MSc Leading Strategic Change
Enrolment is open until early September. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment.
Key Statistics
- Top 10 UK University
QS World University Rankings 2025
- 5th for UK recruiters
High Fliers Research 2024
- Top 5 in UK for research
THE Analysis of REF 2021
Overview
The part-time MSc Leading Strategic Change, is designed to enable you to:
- Understand organisational complexity and issues affecting success
- Improve your ability to manage change and uncertainty
- Make better choices about growth and strategic direction
- Increase your leadership impact
- Progress your leadership career.
Quote
You'll meet interesting people from the private, public and third sectors, and get a broad range of education in change and strategy and leadership, which I think would apply in any industry or sector.
How to apply
To be eligible to apply, you will need an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent qualification and at least five years of management experience.
Applicants without a degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can provide evidence of relevant professional experience. Speak to our programme team to find out more.
Programme structure
The programme is delivered through part-time study of six units across two years.
Each unit is spread across six-week periods that include:
- Four immersive 4-hour sessions, held on two weekends per unit (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Six online 1-hour sessions (usually held on Mondays)
Lessons are highly interactive, including case studies, practical exercises, personal reflection and group work. Informal networking is a key benefit of the programme.
Hear from our students
Learn to lead through crisis
"I think this programme is really important for me and my career, but also just generally for my confidence. I've certainly gained a huge amount of knowledge, new skills, and been able to put a lot of that into practice."
Part-time Master's that works around your career
"For me, that's so much more useful than an MBA, which when I looked at it, was more about teaching me to understand what the functions of different part of an organisation were."
FAQs
Fees and funding
UK: part-time (two years): £11,000 per year
Overseas: part-time (two years): £15,650 per year
Funding is sometimes available through employer sponsorship. Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Postgraduate master's loan
Students living in the UK can apply for a postgraduate master's loan. Find out more.
Pay in instalments
You can set up an instalment plan to pay in smaller amounts throughout the year. You can either set up a Direct Debit or a recurring card payment. There are deadlines to set up a plan, so make sure you do this in time.
Many of our students receive sponsorship from their employers. Our programme team is happy to provide a specialised employer funding template tailored to your needs. Discover how to create a personalised, compelling, and fully editable business case for your employer by getting in touch with our programme team.
The programme is delivered through part-time tuition across two years. There is a range of assessments, such as reports and group discussions that assess your knowledge and skills related to professional work. Students are supported by Unit Directors.
The programme offers flexibility and can be tailored to suit your career in the following way. You can choose to do a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or a full MSc.
- The first stage is a Postgraduate Certificate. This comprises 3 units across a 9-month period.
- The second stage is a Postgraduate Diploma, which builds on the first 3 units of the Postgraduate Certificate, includes a further 3 units across a further 9-month period.
- The third stage is the final award of the MSc in Strategy, Change and Leadership. For this stage, building on the knowledge and skills acquired in the 6 taught units, participants complete a capstone project of their choice of about 9,000 words working one-to-one with an experienced supervisor.
There is an opportunity to complete the full master's degree in 2 consecutive years, which means students can build a deep and lasting network with the same group of participants. It is also possible to work towards the MSc in stages, across 3 or 4 years on a case-by-case basis. Check with our programme team if you need further information on that.
Attendance is compulsory in all taught units.
Applicants without a degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can provide evidence of relevant professional experience. Speak to our team to find out more.
MSc Leading Strategic Change is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in shaping organisational direction, leading change, and enhancing their leadership capabilities.
Specialised focus: This programme offers in-depth knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as strategy formulation and implementation, organisational change management, and leadership development. You’ll explore complex, real-world challenges and gain the tools to design and execute strategic initiatives that drive impactful outcomes.
Peer learning and professional networks: You will study alongside a cohort of experienced professionals, creating rich opportunities for peer learning, meaningful collaboration, and the exchange of insights. This dynamic environment fosters strong networks that extend well beyond the programme.
Career impact: Whether you aim to advance within your current organisation or transition into roles such as strategic advisor, change consultant, or leadership development specialist, the MSc equips you with a powerful skill set tailored to senior-level influence and decision-making.
Applied learning: The programme emphasises the application of theory to practice, with a strong focus on real-time organisational challenges. This ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the confidence and capability to lead strategic change in complex environments.
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