BSc (Hons) (Top-Up)Professional Development in Leadership and Management Validated by The Open University

Overview

In today's world and workplace, the 'one life, one career' standard no longer applies. Those who possess the skills and flexibility required to respond effectively to the changing demands of the workplace will be at a significant competitive advantage. This degree programme focuses on professional learning and emphasises learning from experience through self-reflective practice. 

The general aim of the BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Leadership and Management (Top-Up) is to produce industry focused graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of the core principles behind strategic leadership and management with a practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice. 

Within that context, the aim at Belfast Met is to provide an academically challenging whilst intellectually stimulating programme of study. It should focus on applied learning, critical thinking, and professional development.

Specifically, the BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Leadership and Management (Top-Up) aims to:

1. evoke an appreciation of the principles behind leadership and strategic management across a range of work-based scenarios and environments.
2. develop intellectual skills including those in critical analysis, synthesis and problem-solving with the ability to critically evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving business problems.
3. lead to the acquisition of knowledge and experience of a wide range of both subject-specific and general, practical and transferable skills that are essential for successful operation within business at a strategic level including interpersonal skills such as those associated with negotiation, communication, presentation, leadership and teamwork.
4. develop students’ ability to research, analyse, interpret and communicate business information using appropriate information technology.
5. instil an ethical understanding of the individual, social, organisational and economic implications of leading and managing.
6. encourage an appreciation of the importance of adopting a strategy for lifelong learning and a willingness to continue personal and professional development after completion of the degree

On successful completion of this programme, a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced leadership competencies using enhanced decision-making skills informed by theories and models in order to lead teams effectively in dynamic and complex environments.
2. Apply strategic management principles through the creation and implementation of strategic plans to drive business success whilst understanding the impact that external factors have on leadership decision-making. 
3. Develop investigative approaches through professional inquiry to foster the ability to analyse complex business problems and formulate evidence-based solutions.
4. Use reflective practice to improve personal and professional leadership approaches.
5. Explore the role of digital leadership and emerging technologies in modern management and show how data-driven decision-making and AI impact upon leadership practices.
6. Demonstrate inclusive leadership to manage diverse teams effectively by understanding the importance of ethical leadership, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and 
7. Assume responsibility for independent learning and decision making, demonstrating organisational and time management skills transferrable to leadership roles in organisations in all sectors.
8. Prepare for career progression and professional development to enable learners to progress into leadership roles, or more senior leadership roles, through the application of skills obtained through work-based projects or simulated case studies.
9. Communicate subject knowledge and expertise effectively and professionally through a range of formats - written, verbal and visual where appropriate.

This part-time top-up degree runs over three semesters with three modules completed in first year and then a Dissertation in the form of a Professional Inquiry Project completed in second year.

Four Modules include:

1. Corporate Strategic Management (30 credits) – delivered in year 1.
2. Leadership and Change Management (30 credits) – delivered in year 1.
3. Research Methods (20 credits) – delivered in year 1.
4. Professional Inquiry Project (40 credits) – delivered in year 2.

All modules are delivered with a blended learning approach using a combination of face-to-face lectures at our Titanic Quarter campus, supported by online tutorials.

Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.