Leaders function at all levels of a business, providing vision and galvanising the energy of followers towards achieving that vision. The Business Leadership and Management course at Robert Gordon University is targeted at aspiring and current managers who want to develop knowledge and understanding of business practice.
The course also develops the skills to formulate strategy and inspire followers to join them on a strategic journey.
This course is part of the MSc Business and Management programme, giving you the option of studying a 2 year MSc (with work placement).
Throughout the course you will gain essential skills in leadership. With additional strengths in supporting innovation, managing change and inspiring people, you will increase your potential for a successful business career at the highest level.
All the modules are rooted firmly in professional practice and are designed to provide you with the ability to apply strategic thinking and leadership practice in a variety of sectors.
Each course in the Business and Management programme comprises of a dual award:
- A globally recognised Masters qualification
- A Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (level 7) from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
If you are considering a postgraduate study option for an Aberdeen Business School course starting September 2025 or January 2026 then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Stage 1
You will increase your understanding of how and why business operates in the way that it does. You will develop your knowledge of the basic elements and techniques of change and resilience and further your knowledge and practice of the management and development of people in the workplace. You will reinforce your professional and transferable skills in interpersonal communication and teamwork.
Stage 2
You will critically review and manipulate a range of tools and techniques to support strategic decision-making. You will develop your awareness and understanding of business economics and enhance your knowledge and ability to apply a range of analytical tools to analyse, plan and undertake effective leadership. You will further your expertise in marketing via a focus on the marketing of innovation.
Stage 3
The Capstone module is designed to provide you with an opportunity to integrate master's level knowledge and skills by independently working on a research focused project from a degree related discipline. Personal and professional skills such as research, communication and presentation skills will be developed.
Extended Master’s
We offer an extended Master’s route, starting in September, on our traditional 1-year route which incorporates a 12 month placement. This route has a duration of 24 months, and will follow the same teaching programme as the 1 year course. You will receive training, guidance and support to support you through the recruitment and selection stages for the jobs on offer from our dedicated Employability and Enrichment Hub team.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Learning Methods
You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. These comprise of a mix of group study, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by teams and individuals.
There is 12 hours of timetabled classes per week with a further 12 hours of directed and individual study. The course uses a workshop type approach with flexible module sessions normally of 3 hours per week for each module.
Activity Summary
- Seminars - 30 students per group, 12 hours per week
- Independent Study - 24 hours per week
How long is a Business Leadership and Management course?
The duration of the Business Leadership and Management MSc course can be successfully completed within 12 - 24 months.
Independent Study
The course encourages you to work autonomously and to take responsibility for your own learning and professional development. The main vehicle for independent learning is the Capstone Project where you will develop their learning in many aspects: the nature of research, writing a proposal, sourcing relevant information, data collection and analysis, research ethics and presenting work.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed over the duration of the course:
- 1 written exam, typically for 3 hours
- 8 written assignments, including essays
- 1 Capstone project
- 1 oral assessment
Staff Delivering on This Course
Academic staff who teach on this course have worked in a range of professional backgrounds, are ‘business-connected’ and use professional networks and their academic research to ensure teaching is professionally relevant and cutting edge.
Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Other staff members include industry professionals, guest lecturers, staff with Research experience or past Postgraduate Research students.
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Capstone
You are encouraged to apply for live Capstone consultancy projects which are sourced locally and are advertised through our Professional Enrichment hub. You are also able to negotiate and source your own consultancy host organisation in discussion with the Professional Enrichment Hub.
12 Month placement
For those on our Extended Master’s route (24 months Full Time On Campus) you will have the opportunity to embark on a 12 month placement on completion of the 9-month teaching programme (mid-May). If you successfully secure a placement, you will start your placement no later than September and will complete your placement by the following June prior to graduation in July.
Placement opportunities are real jobs in an extensive range of organisations from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to global multinationals, and is an excellent way to test your academic knowledge, develop transferable skills and develop your business networks. The employing organisation is likely to be a source of rich data for the Capstone module and you will be encouraged to research an organisational issue of your choosing – likely identified through discussion with the placement employer. You will also complete a reflective e-portfolio which captures the skills development through the placement period.
Throughout the placement you will be assigned both a workplace mentor and an academic mentor and will receive ongoing support to enhance your career development.
N.B. You are responsible for finding the placement, with support from the placement team, and as such the University cannot guarantee that all students will be successful in securing a placement. If unsuccessful, your course fee attached to the work experience element will be refunded.
Prospects
This course is for new graduates or experienced professionals who wish to progress their career contributing to the leadership of a team or a business. You may be from a non-relevant (ie. non business) academic or professional background. It is also for those already working in business, at a junior, middle or more senior manager level, and seeking to progress their career as a consultant, middle or more senior level business manager or entrepreneur. If you are looking to enter this field and have no relevant formal qualifications, this course will allow you to gain the necessary expertise.
Find out moreRGUflex
What is needed for an MSc in Business Leadership and Management?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject discipline.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9330 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £9330 |
| Year 2 | £5670 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5875 |
| Year 2 | £5875 | |
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4410 |
| Year 2 | £4410 | |
| Year 3 | £2930 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9330 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £9330 |
| Year 2 | £5670 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5875 |
| Year 2 | £5875 | |
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4410 |
| Year 2 | £4410 | |
| Year 3 | £2930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £19060 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £19060 |
| Year 2 | £6180 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5875 |
| Year 2 | £5875 | |
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4410 |
| Year 2 | £4410 | |
| Year 3 | £2930 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9060 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £9060 |
| Year 2 | £5500 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5615 |
| Year 2 | £5615 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9060 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £9060 |
| Year 2 | £5500 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5615 |
| Year 2 | £5615 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £9060 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £9060 |
| Year 2 | £5500 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5615 |
| Year 2 | £5615 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £18500 |
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £18500 |
| Year 2 | £6000 | |
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5615 |
| Year 2 | £5615 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.