource management, global business strategy and sustainability, strategic change and innovation and contemporary marketing strategy.
Successful completion of Stage 1 provides learners with the academic and professional foundation required to progress to the MBA research stage.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M07001 | Strategic Management | 15 |
| M07002 | Leadership and Governance | 15 |
| M07003 | Advanced Business Research Methods | 15 |
| M07004 | Financial Management and Decision Making | 15 |
| M07009 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 15 |
| M07010 | Global Business Strategy and Sustainability | 15 |
| M07012 | Strategic Change and Innovation | 15 |
| M07013 | Contemporary Marketing Strategy | 15 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
Exit Awards
- Learners who successfully complete 60 credits may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Strategic Management and Leadership.
- Learners who successfully complete 120 credits may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Strategic Management and Leadership.
Stage 2 – MBA Research Stage (60 Credits)
Stage 2 consists of supervised research and applied investigation through a Research Proposal module and a substantial Management Investigation (Capstone Project).
This stage enables learners to integrate and apply advanced business, management and leadership knowledge in the investigation of complex organisational, managerial or strategic challenges within contemporary business environments.
Learners are expected to undertake independent research, critically evaluate evidence, apply appropriate research methodologies and develop strategically relevant and evidencebased recommendations or solutions.
Stage 2 Modules
| Module Code | Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M08001 | Research Proposal | 20 |
| M08002 | Management Investigation (Capstone Project) | 40 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
Successful completion of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 leads to the award of Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management and Leadership).
Teaching & Assessment
Delivery is designed to support advanced, research-led and applied learning through a range of academically rigorous and professionally relevant teaching and learning approaches, including:
- Lectures, workshops and seminars
- Case studies, business simulations and applied organisational activities
- Research supervision and academic mentoring
- Online learning resources and discussion forums
- Independent study and guided reading
- Peer learning, collaboration and research presentations
Teaching and learning activities support both theoretical understanding and practical application within contemporary organisational environments. Where appropriate, learners will engage with real-world strategic management, leadership and organisational change scenarios, enabling the application of strategic frameworks, governance principles and evidence-based decision-making approaches to complex organisational challenges.
Entry Requirement
Applicants must have:
- A recognised Level 6 qualification (e.g. Bachelor’s degree) in a relevant subject area
- English language proficiency evidenced through Medium of Instruction (MOI) or an equivalent recognised English language qualification.
Relevant managerial, professional or entrepreneurial experience equivalent to a minimum of three years is desirable.
Learners progressing through the integrated programme may normally demonstrate this through prior or concurrent professional experience gained before or during the programme.
Applicants with an appropriate Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in a cognate subject area may be eligible for advanced entry into Stage 2, subject to institutional regulations and recognition of prior learning policies.
Progression Opportunities
To be awarded the Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management and Leadership), learners must:
- Successfully complete Stage 1 (120 credits)
- Successfully complete Stage 2 (60 credits)
- Achieve a total of 180 credits at Level 7
Join a generation of students who think globally and act locally.
