Master of Leadership for Development online course | Online and blended learning

Introduction

Lead future change

Become a confident global leader driving sustainable change with our online Master of Leadership for Development.

Delivered jointly with the University of Melbourne, our programme equips you with practical skills, global networks, and a collaborative mindset to create lasting impact in the development sector.

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Key features

Learn on the job

Combine your studies with your work and start implementing change from day one.

Build a global network

Learn from development colleagues in different settings across the world.

Practise new skills

Build on your practical experience in simulations of real-world scenarios.

Abhinav Nath's story

I am learning how to build a team together who believe in the same mission and also how to work with stakeholders to grow a non-profit organisation.

Abhinav Nath
Founder & CEO
NexTrack Consulting

Setting goals

Abhinav Nath wants to change society. Based in Gurgaon, India, Abhinav first pursued professional soccer, which took him first to England and then to the United States. After winning a partial scholarship to study at the University of Charleston and play for one of the best college soccer teams in the country, he began to realise his dreams lay elsewhere.

On his return to India, he became involved in education consultancy, first for an American firm and then one based in Singapore. Then in 2020, Abhinav started his own business helping students with overseas college and university admissions. He also works as an advisor at a non-profit school.

With an interest in international development, Abhinav wants to learn more in order to effect change in his home country of India. Close to his heart is women’s empowerment and how to break down barriers. A desire to tackle these inequalities led him to choose our Master of Leadership for Development.

Making real change

Abhinav was also drawn to this master’s as a step between his existing career and his desire to make an impact in development. “It sounded exciting. I have always been passionate to do something in the developmental sector, but I never had the courage to take that first step,” he says. For Abhinav, this master’s is just that. As a burgeoning entrepreneur, the focus on leadership further attracted him to this course.

International collaboration

Since starting in September 2021, Abhinav has enjoyed working with academics and other students to enhance his understanding and gain the tools to take into the development field.

“Interacting with professors is very exciting and I enjoy learning more about how some of our experienced faculty have gone about bringing change in their own communities and or the world,” he says. These interactive and international aspects of the course are also major bonuses for Abhinav. “We’re all coming from such diverse backgrounds – there is so much to learn from each other,” he says.

In his desire to make change in society, Abhinav accepts that there may be challenges ahead – and he hopes that this master’s will help him to meet those. “I want to develop a better understanding of how to bring about change in the developmental sector. While you may be very passionate to change something, maybe your society isn’t ready,” he reflects.

Inequalities and wellbeing

Abhinav hopes the collaborative aspect of the course will aid him in developing an organisation in his future career. “I am learning how to build a team together who believe in the same mission and also how to work with stakeholders to grow a non-profit organisation,” he tells us.

We asked Abhinav how he manages his wellbeing. “Getting back to basics and simplicity really helps," he tells us. For Abhinav, staying connected is also very important. “Spending time with family and friends has allowed me to connect with people on a much deeper level,” he says.

Across the world, poverty, inequality and lack of access to healthcare have been thrown into focus particularly in recent years. Development leaders are working to alleviate these problems and Abhinav hopes to join to them.

Through studying the Master of Leadership for Development, Abhinav hopes to shine a light on the issues plaguing society and be an important part of tackling them. Building on his experience in education, he wants to create a curriculum about women’s issues to share with the network of schools built through his business. By focusing his development work on educating people about these injustices, Abhinav aims to spark societal change. For him, the Master of Leadership for Development is the way to start.

Key information

Delivery

100% online, developed to fit around your lifestyle and circumstances
Duration

Master’s - 24 month, part-time
Application deadline

17 August 2026
Induction

Induction usually takes place one week before teaching begins. The date will be confirmed closer to the time.
Academic teaching start date

7 September 2026
Apply

Find out how to apply and what documents to submit in the application and selection section
Workload

Approx 15 hours per week
Course director

Jaco Renken (Manchester)
Natalie Cunningham (Manchester)
Violeta Schubert (Melbourne)

Fees and funding

Total course tuition fees for September 2026 are AUD$29,556.

This course is a joint master's with the University of Melbourne and The University of Manchester. The University of Melbourne is managing the admissions process hence the Australian dollar fee displayed.

You can save up to 50% on your tuition fee. Please see our fees and funding section below for more details.

Find out more about fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with honours (minimum Upper Second (2:1) or international equivalent) and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience; or a H2B (70%) or equivalent at the University of Melbourne.

Find out more about entry requirements

Jez Hunghanfoo - video story

There is a lot of work to be done in terms of human development and social justice and progress. I want to be making a contribution in that space for a long time to come.

Jez Hunghanfoo

Director of Communications and Engagement, Australian Law Reform Commission

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Request information

Complete the form below and our Course Advisor will contact you with the additional course information and relevant event invitations.

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Course overview

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Master of Leadership for Development

Who this course is for

If you want to reposition yourself to take up a leadership role in the development sector, but don't want to take time out from your important work to study, this fully-online master's course will support you to learn on the job.

If you already work in or alongside the global development sector – as a manager, planner, policy maker, consultant, educator, entrepreneur, researcher, or community advocate – develop your skills, transform your career with us and change the world for the better.

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Why study Leadership for Development?

What you will learn

Build your leadership capabilities, with strong foundations in sustainability and collaboration.
Learn to effectively navigate the complex circumstances and challenges of contemporary development.
Build practical skills for effective negotiation, diplomacy and cross-cultural communication.
Champion positive, proactive and improved social transformation in a global context.
Develop the digital competencies required in the modern development sector.

Where and when you will study

This fully-online, part-time master's means you can study from anywhere in the world and fit it around your day-to-day life. You will be expected to learn while you continue to work, and to use examples from your work throughout your study.

You will complete four taught units in year one, followed by two taught units and a research project in year two. You'll learn through interactive teaching and have plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers.

How it will benefit your career

Build a professional network across the globe and be in prime position to hear about the latest international opportunities.
Through our highly interactive teaching platform, you'll learn from the experiences of colleagues and your fellow students in diverse settings and gain a broader perspective.
Hone your leadership skills and knowledge acquired through the course in your job from day one to start advancing in your role, working with complex stakeholders and organisations and beyond.
Build your resilience and practise applying your skills in real-life scenarios so you're ready for the situations you'll encounter as your career grows.

Austin Lee Hwa Ting's story

There is a strong and growing focus on sustainability in Singapore, and there is certainly increasing demand for professionals with expertise in driving sustainable development within organisations and across sectors.

Austin Lee Hwa Ting
Director, Ethics and Compliance for Private Sector

Why did you decide to study the Master of Leadership for Development?

I have worked in the private sector for about 15 years, primarily focusing on ethics and compliance. Through this experience, I developed a strong interest in how ethical leadership, good governance, and responsible business practices can contribute to broader development goals. I wanted to pursue a qualification where I could deepen my expertise in sustainability and global development, building on my professional foundation.

I discovered the Master of Leadership for Development and was excited to see that I could study it fully online from my home country. The program's flexibility has allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing my studies. I believe the course will enable me to contribute even more meaningfully to my organization, particularly in driving sustainable and ethical practices.

Another aspect that attracted me to the course was its focus on leadership in development contexts. I wanted to learn how leaders can effectively drive sustainable development within organizations and across sectors. Where I work, we are strongly aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and I believe this course will better equip me to lead positive changes and help my organization advance its sustainability commitments in line with global development objectives.

What have you learned so far?

It’s been really enlightening, as somebody who hasn’t formally studied development before. I’ve learned a lot about the evolution of sustainable development and how it intersects with economic growth, as well as the importance of driving real and lasting change through development efforts. We’ve also explored the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, gaining insights into how global frameworks shape contemporary development priorities.

I was able to use a case study from my own work and look at it from a development leadership perspective. What I’ve really enjoyed so far as well is having access to journals and other academic resources from both the University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester. There are so many excellent resources available across both their libraries.

How have you found studying completely online?

The main benefit of studying fully online is undoubtedly flexibility. Because I work full-time, I mainly study in the evenings and on weekends, allowing me to balance my professional responsibilities with my academic goals.

One of the aspects I enjoy most is interacting with classmates from all over the world. I have met people from Australia, Indonesia, Africa, UK, and etc., each bringing unique perspectives to the course. Many of them work directly in the development sector, and I’ve gained valuable insights into the real-world challenges they face in trying to drive sustainable development within their organizations. This has broadened my understanding of the development of leadership across different contexts.

While coordinating group projects online across various time zones can be challenging, it has also strengthened our leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. We’ve had to work together closely to ensure we meet deadlines and maintain a high standard of work, which mirrors the realities of leading development initiatives across borders.

The course structure itself is excellent, guiding you through the material step-by-step. However, good time management skills and self-discipline are essential to stay on top of the workload and get the most out of the experience.

What are your future career goals?

In the short term, I want to apply what I’ve learned from the Master of Leadership for Development to my current role by improving internal processes and encouraging our business partners to adopt more sustainable practices. I hope to integrate development leadership principles into our compliance and sustainability initiatives to drive greater impact. Longer term, I am interested in pursuing a leadership role specifically focused on sustainable development. There is a strong and growing focus on sustainability in Singapore, and there is certainly increasing demand for professionals with expertise in driving sustainable development within organisations and across sectors.

Why do you think leadership in the development sector is important?

Driving success in sustainable development fundamentally hinges on effective leadership. We see that some countries are making significant progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, while others are falling behind and often, this comes down to whether leaders are prioritizing sustainability and taking action. It’s fascinating to examine how different leadership styles influence progress, and why some are more effective than others in advancing sustainable outcomes.

The world today is highly complex, and development leadership is never just about one individual, it involves navigating and coordinating multiple stakeholders. Leading across sectors, corporate, government, NGOs, and communities requires a much more sophisticated, collaborative approach. To align diverse interests and build collective action around sustainability goals demands strong, adaptive leadership, which is why leadership in the development sector is absolutely critical.

Course units

Contemporary Development
- Consider how the changing global landscape affects the context of current development challenges.
- Explore key development theories, paradigms and concepts.
- Examine the implications of shifts in power for development.
You'll examine the rapidly changing landscape of contemporary global development in order to provide the appropriate contextual background for the challenges currently facing leaders in development. This unit will explore the key development theories, paradigms, and concepts, as well as critically examine the implications of shifts in the global context for development institutions, programmes, and frameworks.
Contemporary Leadership
- Study the key aspects of leadership theory, specifically the foundations of exercising influence, and the role of situational factors.
- Understand the different styles and models of leadership.
In this unit, you'll examine the key aspects of leadership theory, specifically the foundations of exercising influence, and the role of situational factors that affect it. Key themes include understanding of the different styles and models of leadership, the distinction between role of manager and leader, connection between leadership and political and organisational governance, issues of power, dependencies, accountability and responsibility and the requisite qualities of leadership.
Leading Development
- Examine the distinctiveness of leadership in the development sector.
- Explore the changing meaning of leadership and implications of the post-heroic perspective.
- Draw on key concepts and context to develop a model for leading in a global context.
You'll examine the distinctiveness of leadership in the development sector. It critically explores the changing meaning of leadership and examine the implications of the post-heroic perspective on leadership for global development. It draws on the concepts and context of development and leadership fundamentals to develop a leadership reference model that is appropriate for effectively leading development in a global context. It particularly draws on a collection of teaching cases and practitioner insights.
Organisational Development and Change
- Understand the organisational context of change initiatives.
- Learn theoretical foundations and practical interventions from applied behavioural science.
- Examine strategies for training leaders and succession planning.
This unit focuses on the organisational context where development leaders plan and implement change initiatives. Theoretical foundations are drawn from applied behavioural sciences, and cover interpersonal, group, inter group, and organisation-wide interventions to effect comprehensive and lasting change. It examines innovative strategies for training and developing leaders, as well as planning and implementing succession in global development sector organisations. Blending theory and practice, you'll work in teams, applying lessons learned from this module in the analysis of real-world change scenarios and leadership challenges.
International Management and Leadership
- Understand the processes of internationalisation in multilateral institutions and NGOs.
- Examine the challenges and opportunities for addressing global inequalities.
- Explore global trends, including public/NGO-private partnerships, corporate social entrepreneurship, value chain arrangements and open innovation.
In this unit, you'll examine the processes of internationalisation in private- and public-sector, multilateral institutions and non-governmental organizations, examining the challenges and opportunities for addressing global inequalities. It'll examine global trends including the formation of public/NGO private partnerships, corporate social entrepreneurship, new forms of business models, value chain arrangements and open innovation.
Leadership Skills in Action
- Apply new knowledge and skills to simulated scenarios.
- Practise the practical management of change and leadership in the context of real-life development challenges.
This unit will allow you to apply management and leadership knowledge and skills gained through the course using adaptive simulations. The focus will be on the practical management of change and leading through challenges and uncertainties all related to a specific challenge and context. The simulation of scenarios will take place over the 10 weeks of teaching. It'll give you big problem areas to deal with using your analytical and critical skills you’ll learn throughout the course.
Project
- Undertake a research-based activity using the knowledge and skills you've acquired.
- Choose between a group project and an individual dissertation.

Course structure

This course is taught from a global, future-focused perspective, where you will explore key development theories, contemporary global issues in development, fundamental principles of leadership and the nuances of leading in development, the complexities of institutional structures and how to implement change within an organisational context.

With our focus on highly applicable skills and knowledge, you will also learn through interactive teaching the chance to experience and practice your developing leadership skills in real-world scenarios. You will complete four taught units in year one, followed by two taught units and a research project in year two. You’ll learn through a mix of interactive teaching and have plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers.

Course learning aims

You will critically analyse the complexities of institutional structures and power relationships. You will develop leadership skills in a highly-complex sector and will learn to be able to navigate and make change happen.

This course is fully online, yet highly interactive. You'll have the opportunity to network with other development professionals who work across the globe and in different sectors such as multi-lateral organisations including the World Bank and UN, governments, public and private sector organisations, NGOs and charities.

You'll apply your learning and practical leadership competencies directly into your workplace, using real-life scenarios and global case studies. This is at the core of this course and sets us apart from other development courses globally.

Key thematic streams that run throughout each subject unit allow you flexibility to develop or hone your skills within a specific area. While addressing important competencies such as communication, decision-making and self-reflection, the design of subject modules ensure exercises and assessments are as practical and applicable to your professional leadership aspirations.

You will acquire critical reasoning and analytical expertise to interpret complex development situations and attain practical management and leadership skills to champion positive, proactive, and improved social transformation in this global context. This knowledge, analytical expertise and practical skills can transfer to a range of roles across different sectors, organisations and settings.

Teaching and learning

The course consists of six core subjects and one capstone project. You will complete four units in year one and two units plus the project in year two. The course units are delivered by academics from across The University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne.

The course provides a completely online and flexible learning experience. All course materials will be readily accessible from a virtual learning environment.

Content will be delivered in a rich media format, incorporating sound and video materials such as case studies, real-life scenarios, expert interviews, and animations. Interactive online learning activities, including simulations, quizzes, and journals, will be integrated alongside collaborative activities. These will include synchronous sessions like conference calls and webinars, as well as asynchronous interactions through discussion boards and online chats. This dynamic approach will complement in-depth textual course content.

Technical requirements

Please review the technical requirements to prepare for a successful learning journey with us.

Coursework and assessment

Each subject or unit will include different types of assessment.

These may include written assignments, peer reviews, reflective learning, scenario simulation reporting, group work and how you engage and contribute to group discussions.

Admissions information

From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you’ll receive all the support you need. We can support you with enrolment and subject assistance, administrative logistics and fee options, online learning skills, workload management and special circumstances including a possible professional entry route.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

In order to be considered for entry, you must have completed:

An honours degree in a cognate discipline (e.g. social sciences including anthropology; sociology; public policy; social policy; political science; media and communication; journalism; economics; management; population and global health; education; engineering; or architecture and public planning), or equivalent and at least two years of documented, relevant professional work experience, or
an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline (e.g. social sciences including anthropology; sociology; public policy; social policy; political science; media and communication; journalism; economics; management; population and global health; education; engineering; or architecture and public planning), or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant professional work experience, or
a minimum of eight years documented, relevant professional work experience. Candidates entering through this route will be registered for the master's certificate under a probation arrangement. Failure to pass all master's certificate course units in the first year of study will disallow registration for a higher-level qualification.

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

prior academic performance; and
relevance of previous studies; and
relevant professional work experience

English language

English language entry requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the following language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) Test score of 6.5 or more overall, with a minimum score of 6.5 in writing and a minimum score of 6.0 in the other subsections, or
TOEFL internet-based test score of 90 or more overall, with a minimum writing score of 22 and no other subsection below 20, or
Pearson Test of English score of 62 or more overall, with a minimum score of 62 in writing and a minimum score of 59 in the other subsections, or
Grade C in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, or
Grade A in the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English.

(agreed by the University of Melbourne, but subject to finalization of joint regulations)

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

Advice to applicants

This first-of-a-kind, joint qualification draws on the combined strength of two world-class institutions: the University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne. The fully online course provides the flexibility to study around your commitments and complete the programme part-time over 24 months.

The course embraces action-based, reflective learning, facilitated through a comprehensive online platform, simulations, individual and group projects. The programme is designed to forge strong enduring networks among study fellows and alumni. Applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcomed.

How your application is considered

When you submit your application, please provide a personal statement that outlines your personal motivation for pursuing the course in terms of future career ambitions, the nature of leadership/managerial experience and the relevance of prior qualifications in relation to this course, as it is keenly focused on the Development sector. We normally expect around 500 words.

An education selection committee from both institutions will meet regularly to discuss and make a decision on your application.

Scholarships and bursaries

Sustainable Development Goals Scholarship - A third off your tuition fee*

Deadline for submissions: 6 July 2026

We are pleased to invite applications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based award available to offer holders for the Master of Leadership for Development. This scholarship is open to individuals who can demonstrate a clear and sustained commitment to advancing one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The scholarship aims to support talented candidates who are either already working in, or aspire to work in, the global development sector. Through the Master of Leadership for Development, recipients will have the opportunity to deepen their impact and prepare for future leadership roles in international development and beyond.

Application Criteria

Applicants must submit a presentation (maximum 6 slides/pages, in addition to standard application documents)** that clearly addresses the following:

Academic excellence and motivation : Demonstrate strong academic ability and a compelling motivation to contribute to the advancement of one or more SDGs. Prior or current work experience in or alongside the development sector is desirable.
Leadership potential and commitment to change : Provide persuasive evidence of your capacity to act as an agent of change and a role model within the global development field. Draw on your past and present experiences to show how you have made a difference, and explain how the Master of Leadership for Development will enable you to amplify your future impact.
Vision and action plan : Present a well-defined personal motivation and a concrete plan of action that illustrates how the programme will support your efforts to deliver on your chosen SDG(s). Go beyond general aspirations—reflect critically on how you intend to turn your ambitions into reality.

Please submit your completed SDG Scholarship application to: continuing-education@unimelb.edu.au

* Discounts and scholarships policy : Discounts and scholarships are not cumulative. If you qualify for more than one, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.

**Presentations are not delivered orally. Think of your submission as a ‘storyboard’ - you may use diagrams, photographs, or other visual elements to convey your message. Assessment will focus on the substance of your response and how effectively you demonstrate alignment with the scholarship criteria, not on technical or design skills.

Fees and funding

Total course tuition fees for September 2026 are AUD$29,556.

This course is a joint master's with the University of Melbourne and The University of Manchester. The University of Melbourne is managing the admissions process hence the Australian dollar fee displayed.

Tuition fee discounts*

Application discount (10%) : Apply on or before 30 June 2026 to receive 10% reduction on your tuition fee. To be eligible, you will need to submit your application on or before 30 June 2026 and if offered a place, you will need to accept your offer within two weeks from the date of the offer.
Alumni Discount for Online Courses (15%) : If you have successfully completed a credit-bearing qualification at the University of Melbourne or The University of Manchester, or UMIST, you may be eligible for a 15% alumni discount on your tuition fees for online courses.

International fee remissions (50%)*

Our International 50% fee remission programme empowers future leaders to deliver solutions globally within the development sector. Fee remissions are available to citizens of countries deemed low and middle income by the World Bank .

Designed for academically excellent students with the potential to make a significant contribution to development in their home countries and around the world. They cover 50% of tuition fees for eligible students studying the Master of Leadership for Development (online) co-taught between the University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester.

The fee remissions are intended for those who cannot otherwise afford to study at the University of Melbourne or The University of Manchester. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity. All eligible applicants with citizenship from an eligible country are automatically considered on merit for the fee remission when they submit their application for the course.

Sustainable Development Goals Scholarship (A third off your tuition fee)*

Please see our scholarships and bursaries section for details.

*Discounts and scholarships policy : Discounts and scholarships are not cumulative. If you qualify for more than one, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.

Payment by instalments

You will be able to pay for each unit as the unit starts at the beginning of each study period. This will take place in September, November, February and May of each year you study with us.

Australian Fee Places

When you apply, you will automatically be considered for an Australian fee place if you meet course entry requirements.

Learn more about Australian Fee Places .

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to the University. You’ll make repayments through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whenever your income is above the threshold.

The Government’s Study Assist website provides more information about FEE-HELP.

Other financial assistance

The University of Melbourne's Student Financial Aid Service can provide you with advice and information on student loans and bursaries/grants, cost of living, budgeting and tax advice.

Additional cost information

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.

Master of Leadership for Development

Introduction

Lead future change

Key features

Learn on the job

Build a global network

Practise new skills

Abhinav Nath's story

Setting goals

Making real change

International collaboration

Inequalities and wellbeing

This degree is delivered in partnership with the University of Melbourne

Benefits of our collaborative approach

Key information

Fees and funding

Entry requirements

Jez Hunghanfoo - video story

Request information

Course overview

Who this course is for

What you will learn

Where and when you will study

How it will benefit your career

Austin Lee Hwa Ting's story

Course units

Contemporary Development

Contemporary Leadership

Leading Development

Organisational Development and Change

International Management and Leadership

Leadership Skills in Action

Project

Course structure

Admissions information

Academic entry qualification overview

English language

English language test validity

How to apply

Advice to applicants

How your application is considered

Policy on additional costs

Regulated by the Office for Students