Systems Thinking and Leadership PractitionerMSc / PGDip

Take your career to the next level with our Systems Thinking and Leadership Practitioner degree. Develop strategic insights, drive impactful change, and become a leader equipped to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Your journey to transformative leadership starts here.

Course Structure

This course will run in a part-time mode for 30 to 36 months depending on which awarded degree you enrolled for.

What makes this course different?

Birmingham excels with its blend of theoretical and practical skills, delivered through flexible, blended learning. Leverage the expertise of the Birmingham Leadership Institute and a professional network, with a focus on personal development through small cohort sizes, real-world case studies, and innovative methodologies. Enjoy the benefits of an employer-funded PGDip and the option to progress to an MSc, ensuring a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach to systems leadership.

• Real-World Application: Focus on personal development with real-world case studies, small cohorts, and innovative methodologies.
• Blended Learning: Flexible combination of online and in-person sessions to suit working professionals.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from the Birmingham Leadership Institute and a network of professional systems thinkers.
• Flexible study options: Gain invaluable on-the-job training with our Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner apprenticeship, funded by your employer’s levy, and graduate with a PGDip with the option to progress to a full MSc.

• Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
• Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
• Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic. 

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Year 1

The following must be taken:

Year 2

The following must be taken:

A first or second-class honours degree or equivalent. Alternatively, a lesser qualification together with appropriate work experience may be acceptable.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship we will offer the opportunity for learners to achieve a full Masters level qualification via completion of a 60 credit dissertation and a top up fee. Discounts and scholarships may be applied in certain circumstances for this fee, please contact us to discuss.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.