MBA Essentials: Leadership & Strategy

Our MBA short course course, a progressive, modular training pathway tailored to put you on the pathway to an MBA.

Who is the course suitable for?

Anyone wishing to develop their leadership skills who doesn't have the time to study for a full MBA. This course allows you to study one module from the full MBA course over the duration of one semester alongside any other commitments you may have. You simply select the module that you wish to study from those shown below.

Module 1: Responsible Leadership and People skills

This module will be taught by Ian Evans on Fridays from 1:00pm - 4:00pm on our RAU campus at Cirencester. The course runs from Friday 3 October 2025 - Friday 16 January 2026.

In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, leaders must act responsibly and build successful businesses without causing harm to stakeholders or the environment. This module aims to develop a critical appreciation of how responsible leaders can draw upon personal attributes and emerging leadership theories—particularly those grounded in current equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles and legislation. Students will explore tools such as personality and team-based assessments (e.g. Belbin, Myers-Briggs) and learn how to adapt their communication styles to meet the needs of staff, hierarchy, and clients.

The module examines leadership from individual, team, and organisational perspectives. It encourages students to reflect on and strengthen their own leadership capabilities and consider what it means to lead others responsibly. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of leadership knowledge to successful project management and the facilitation of organisational change.

Key themes include thought leadership, motivation, flexibility, and resilience. The module will also explore how advanced communication and facilitation skills contribute to organisational effectiveness and support both individual and team resilience. Facilitation techniques will cover working within teams, supporting innovation, promoting active participation, drawing on professional expertise, and leveraging appropriate resources.

At the end of this module you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of responsible, inclusive and ethical leadership and management practices
• Critically evaluate and analyse leadership attributes demonstrated by others
• Reflect upon personal communication and team working skills in different work environments
• Develop team facilitation and communication skills to address complex organisational issues
• Reflect critically on one’s own experience and link this to new learning on responsible leadership from the module and peers

Module 2: Sustainable Strategies for Business Excellence

This module is led by Dr Tosin Lagoke on Fridays from 9:00am - 12:00pm on our RAU campus at Cirencester. The course runs from Friday 3 October 2025 - Friday 16 January 2026.

In an increasingly complex and competitive global environment, managers are under growing pressure to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make, interpret, and implement strategic decisions effectively. This module offers a dynamic exploration of Sustainable Strategies for Business Excellence, with a strong emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and the integration of employability, entrepreneurship, and enterprise education.

Students will engage in a comprehensive analysis of how organisations can embed sustainability into their core strategies, promote inclusivity, and foster employability through entrepreneurial thinking. The module equips students with the analytical tools and frameworks necessary for effective strategic decision-making in rapidly evolving business contexts.

Core topics include environmental and competitive analysis, the identification of organisational strengths and weaknesses, and the development and implementation of sustainable competitive strategies. The curriculum also addresses key areas such as:

• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
• Sustainable supply chain management
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• Integration of sustainability metrics into performance evaluation

Real-world case studies and guest lectures from industry professionals will provide practical insights into the creation and execution of sustainable strategies that promote business excellence, resilience, and long-term success.

At the end of this module you'll be able to:

• Analyse the external environment, assessing competitors, and determining organisational strengths and weaknesses.
• Generate and select viable strategies that create sustainable competitive advantage.
• Develop a systematic understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary for effective strategic decision-making in the face of complex and competitive business environments.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable business strategies, including how organisations can integrate sustainability into their core strategies.
• Critically evaluate the role of corporate social responsibility in strategic planning and how this can be applied within a business.

How is the course delivered?

This module adopts a flipped classroom approach, combining online directed learning via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with interactive in-person sessions. Students are expected to engage with a range of preparatory materials prior to each class, including readings, demonstrations, videos, websites, lecture notes, and short recordings. These resources are designed to support independent learning and ensure students are well-prepared for classroom activities.

Each week, students will participate in a three-hour session focused on active and collaborative learning. These sessions incorporate interactive teaching methods such as class discussions, role plays, reflective exercises, case-based learning, and group presentations. Detailed guidance on session content is provided in advance to support student preparation and post-session reflection.

Teaching is problem-based, encouraging students to work collaboratively to develop innovative and practical solutions to real-world national and global challenges. A strong emphasis is placed on peer-to-peer learning, critical thinking, and the application of theoretical knowledge to contemporary issues.

Entry criteria

An Undergraduate Honours Degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or overseas equivalent, or a professional qualification and/or experience considered to be equivalent to the above. For information on international qualifications, please, see our country specific pages. For countries not listed please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk.

We welcome applications from applicants with non-standard qualifications who are able to demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills developed in the workplace or elsewhere and which are relevant to the programme of study. Applicants will need to use their personal statement to provide further details supported by a CV. All non-standard applications will be considered by the Programme Manager on a case-by-case basis and applicants can expect that an interview may be required as part of the admissions process.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our English language requirements for the level of study. For postgraduate taught programmes this is IELTS Academic min. overall 6.5 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent). English language tests usually have a validity of 2 years from the date the test is taken.

Apply today

Our module dates are:

• Module 1: Responsible Leadership and People skills - every Friday at 1:00pm - 4:00pm from 3 October 2025 - Friday 16 January 2026, £1,200 per person, per module
• Module 2: Sustainable Strategies for Business Excellence - every Friday at 9:00am - 12:00pm from 3 October 2025 - Friday 16 January 2026, £1,200 per person, per module

You will have the option to study without completing the assessment or, if you prefer, you can complete the assessment and gain credits towards the full MBA course.

Book now on our Online Shop here.

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds – Cirencester - we offer comfortable accommodation, with free on-site parking and sustainable catering using local suppliers.

If you have any queries, please get in touch via our continuing professional development enquiry form or call +44 (0) 1285 652531.