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Postgraduate degree

Leadership and Development MSc

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

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.

Key benefits

  • Our programme offers a unique and innovative approach to interdisciplinary leadership studies, focusing on its intersection with development and societal transformation. It is the only MSc programme in the UK examining leadership in the context of development and societal change.
  • It empowers students to critically analyse complex leadership concepts and challenge conventional assumptions about what leadership entails, how influence is asserted, why leaders emerge (whether effective or ineffective), and the intricate relationships between leadership and institutions. This fosters personal growth, enabling students to make independent judgments, contributing to change and innovation within their chosen field, and transforming their ideas into impactful actions within their unique contexts.
  • You will have ample opportunities to connect with the global network of the African Leadership Centre, uniting esteemed academics, practitioners, activists, and institutional partners, including universities, international organisations, research institutions, and policy institutions from around the world. Learn from leading intellectuals and experts in global leadership, peace, and security from both the Global North and South.
  • Build upon and expand knowledge gained from your undergraduate or professional experiences, with a deliberate and clear overlap with development studies, politics, economics, and business and management (as well as other disciplines and sectors).
  • Our programme delivers a dynamic and engaging learning experience that combines a rich array of theoretical concepts with practical, real-world applications. You will not only comprehend the intricacies of leadership and development but also gain the skills to apply this knowledge to your career and personal life, customising it to your specific interests.
  • You will enhance your studies by attending a weekend workshop dedicated to leadership studies. You will join students from similar courses for training and problem-solving exercises, and get the opportunity to expand your personal network.
  • Additionally, you can tailor your studies by selecting from a wide range of optional modules from across King's, with a particular emphasis on the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy. Explore topics such as leadership and society, research methods in global leadership, state and development dynamics in Africa and Asia, and emerging powers in global leadership. Customise your dissertation according to your interests, delving into areas such as applied global leadership, themes of gender and leadership, the examination of youth and society in the developing world, or the exploration of regional topics like African issues in global affairs.
Yuqing

“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”

Yuqing, Leadership & Development

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.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

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.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

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).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Minimum of a 2:1 Degree in the social sciences, arts and humanities, law and other relevant disciplines.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

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.

Selection process

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.

Personal statement and supporting information

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.

Teaching methods - what to expect

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

    Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. The primary methods of assessment for  this programme are:

    • Most taught modules will be assessed through a combination of written and oral exercises such as essays, written reflections, seminar presentations, policy papers, multi-media presentations, posters, video submissions and participation and attendance. Assessments may also include online exams.
    • The dissertation module will be assessed on a 1,000-word dissertation proposal, and the dissertation itself (14,000 words). 

    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.

    Structure

    Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

    Required modules

    You are required to take the following modules:

    Leadership & Society (30 credits)
    The State and Development in Africa and Asia (15 credits)
    Emerging Powers in Global Leadership (15 credits)
    Dissertation: MSc Leadership and Development (60 credits)
    Research Methods in Global Leadership (15 credits)

    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.

    Optional modules

    In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

    Gender, Leadership and Society (15 credits)
    Youth and Society in the Developing World (15 credits)
    African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
    Applied Global Leadership (15 credits)
    Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes (15 credits)
    Principal’s Global Leadership Award (15 credits)
    Governance of Security (15 credits)
    President’s Global Leadership Award (15 credits)
    • 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.

    Employability

    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.

    Tuition Fees

    UK:

    Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)

    Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)

    International:

    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.

    Deposit

    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 receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

    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.

    Additional Costs

    In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

    • Leadership Weekend Workshop: this is a compulsory component of the programme and will cost an additional £400.
    • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
    • Library fees and fines.
    • Personal photocopies.
    • Printing programme handouts.
    • Society membership fees.
    • Stationery.
    • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
    • Graduation costs.

    Funding

    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.

    Base campus

    The Quad - Strand campus
    Strand Campus

    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.

    Regulating bodies

    King's is regulated by the Office for Students

    UK applicants

    Standard requirements

    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).

    Programme-Specific Requirements

    Minimum of a 2:1 Degree in the social sciences, arts and humanities, law and other relevant disciplines.

    International applicants

    Equivalent International qualifications

    English language requirements

    English language band:
    B

    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.

    Selection process

    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.

    Personal statement and supporting information

    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.

    Teaching methods - what to expect

    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

      Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. The primary methods of assessment for  this programme are:

      • Most taught modules will be assessed through a combination of written and oral exercises such as essays, written reflections, seminar presentations, policy papers, multi-media presentations, posters, video submissions and participation and attendance. Assessments may also include online exams.
      • The dissertation module will be assessed on a 1,000-word dissertation proposal, and the dissertation itself (14,000 words). 

      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.

      Structure

      Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

      Required modules

      You are required to take the following modules:

      Leadership & Society (30 credits)
      The State and Development in Africa and Asia (15 credits)
      Emerging Powers in Global Leadership (15 credits)
      Dissertation: MSc Leadership and Development (60 credits)
      Research Methods in Global Leadership (15 credits)

      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.

      Optional modules

      In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

      Gender, Leadership and Society (15 credits)
      Youth and Society in the Developing World (15 credits)
      African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
      Applied Global Leadership (15 credits)
      Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes (15 credits)
      Principal’s Global Leadership Award (15 credits)
      Governance of Security (15 credits)
      President’s Global Leadership Award (15 credits)
      • 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.

      Employability

      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.

      Tuition Fees

      UK:

      Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)

      Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)

      International:

      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.

      Deposit

      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 receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

      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.

      Additional Costs

      In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

      • Leadership Weekend Workshop: this is a compulsory component of the programme and will cost an additional £400.
      • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
      • Library fees and fines.
      • Personal photocopies.
      • Printing programme handouts.
      • Society membership fees.
      • Stationery.
      • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
      • Graduation costs.

      Funding

      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.

      Application closing date guidance

      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:

      • Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
      • Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)

      After the first application deadline in March:

      • if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
      • if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications

      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.

      Key information

      Study mode:
      Full time
      Part time
      Duration:
      One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
      Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
      UK 180 / ECTS 90
      Application status:
      Open
      Start date:
      September 2025
      Apply

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