Skip to content

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.

AHEP (Association of Higher Education Professionals)

  • 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.

Video Gallery

 

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 TitleOnline Delivery DatesOnline Delivery Times
InductionTuesday 2/9/259am-12pm 
Developing Self and Professional Leadership Practice Wednesday 3/9/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 17/9/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 1/10/20259am-1pm 
Tuesday 4/11/20259am-1pm 
Tuesday 9/12/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 14/1/20269am-1pm 
Contemporary Issues in Higher EducationTuesday 9/9/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 10/9/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 24/9/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 8/10/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 22/10/20259am-1pm 
Thursday 30/10/20259am-1pm 
Management and Leadership in Higher Education Tuesday 25/11/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 26/11/20259am-1pm 
Tuesday 16/12/20259am-1pm 
Wednesday 7/1/20269am-1pm 
Thursday 8/1/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 20/1/2026 9am-1pm 
Strategic Management in Higher Education Tuesday 3/3/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 4/3/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 14/4/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 15/4/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 28/4/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 29/4/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 2/6/2026 (TBC)9am-1pm 
Wednesday 3/6/2026 (TBC)9am-1pm 
Leading Change and Innovation in Higher Education Tuesday 8/9/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 9/9/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 30/9/20269am-1pm 
Thursday 1/10/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 27/10/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 28/10/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 8/12/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 9/12/20269am-1pm 
Applied Business ProjectTuesday 2/3/202710am-4pm
Wednesday 3/3/202710am-4pm
Tuesday 9/3/202710am-4pm
Tuesday 13/4/20279am-1pm
Wednesday 14/4/20279am-1pm
Tuesday 1/6/20279am-1pm
Wednesday 2/6/20279am-1pm

Proposed dates for January 2026 start

Module TitleOnline Delivery DatesOnline Delivery Times
InductionTuesday 6/1/20269am-12pm 
Developing Self and Professional Leadership Practice Wednesday 7/1/2026 9am-1pm 
Wednesday 21/1/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 18/2/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 11/3/20269am -1pm 
Wednesday 29/4/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 20/05/20269am-1pm 
Contemporary Issues in Higher EducationTuesday 13/1/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 14/1/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 28/01/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 11/02/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 04/03/20269am-1pm 
Thursady 05/03/20269am-1pm 
Management and Leadership in Higher EducationWednesday 01/04/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 15/4/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 5/5/20269am-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 8/9/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 9/9/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 30/9/20269am-1pm 
Thursday 1/10/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 27/10/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 28/10/20269am-1pm 
Tuesday 8/12/20269am-1pm 
Wednesday 9/12/20269am-1pm 
Strategic Management in Higher Education Tuesday 2/3/20279am-1pm 
Wednesday 3/3/20279am-1pm 
Tuesday 13/4/20279am-1pm 
Wednesday 14/4/20279am-1pm 
Tuesday 27/4/20279am-1pm 
Wednesday 28/4/20279am-1pm 
Tuesday 1/6/2027 (TBC)9am-1pm 
Wednesday 2/6/2027 (TBC)9am-1pm 
Applied Business ProjectTuesday 7/9/202710am-4pm
Wednesday 8/9/202710am-4pm
Tuesday 14/9/202710am-4pm
Tuesday 5/10/20279am-1pm
Wednesday 6/10/20279am-1pm
Tuesday 7/12/20279am-1pm
Wednesday 8/12/20279am-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)

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)

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.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

The fees for 2025/26 are £3,975 per stage (£11,925 for full MSc), this is subject to annual inflationary increase.

NTU will give 10% discount to students that meet the following criteria, subject to eligibility checks.

  • Students have been a member of AHEP at the following membership levels: Member, Accredited or Fellow for a minimum of two years.
  • Students have completed the Postgraduate Certificate Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership.

Government postgraduate and Masters funding for UK applicants

Postgraduate Masters loan

Student Finance England provides a non-means-tested loan of up to £12,167 to postgraduate and Masters students to contribute towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.The postgraduate loan is paid in three instalments over the duration of your study. You’ll repay the loan when you’ve finished your course and earn over the income threshold. If you also have an  undergraduate student loan to repay, you’ll make both repayments at the same time.Eligibility differs between national student finance services. Refer to your relevant service for further details on how to apply and repay.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) helps to cover the extra costs you might incur because of a disability, including a long-term health condition, mental health condition, physical disability, or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. Learn more about the DSA.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

The fees for 2025/26 are £3,975 per stage (£11,925 for full MSc), this is subject to annual inflationary increase.

NTU will give 10% discount to students that meet the following criteria, subject to eligibility
checks.

  • Students have been a member of AHEP at the following membership levels: Member, Accredited or Fellow for a minimum of two years.
  • Students have completed the Postgraduate Certificate Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships for international students up to 50% off your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.

Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Ready to join us? Apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.

Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.