In a culturally diverse world, leadership is more important and more complex than ever. This course explores how to navigate those complexities expertly, introducing the key ideas needed to provide effective leadership in today's world.
If you're working in or preparing for a position of leadership, then you'll know the immense challenge and responsibility this represents - especially if you're in a cross-cultural team or an organisation undergoing change or transition. Through the MA in Leadership in a Complex World, you will:
- Reflect on your experience in the light of new thinking on leadership theory and practice.
- Explore the challenges of leading a global team.
- Understand developing an organisation to function effectively amid the challenges of a globalised context.
- Understand various approaches to mission and missiological study and reflect on key issues within mission today.
- Research a leadership issue relevant to your own context or area of interest.
Who is teaching?
The Course Leader is Simon Caudwell, with additional teaching from members of the Redcliffe faculty and visiting lecturers.
The MA in Leadership in a Complex World is validated by the University of Gloucestershire.
Students on all MA programmes study the following compulsory module:
Research Methods and Approaches for Missiological Study (CM1)
explore approaches to the concept of missio Dei (God’s mission in the world) and holistic mission, and give a thorough orientation on skills for postgraduate missiological research and study.
Students on the Leadership programme specialise their study by completing the following modules:
An Introduction to Global Leadership (GL1)
enhance your skills for the demands of senior leadership in intercultural contexts.
Organisational Development and Cultural Change (GL2)
aimed at decision-makers and higher-level leadership; analyse, engage with and critique an organisation's structure and culture and develop strategies and processes for change.
To complete the taught element of your MA, choose to study on one of the following elective modules:
Global Missiological Issues in Intercultural Contexts (CM2)
focus on a number of crucial issues that demand attention as we participate in God’s mission in the contemporary world.
Crucial Issues for European Mission and Theology (CM4)
for leaders in a UK or European context; take a contextual approach to missiology in Europe, and engage with a broad range of issues that impact on Christian mission and theology today.
Gender and Mission (CM15)
explore the spectrum of issues relating to gender that affect mission across cultures; both from a justice perspective and also from the point of view of specific gender issues in their global contexts.
Life and Work in Muslim Contexts (CM16)
aimed at leaders in organisations working in predominantly Muslim communities and contexts; explore appropriate missional responses to cultures with high honour/shame dynamics, and critique contemporary and historical approaches to working within this environment.
Independent Study Module (CM12)
undertake an approved project of independent study on a specific issue or aspect of missiology or leadership that affects your circumstances and working experience today.
Professional Project (CM13)
some students use their programme as an opportunity to develop and complete a project for their professional setting, and reflect academically throughout the process, so as to directly contribute to their work or ministry.
MA students then complete a research dissertation:
Dissertation (CM3)
the culmination of your learning experience; frame and negotiate a research question (usually related to your field of experience and/or current work) and relating your topic to the theme of global leadership, present your findings with reference to current academic research, and their practical implications for mission today.
Alternative exit awards
Completing only CM1 and either GL1 or GL2 will give you a PGCert in Leadership in a Complex World.
Completing only CM1, GL1, GL2 and one of the above elective options will give you a PGDip in Leadership in a Complex World.
Download the full course outline for the MA in Leadership in a Complex World here.
Course dates and pathways
You can begin the MA in the Spring, Summer or Autumn, and students typically take two to four years to complete the programme, allowing them to study as they serve. You can also begin in the Summer in Oceania if that is more accessible to you. Click here to find out more.
The compulsory modules (CM1, GL1 and GL2) are available to study in Weekend Mode (completing each module over two long weekends in Spring or Autumn), as is the elective module CM2; or in Summer School Mode (studying both modules at our three week study intensive in July).
The alternative elective modules are only available in Summer School Mode.
Option 1: Begin your MA in Mixed Mode in the Spring
Apply for the programme by 23 January 2020.
Year 1
Study CM2 & GL1 over two long weekends, 6-9 March and 24-27 April 2020.
Year 2
Study GL2 and your fourth module at the 2021 Summer School (6-24 July).
Years 3 to 4
Complete your research dissertation and graduate with an MA in Leadership in a Complex World.
Option 2: Begin your MA in Summer School Mode in July
Apply for the programme by 23 May 2020.
Year 1
Study CM2 and GL2 during the 2020 Summer School (4-24 July).
Year 2
Study your fourth module at the 2021 Summer School (3-23 July).
Years 3 to 4
Complete your research dissertation and graduate with an MA in Leadership in a Complex World.
Download the full delivery dates for 2020 here.
Course fees
Tuition fees for the MA in Leadership in a Complex World are £6,350 for students beginning their course in 2020. Note: this is the tuition cost for the whole course, not per year.
There is also an Academic Administration Fee charged each year you are registered on the course, and costs associated with the Mode of Delivery you choose to cover the time that you are at the College.
For more information about fees, accommodation options and payment schedules, please see our fees page.
Download the fee sheet here.