Executive Leadership

Overview

This program extends beyond academic study and knowledge acquisition, offering a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth through self-reflection and community engagement. It emphasizes the importance of personal leadership qualities and attributes, recognizing their critical role in effective leadership. Unlike other leadership programs, this one focuses on the specific actions leaders must take within their unique contexts to guide agile, resilient, and socially responsible organisations.



Work placement / study abroad

This course includes a study visit module to Boston, MA in the USA. The programme has been delivered through a long-standing partnership of over 20 years with a Boston University. The Boston region has strong links and networks that provide insights into the international issues facing leaders both today and in the future.

Year one

Creating the future

Leading for the future



Year two

Digital Transformation

Study Visit

Leading for Transformational Change

Corporate Governance and Business Ethics

Financial Decision Making

Executive Coaching and Mentoring



Year three

Research Study

Applicants must normally hold:

(i) a degree or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.



(ii) at least 5 years experience in a senior managerial/leadership role.



In addition, it is a requirement that candidates will normally hold a current senior managerial position or aspiring to work in a senior role. If unemployed have previously been employed in a senior management role normally within the last three years. Each applicant will also be interviewed by the Course Director to confirm their suitability for the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

One of the features of the MSc in Executive Leadership is that each of the nine taught modules is delivered using Block Learning. This means each module is delivered over 2.5 full days (9.30-4.30pm). Classes do not follow the traditional weekly lecture/seminar format.



During the two and a half days you will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, seminars, case studies and guest speakers. You would also be expected to complete your own, individual learning, outside the classes. This is delivered in a blended style with some face to face and online delivery.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The course helps develop competencies for career change/progression, while also providing the necessary tools to enable participants to set up their own business. Often students who complete this course progress to more senior positions.