Master of Leadership for Development

Learn to lead with confidence and tackle contemporary development challenges collaboratively to drive real change.

In today's complex and rapidly changing global environment, development leaders need a new style of leadership.

Drawing on the strength of two world-class institutions, the University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester have developed this fully online master program focused on the practical skills, global connections and collaborative outlook needed to make a real difference in the development sector.

Challenging the traditional narrative around leadership, the course will equip you to become a contemporary leader who works in partnership with people to effect meaningful change.

As you earn your joint degree, you will be taught by a team of international leaders in the field, gaining a global perspective on development issues and building a diverse network of development colleagues in the process.

As a fully online, part-time program, the Master of Leadership for Development allows you to study from anywhere in the world and supports you to combine study with work, so you can start implementing change from day one.

Why study leadership?

Leadership is a critical factor in the success of development programs. Effective, collaborative leadership empowers communities and measurably improves project outcomes – both in the field and while navigating the complex relationships and stakeholder networks that hold influence in the development sector.

Read more in our paper Developing leadership: The value of purposeful leadership education for the development sector [PDF, 2.9MB].

Who is this course for?

The Master of Leadership for Development is for those wanting to reposition themselves as leaders in development.

You can be from any disciplinary background working in or alongside the global development sector, including managers, planners, policymakers, consultants, educators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community advocates. As a fully online, part-time program, it is ideal for those working full time.

If you want to transform your career to drive real impact and influence this master’s program is for you.

International students are welcome to study this course. However, please note that this course is not available to international students who require a student visa to study in Australia as it does not meet the onshore study requirements and it is not registered with CRICOS.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• English language test score requirements

• If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

  IELTS

  6.5

  ---

  with no band less than 6.0

  TOEFL

  79+

  ---

  with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

  PEARSON

  64+

  ---

  with no communicative skill below 60

  CAMBRIDGE

  176+

  ---

  with no skill less than 169

  *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

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