Higher Education Management and Leadership MSc; PGCert; PGDip
About this course
Transform your career in higher education with the MSc Higher Education Management and Leadership at Nottingham Business School. This has been designed and co-created in partnership with AHEP (Association of Higher Education Professionals), ensuring academic excellence and keeping you up to date with the latest advancements in the sector.
Tailored for professional services staff, this programme provides practical learning to elevate your managerial and leadership capabilities. Our MSc offers a clear pathway for career progression in the HE sector. You will develop expertise in strategic management and leadership, empowering you to lead change in the sector.
The Association of Higher Education Professionals (AHEP) is a leading organisation for higher education professional services staff. AHEP are committed to connecting and developing every HE professional within their member community, providing a platform for networking, professional development, and career enhancement - supporting members throughout their professional journeys as they define and achieve their career ambitions.
Apply now to unlock your leadership capabilities.
You can choose to complete the PG Cert and PG Dip stages only if that better suits your career goals.
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Learn together with global HE professionals
Engage in peer-to-peer learning with higher education professionals from around the world, and expand your knowledge and network through meaningful collaboration and shared expertise. -
Develop your leadership skills
Through this course, you'll enhance your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a higher education professional. You'll learn from experts and peers, fostering an environment of mutual growth and innovation. -
Associate AHEP Membership
On the MSc you have the opportunity to become an associate member of the Association of Higher Education Professionals (AHEP). On completion of the MSc, participants will be eligible to apply for Accredited membership of AHEP, with the potential to upgrade to Fellow, depending on experience. -
Advance your career
Building on the PG Cert and PG Dip, this MSc offers a clear progression route for those in management and administrative roles in higher education. It’s not just about gaining a qualification—it’s about developing the expertise needed to lead effectively and inspire excellence in your institution.
What you’ll study
The course we offer is delivered in conjunction with AHEP’s Professional Framework, which provides a structured approach to support your reflective practice and development. AHEP's Professional Framework includes eight key commitments, aligning with four levels of AHEP membership, each representing different levels of impact and influence. The Framework is designed to help you reflect on your strengths and identify areas for improvement, giving you more control over your professional growth. By using the Framework alongside the course, you can develop both personally and professionally, while also helping your organisation achieve its strategic goals.
Developing self and professional leadership practice (20 credit points)
The aim of this module is to allow students to apply their knowledge of the higher education sector including aspects of leadership, governance and management. Learners will apply this to their own practice and the context in which they work. Through critical reflection on their knowledge, practice, experiences and learning, students will demonstrate their ability to apply reflective skills to improve practice and to support their continuing professional development and personal improvement.
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education (20 credit points)
The UK higher education sector has undergone unprecedented levels of change and diversification. The management and leadership of HE has evolved and expanded to meet these challenges. HE institutions need professional services staff who command a wide range of skills and knowledge and who are competent in applying their experience in a complex professional environment.
The aim of the module is to give students the opportunity to analyse and evaluate their existing knowledge base pertaining to higher education, thereby developing a critical awareness of current issues in the sector. Through a series of knowledge-based assessments relevant to their role and professional practice students will integrate theory and practice exploring topics and policy that develop their understanding of the HE context, ultimately improve professional practice.
Management and Leadership in Higher Education (20 credit points)
This module explores those elements of contemporary management and leadership thinking which relate to leading and managing people in HE institutions.
It offers participants the opportunity to view their role in the context of management and leadership practice and to consider relevant approaches to management and leadership challenges in the HE setting.
The module gives a critical overview of management and leadership, teamwork and process leadership, and considers the barriers and enablers to effective management and leadership in the HE context.
Strategic Management in Higher Education (30 credit points)
The aim of the module is to review the principles and practice of strategic management in the Higher Education (HE) context, considering the key challenges and opportunities for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), developing an understanding of how to translate strategy into action.
The module sets the functional specialisms of HE in a wider organisational context, considering how each can contribute to the effectiveness of the institution as a whole, and developing a critical awareness of current and emerging practices in HE management.
Leading Change and Innovation in Higher Education (30 credit points)
This module explores those elements of contemporary management and leadership thinking, which relate to leading change and innovation in HE institutions. Students will develop critical understanding of change management theory alongside sustainable and ethical practice. They will explore concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship / intrapreneurship and develop their skills in these areas to improve efficiency or effectiveness of service delivery.
Applied Business Project (60 credit points)
The Applied Business Project is an independent and mandatory piece of work for learners studying the MSc Higher Education, Management and Leadership. This project should rigorously investigate a management and leadership issue of relevance in HE which is theoretically underpinned, and which normally involves primary research.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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How you're taught
In this programme, students will engage in a dynamic educational experience through online and collaborative learning, research and various interactive methods.
Certificate Stage: Learners are supported by AHEP mentors within small learning sets as they complete Module 1, "Developing Self and Professional Leadership Practice", which runs throughout this stage.
Diploma Stage: Learners are supervised by members of the course delivery team as they work in consultancy teams on AHEP challenges in Module 5, "Leading Change and Innovation in Higher Education."
MSc Stage: Learners are provided with individual supervisors as they devise and implement their research project in Module 6, "Applied Business Project."
Proposed delivery dates for September 2025 start
| Module Title | Online Delivery Dates | Online Delivery Times |
| Induction | Tuesday 2/9/25 | 9am-12pm |
| Developing Self and Professional Leadership Practice | Wednesday 3/9/2025 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 17/9/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 1/10/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 4/11/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 9/12/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 14/1/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Contemporary Issues in Higher Education | Tuesday 9/9/2025 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 10/9/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 24/9/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 8/10/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 22/10/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Thursday 30/10/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Management and Leadership in Higher Education | Tuesday 25/11/2025 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 26/11/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 16/12/2025 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 7/1/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Thursday 8/1/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 20/1/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Strategic Management in Higher Education | Tuesday 3/3/2026 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 4/3/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 14/4/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 15/4/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 28/4/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 29/4/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 2/6/2026 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 3/6/2026 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Leading Change and Innovation in Higher Education | Tuesday 8/9/2026 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 9/9/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 30/9/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Thursday 1/10/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 27/10/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 28/10/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 8/12/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 9/12/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Applied Business Project | Tuesday 2/3/2027 | 10am-4pm |
| Wednesday 3/3/2027 | 10am-4pm | |
| Tuesday 9/3/2027 | 10am-4pm | |
| Tuesday 13/4/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 14/4/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 1/6/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 2/6/2027 | 9am-1pm |
Proposed dates for January 2026 start
| Module Title | Online Delivery Dates | Online Delivery Times |
| Induction | Tuesday 6/1/2026 | 9am-12pm |
| Developing Self and Professional Leadership Practice | Wednesday 7/1/2026 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 21/1/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 18/2/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 11/3/2026 | 9am -1pm | |
| Wednesday 29/4/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 20/05/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Contemporary Issues in Higher Education | Tuesday 13/1/2026 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 14/1/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 28/01/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 11/02/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 04/03/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Thursady 05/03/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Management and Leadership in Higher Education | Wednesday 01/04/2026 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 15/4/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 5/5/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 3/6/2026 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 9/6/2026 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 10/6/2026 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Leading Change and Innovation in Higher Education | Tuesday 8/9/2026 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 9/9/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 30/9/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Thursday 1/10/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 27/10/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 28/10/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 8/12/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 9/12/2026 | 9am-1pm | |
| Strategic Management in Higher Education | Tuesday 2/3/2027 | 9am-1pm |
| Wednesday 3/3/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 13/4/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 14/4/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 27/4/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 28/4/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 1/6/2027 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 2/6/2027 (TBC) | 9am-1pm | |
| Applied Business Project | Tuesday 7/9/2027 | 10am-4pm |
| Wednesday 8/9/2027 | 10am-4pm | |
| Tuesday 14/9/2027 | 10am-4pm | |
| Tuesday 5/10/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 6/10/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Tuesday 7/12/2027 | 9am-1pm | |
| Wednesday 8/12/2027 | 9am-1pm |
How you're assessed
Progress on the course is assessed using a variety of approaches that reflect the types of activities students may encounter in Higher Education Institutions. A wide range of assessment types are considered for use in the course, including verbal, visual, reflective, and written assessments, providing opportunities to demonstrate professional competencies within the sector. Learning outcomes are aligned at the assessment level to facilitate a clear understanding for the student. Formal and informal formative feedback is integrated throughout the course, offering opportunities to personalise the student learning experience.
Entry requirements
UK students
Our MSc programme offers a staged award system, providing you with the flexibility to complete the entire qualification or opt for separate awards, such as the PG Cert and PG Diplomas. Please see the entry requirements below. For further assistance or information, please contact us through our enquiry form.
MSc entry requirements see below* (and interim awards)
Additional requirements for UK students
*You will usually:
- have at least six months experience of working in the HE sector in a professional services capacity; and
- be currently working within the HE Sector; and
- hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- If you do not hold a first degree you may be admitted to the programme if you:
- have at least 12 months of experience of working in the HE sector in an professional services capacity; and
- are currently working within the sector; and/or
- hold equivalent professional or other qualifications, judged on a case-by-case basis.
- All applications are considered on an individual basis. Your personal statement, supporting professional reference, qualifications and experience are all taken into account.
Our applicants work in a diverse range of areas, including student recruitment, quality and standards, marketing, operations, policy development, and more.
Applicants whose first language is not English must be competent in written and spoken English up to the following standard: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in reading and writing) or TOEFL iBT 83 with at least: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17. More information available here on NTU’s English language requirements and Language Centre. If applicants do not meet the language entry requirements, they will be directed to the English for Academic Purposes course provided by Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the programme. A range of language courses are available.
Credit transfer
Learners who have previously completed the PG certificate Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership will be able to transfer their credits and apply directly to the PG Diploma in Higher Education Management and Leadership.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
A process of interview and assessment will be used to determine whether the award of NTU credits and exemption from certain modules is possible to reflect prior learning achieved previously. This prior learning can take the form of professional development awards or employment-based awards which is at higher education level, but which has not led to the award of credits or qualifications. We would offer a maximum of 60 credits into the MSc programme.
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)
A process of interview and assessment will be used to determine whether learning achieved outside education or training systems can be recognised for academic purposes. We would offer a maximum of 60 credits into the MSc programme. Applications for RPL should be made through the NTU applicant portal. Applicants will be required to state clearly in their application the year(s) or modules that they are seeking exemption from.
International students
Our MSc programme offers a staged award system, providing you with the flexibility to complete the entire qualification or opt for separate awards, such as the PG Cert and PG Diplomas. Please see the entry requirements below. For further assistance or information, please contact us through our enquiry form.
MSc entry requirements *(and interim awards)
Additional requirements for international students
*You will usually:
- have at least six months experience of working in the HE sector in an professional services capacity; and
- be currently working within the HE Sector; and
- hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- If you do not hold a first degree you may be admitted to the programme if you:
- have at least 12 months of experience of working in the HE sector in an professional services capacity; and
- are currently working within the sector; and/or
- hold equivalent professional or other qualifications, judged on a case-by-case basis.
- All applications are considered on an individual basis. Your personal statement, supporting professional reference, qualifications and experience are all taken into account.
Our applicants work in a diverse range of areas, including student recruitment, quality and standards, marketing, operations, policy development, and more.
Applicants whose first language is not English must be competent in written and spoken English up to the following standard: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in reading and writing) or TOEFL iBT 83 with at least: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17. More information available here on NTU’s English language requirements and Language Centre. If applicants do not meet the language entry requirements, they will be directed to the English for Academic Purposes course provided by Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the programme. A range of language courses are available.
Credit transfer
Learners who have previously completed the PG certificate Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership will be able to transfer their credits and apply directly to the PG Diploma in Higher Education Management and Leadership.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
A process of interview and assessment will be used to determine whether the award of NTU credits and exemption from certain modules is possible to reflect prior learning achieved previously. This prior learning can take the form of professional development awards or employment-based awards which is at higher education level, but which has not led to the award of credits or qualifications. We would offer a maximum of 60 credits into the MSc programme.
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)
A process of interview and assessment will be used to determine whether learning achieved outside education or training systems can be recognised for academic purposes. We would offer a maximum of 60 credits into the MSc programme. Applications for RPL should be made through the NTU applicant portal. Applicants will be required to state clearly in their application the year(s) or modules that they are seeking exemption from.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
