
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Within our Leadership and Development MSc, we focus on the issues that highlight the significance of leadership processes and outcomes in the dynamics of development. Through this programme, you will gain a deep understanding of the increasingly key role that leadership plays in the context of development and transformation, with a particular focus on global south contexts. In today's world, next generation leaders must be able to thrive across different socio-cultural contexts while achieving success in organisations. Within the dynamic global landscape, which involves a wide array of diverse actors and stakeholders, leaders need a unique skill set and must be uniquely prepared. The Leadership and Development programme is designed to achieve the following objectives: • Deepen students' understanding of the diverse patterns of leadership that have underlined social, political, and economic processes and outcomes in societies across the world. • Advance critical knowledge of development in relation to leadership and problem-solving. • Develop students' profound analytical skills to address the challenges presented by the global landscape in the 21st century. Students will learn to understand the complexity of leadership operating across different levels and their interconnections. This programme uniquely blends the study of theoretical concepts with real world application, allowing you to comprehend leadership's central role in the dynamics of development across the globe.
“My tutors always try their best to support us and often invite high profile guests in the field of politics and economics to interact with us in the workshop, which is really helpful in deepening our understanding of leadership”
You should expect to undergo a personal transformation when studying this Leadership and Development MSc. You will graduate with the ability to understand issues and the world in a way you couldn’t at the start of the course. You will leave with the ability to understand the huge significance of leadership processes in development efforts and outcomes in the developing world and their impact on society.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Minimum of a 2:1 Degree in the social sciences, arts and humanities, law and other relevant disciplines.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
A personal statement of up to 4,000 characters (maximum 2 pages) is required. The personal statement should describe your teaching experience so far and discuss how you feel this MSc will build on your experience, as well as how it might contribute to your future career plans.
Previous academic study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References: Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
For every 15-credit module, we will provide 15-20 hours of lectures and seminars, and we will expect you to undertake 130-135 hours of independent study. A typical 30 credit module will involve 20-30 hours of lectures/seminars plus 270-280 hours of self-guided or group-based learning/project work. For your dissertation, we will provide 5 hours of discussion time with your supervisor, and we will expect you to undertake 595 hours of independent study and project work. Students should note that the self-study aspect of every module is extremely important: the readings given to students are compulsory and a key component of the learning experience.
Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
---|---|---|
Per 15-credit taught module | Typically 15-20 hours | 130-135 hours (including engaging with specially prepared module materials and self-guided learning) |
Dissertation module | 5 hours of supervision time | 595 hours of self-study |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This programme is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. We are located right in the heart of London, one of the most exciting, dynamic and internationally connected cities in the world. You will have access to our institution’s extensive resources, along with all the cultural and academic opportunities of the capital.
Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. The primary methods of assessment for this programme are:
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
You are required to take the following modules:
If you are a part-time student, you will take Leadership and Society in your first year, and Research Methods in Global Leadership plus Dissertation: MSc Leadership and Development in your second year. You must choose a further 45 credits of modules in year one and 30 additional credits in year two, from across the core and optional modules.
In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Up to 15 credits of level 7 optional modules may be taken from modules offered in the Global Institutes, or any KCL Departments outside of the Global Institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
As a graduate of this MSc in Leadership and Development, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to analyse leadership and development around the world. This can be applied to careers in various fields, from academic research and teaching, to roles in the public and private sectors, transnational corporations, international organisations such as the UN, EU, AU, ASEAN, and other regional bodies, as well as non-governmental organisations.
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
You should expect to undergo a personal transformation when studying this Leadership and Development MSc. You will graduate with the ability to understand issues and the world in a way you couldn’t at the start of the course. You will leave with the ability to understand the huge significance of leadership processes in development efforts and outcomes in the developing world and their impact on society.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Minimum of a 2:1 Degree in the social sciences, arts and humanities, law and other relevant disciplines.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
A personal statement of up to 4,000 characters (maximum 2 pages) is required. The personal statement should describe your teaching experience so far and discuss how you feel this MSc will build on your experience, as well as how it might contribute to your future career plans.
Previous academic study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References: Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
For every 15-credit module, we will provide 15-20 hours of lectures and seminars, and we will expect you to undertake 130-135 hours of independent study. A typical 30 credit module will involve 20-30 hours of lectures/seminars plus 270-280 hours of self-guided or group-based learning/project work. For your dissertation, we will provide 5 hours of discussion time with your supervisor, and we will expect you to undertake 595 hours of independent study and project work. Students should note that the self-study aspect of every module is extremely important: the readings given to students are compulsory and a key component of the learning experience.
Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
---|---|---|
Per 15-credit taught module | Typically 15-20 hours | 130-135 hours (including engaging with specially prepared module materials and self-guided learning) |
Dissertation module | 5 hours of supervision time | 595 hours of self-study |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This programme is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. We are located right in the heart of London, one of the most exciting, dynamic and internationally connected cities in the world. You will have access to our institution’s extensive resources, along with all the cultural and academic opportunities of the capital.
Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. The primary methods of assessment for this programme are:
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
You are required to take the following modules:
If you are a part-time student, you will take Leadership and Society in your first year, and Research Methods in Global Leadership plus Dissertation: MSc Leadership and Development in your second year. You must choose a further 45 credits of modules in year one and 30 additional credits in year two, from across the core and optional modules.
In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Up to 15 credits of level 7 optional modules may be taken from modules offered in the Global Institutes, or any KCL Departments outside of the Global Institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
As a graduate of this MSc in Leadership and Development, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to analyse leadership and development around the world. This can be applied to careers in various fields, from academic research and teaching, to roles in the public and private sectors, transnational corporations, international organisations such as the UN, EU, AU, ASEAN, and other regional bodies, as well as non-governmental organisations.
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:
After the first application deadline in March:
Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
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