Program Overview

Leadership and Management (Top-up) MSc

Overview

Turn your practical leadership experience into an academic postgraduate qualification in 1 year, as you explore management topics and target your studies to progress your career.

Key Information

Accreditation

This course is accredited.

Course Information

Study Mode and Duration

• 1 year part-time (top-up)

Start Date

• September 2025
• January 2026

Course Highlights

• Complete a dissertation to earn your full MSc degree
• Use your expertise (professional experience or military rank) to build knowledge on leadership and management
• Investigate a management topic you’re passionate about
• Apply your learning in the workplace
• Get support from expert lecturers and academics

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

September 2025 / January 2026 start

• There are 4 recognised routes of entry:
  • The award of the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership & Management obtained within the last 5 years and a minimum of 3 years appropriate management experience.
  • Military applicants may apply on the basis of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) via either their Rank or the award of ICSC and a minimum of 2 years work experience at a leadership level.
  • Police applicants may apply on the basis of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) following successful completion of the College of Policing Senior Leadership Development Programme (June 2018 or later) and a minimum of 2 years work experience at Chief Inspector level or equivalent.
  • Via a Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio where the applicant can demonstrate they meet the Learning Outcomes of a number of prior units.

Non-UK qualifications

If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)

• UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £4,200 (part-time)
• EU students: £4,200 (part-time)
• International students: £5,970 (part-time)

Modules

What You'll Study

• Research Methods and Investigative Project - 60 credits
  • This module covers the theory and application of research methodologies and considers concepts of qualitative and quantitative methods and their use in organisational research.

How You'll Spend Your Time

Course Structure

• This Master's degree will take: 12 months part-time, starting in either September or January
• You can expect:
  • to attend induction events on campus during the first week of term
  • to study via distance learning after induction
  • to complete self-directed study in your own time
  • online monthly drop-in sessions with tutors

Career Development

Careers This Master’s Prepares You For

• You’ll graduate as an expert in leadership with a postgraduate qualification to showcase your skills.
• Holding a recognised MSc certificate will help you appeal to employers and evidence your experience, both in civilian life and during your time in service.

Supporting You

Types of Support

• Personal tutor
• Student engagement officers
• Business study support tutors
• Academic skills support
• Library support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Support with English

How to Apply

Personal Statement

• Your personal statement should include:
  • your reasons for applying
  • an overview of your experience and qualifications; for military staff please include your rank and qualification
  • details of your initial research idea – what do you plan to research with supporting references, and/or specific theories/work you have in mind

Additional Information

Admissions Terms and Conditions

• When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.