Leadership & Innovation in the Public Sector

Overview

This programme is designed specifically for senior public servants who want to strengthen leadership capability, drive innovation, and deliver transformational change within their organisations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of strategic challenges facing the public sector and learn practical approaches to implementing complex change programmes.



Why choose this programme?

• Cross-border collaboration: Learn alongside peers from Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland.

• Executive-level education: Tailored for senior leaders driving reform and innovation.

• Applied learning: Work-based research project focused on your organisation.

• Expert-led delivery: Lectures, seminars, and workshops from leading academics and industry specialists

Year one

Context of Leadership, Innovation and Transformation

Transformational Leadership

Citizen Centric Policy and Service Design



Year two

Change and Cultural Management

Digital Strategy and Innovation

Performance Management

Research Project

Normally a UK second class honours degree, or better, in any discipline or the equivalent of this for international students. If you do not have an honours degree but have relevant experience, you may be eligible to apply.



This course is directed at personnel at Principal Officer (Grade 7) or equivalent from Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland. The course is open to candidates from government departments and the wider public service.



Participants will be accepted from those identified by their organisation with a remit to implement a strategic change programme. Applicants would be particularly welcome from those working in areas such as;

• Major organisational reform; or

• Providing shared services across organisational boundaries; or

• Programme or project management



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.

2 years part-time.

Start Date: January 2027.

Careers and Opportunities

All participants on the programme are in full-time employment as senior managers in public service organisations. The course supports their career progression in that, it is employers who advise on the emerging discipline areas and provide on-going input into course and curriculum design. The positioning of the MSc Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector is to test, prepare and equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to progress to senior civil service levels. The nature of this programme supports continuing professional development and those wishing to progress on an academic path with for example a PhD, will be prepared to do so.