Course Structure

The MSc Global Leadership is a one-year hybrid programme, with three intake dates for 2026:

• March 2026
• June 2026
• October 2026

This programme incorporates two pathways, A and B, ensuring students can join at any of the three intakes to complete the programme.

The programme teaching year is structured across 3 semesters, comprising 7 modules.
6 of the course modules are taught in a live, online format.
The course features an international study week at Queen’s Business School, where students are required to travel to Belfast for the Leadership Development module. Students are required to successfully attain 60 CATS per semester. Students who successfully complete seven taught modules (180 CATS) in their semester 3 are awarded the MSc in Global Leadership.

Exit qualifications are also available:
Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS from taught modules.

Autumn Semester

Pathways A and B

Global Context and Business Ethics (30 CATS)
This module familiarises students with techniques for researching, analysing and prioritising information about business context whilst building an appreciation of ethics for organisations. This module introduces key economic principles and their practical relevance to managerial decision-making. The course equips future leaders with the analytical tools to understand and respond to the economic environment in which organisations operate. The module develops from the business context to a focus on managers’ decision making. It examines the ethical responsibilities of managers and organisations in a global business context and fosters a global mindset and equips students with the skills to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and lead responsibly in diverse organisational settings.

AI Frontiers and Leading Transformation (30 CATS)
This module explores how AI is transforming industries and augmenting human capabilities, while critically examining the ethical, societal, and regulatory challenges it presents. Through horizon scanning and practical case studies, learners will develop the skills to forecast emerging AI trends and assess their implications. Students will be equipped to navigate the evolving AI landscape with a strategic, responsible, and forward-thinking approach. This prepares students to examine the challenges of leading organisations through (digital) transformation. Students will engage with key concepts of transformation leadership, change management and organisational culture, applying frameworks to real-world cases. Emphasis is placed on the strategic role of leaders in driving sustainable change and adapting to the challenges of the digital intelligence era.

Leading and Influencing in Organisations (15 CATS)
In an increasingly complex and divided global landscape, this module explores leadership as a dynamic and interactive process between leaders and followers. Drawing on multidisciplinary perspectives, students will critically examine leadership theories, micro and macro influences, and the role of power, culture, and motivation in shaping effective leadership. Through reflective practice and real-world application, the module equips students to lead ethically, sustainably, and strategically across diverse organisational and societal contexts.

Introduction

The MSc Global Leadership is a one-year, full-time programme designed to equip high-potential managers seeking to elevate their impact as influential global leaders.

Delivered in a hybrid format by Queen’s Business School experts, the immersive curriculum cultivates strategic leadership capabilities and transformative thinking, preparing participants to navigate their organisations through complex current and future challenges.

MSc Global Leadership List of Modules:

• Leading and influencing in organisations
• Leadership development (Residential study week at Queen’s Business School, Belfast)
• Research methods
• Leadership dissertation
• Marketing in the digital age
• Global context and ethical decisions
• AI frontiers and leading transformation

Spring Semester

Pathway A
Leadership Development Residential A (30 CATS)
This immersive in-person leadership development module empowers participants to explore and enhance their personal leadership style using the Insights Discovery™ psychometric tool. Through experiential learning, coaching practice, team development strategies, and tools for leading change, participants gain practical skills to lead with greater self-awareness, adaptability, and impact. The course covers leadership identity, coaching and feedback, high-performing teams, and managing organisational transitions—equipping leaders to build alignment, foster resilience, and drive sustainable change in real-world contexts.

Research Methods A (15 CATS)
This module provides a rigorous foundation in research methods for social science inquiry. It equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to design, conduct, and critically evaluate research in complex leadership contexts. Covering both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the course explores research design, data collection, analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. Students will engage in methodological debates, apply tools to real-world problems, and develop the competence to undertake independent research projects with academic and professional relevance.

Pathway B only:
Leadership Dissertation B (45 CATS)
The Capstone Dissertation represents an independent piece of research in the MSc Global Leadership programme. This substantial research work allows students to apply the knowledge and skills from previous modules to design, develop, and propose solutions for real-world business or societal leadership challenges. The leadership dissertation requires students to identify a contemporary leadership challenge and apply appropriate and effective research techniques from Research Methods to deliver actionable and evidence-based solutions.

Summer Semester

The Summer Semester provides a module in Marketing in the Digital Age (15 CATS) for all students on the programme. Students on Pathway B undertake the Leadership Residential week on campus at Queen’s Business School, Belfast and Research Methods B module. Students on Pathway A will undertake their individual research project in the form of a leadership dissertation.

Marketing in the Digital Age (15 CATS)
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of marketing in the digital age. Students will explore the evolution of marketing theory and its application in dynamic, global environments, with a focus on digital technologies and strategic decision-making. Through a blend of academic insight and practical analysis, learners will develop the skills to evaluate marketing strategies, apply digital tools, and address real-world consumer and business challenges.

Leadership Development Residential B (30 CATS)

Research Methods B (15 CATS)

Leadership Dissertation A (45 CATS)

All descriptions as above in the Spring Semester.

Teaching Times

The 15 CAT/Credit delivered, live, online over a three-week teaching block. The 30 CAT/Credit delivered, live online over a three-week teaching block. The 30 CAT/Credit Leadership Development residential is a compulsory in-person residential week.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Teaching Methods

Classes will be delivered as a mix of seminars, lectures, and workshops and they will be interactive and discussion-based blending theory with practical examples. Learning and engagement approaches will involve a range of styles such as interactive case studies, live AI software and tools demonstrations, practical workshops, role plays, groupwork and scenario discussions. Students are assigned dedicated academic support for these projects and company mentors where relevant.

Classes will blend cutting edge research, experiential learning and executive style leadership development across the programme. The programme draws on multidisciplinary research perspectives (e.g. focus on individual roles, organisations, managing in a global context, marketing and innovation) and guides students to apply their learning to leading organisations. Practical application is addressed in every module and is further enhanced through the in-person module Leadership Development module which adopts an executive education approach to individual leadership skills. This approach will necessarily employ a variety of teaching strategies to develop the leadership capabilities of students.

The choice of teaching and learning methods is tailored to the objectives of each module, balancing theoretical understanding with practical application and experience. These methods may include lectures, tutorials, seminars, and group work in an online setting. Interactive case studies and the use of multimedia resources such as videos and podcasts support teaching and learning throughout the programme. The in-person module at QBS is designed to consolidate learning on the programme through an intensive, experiential approach.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• The programme is designed around 100% continual assessment through coursework. A range of assessment methods develop and evaluate students’ knowledge and skills in leadership and addressing leadership challenges. Assessments will involve individual and group projects, oral presentations, case study investigations, reports, reflective portfolios, and projects. Formative assessments will provide students with developmental feedback, supporting their progression.

Modules

Career Prospects

Introduction

The MSc Global Leadership programme empowers students with an advanced knowledge of global leadership, the ability to critically analyse contemporary leadership practices and a comprehensive skill set that combines self-awareness, strategic insight and interpersonal effectiveness. They are prepared to respond creatively and ethically to complex leadership challenges, driving transformation and making an impact across diverse sectors, including government, non-profits, consultancy and corporate organisations.

Employment after the Course

Graduates of the MSc Global Leadership programme are well-positioned to progress to a range of management and leadership roles. By combining expertise in AI-driven solutions with strategic decision-making and ethical AI practice, graduates can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and shape growth across a wide range of industries, making a tangible difference in an AI-powered business world.

Prizes and Awards

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	N/A
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	N/A
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	N/A
EU Other 3	N/A
International	£21,500 (£9,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)

£9,000 Scholarship available for 2026 entry. Click this link to view the Terms and Conditions.

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 

1.2  International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI). 

1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus