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    Study leadership abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying leadership as an international student.

    Find leadership programs

    Explore leadership programs abroad

    See other programs in leadership

    Leadership degrees abroad

    Leadership is a broad field of study that analyzes how leaders operate in a range of social and cultural contexts. It looks at topics including power, ethics and mobilization.

    As a leadership student, you’ll develop a detailed understanding of leadership as both a behavior and a relationship. You’ll examine theories and models of leadership, applying them to a variety of organizational settings.

    Studying abroad will help to uncover your leadership potential. By immersing yourself in a new country and culture, you’ll hone your skills in adaptability and resourcefulness. You’ll also gain a global perspective by observing how the dynamics and responsibilities of leadership vary between different groups and locations.

    Leadership program structure

    Leadership is an academic field that is quickly growing in interest and popularity. It can be studied as a certificate program, BA, BSc, MA or PhD.

    Undergraduate programs typically last between three and four years, whereas a master’s would take between one and two years to complete. You can also study leadership as a PhD which usually takes between four and seven years to finish.

    In the US, you can select leadership as a major or minor component of your bachelor’s degree. You’ll allocate a certain number of credits to your leadership studies alongside completing your general education.

    Leadership is a far-reaching discipline, so the exact content and structure of programs will vary depending on your university. You’ll usually be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and independent study.

    You’ll likely be assessed mainly through written coursework and practical delivery, but exams and presentations may also feature.

    Here’s a list of core modules which appear in most leadership programs around the world:

    • Approaches to leadership
    • Leadership and development theories
    • Leadership issues and dilemmas
    • Attributes of productive leaders
    • Making strategic decisions
    • Conflict management
    • Promoting organizational change
    • Organizational systems and group dynamics
    Leadership program structure

    Leadership is an academic field that is quickly growing in interest and popularity. It can be studied as a certificate program, BA, BSc, MA or PhD.

    Undergraduate programs typically last between three and four years, whereas a master’s would take between one and two years to complete. You can also study leadership as a PhD which usually takes between four and seven years to finish.

    In the US, you can select leadership as a major or minor component of your bachelor’s degree. You’ll allocate a certain number of credits to your leadership studies alongside completing your general education.

    Leadership is a far-reaching discipline, so the exact content and structure of programs will vary depending on your university. You’ll usually be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and independent study.

    You’ll likely be assessed mainly through written coursework and practical delivery, but exams and presentations may also feature.

    Here’s a list of core modules which appear in most leadership programs around the world:

    • Approaches to leadership
    • Leadership and development theories
    • Leadership issues and dilemmas
    • Attributes of productive leaders
    • Making strategic decisions
    • Conflict management
    • Promoting organizational change
    • Organizational systems and group dynamics

    Best countries to study leadership

    Best universities to study leadership

    See all universities offering leadership programs

    How to study leadership abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

    Start your search Get free advice

    Leadership study abroad programs

    Leadership undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in leadership

    • false

      Human Kinetics/Sport Management & Leadership (Co-op) - BHK University of Windsor, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,037 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,372 CAD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Human Kinetics/Sport Management & Leadership (Co-op)
    • false

      Agricultural Education (Grades 6 - 12): Leadership and Communication - BSc Louisiana State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Agricultural Education (Grades 6 - 12): Leadership and Communication
    • false

      Applied Arts: Early Childhood Leadership - BA (Hons) Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,643 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,107 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Applied Arts: Early Childhood Leadership
    • false

      Public Service and Public Policy (Nonprofit Leadership and Management) - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,834 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD

      Start date
      May, August, January
      Show program overview about Public Service and Public Policy (Nonprofit Leadership and Management)
    • false

      Applied Science - Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Economics Concentration - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,000 USD

      Start date
      August, June, January
      Show program overview about Applied Science - Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Economics Concentration
    See all bachelor's degrees in leadership

    Diploma in leadership

    • false

      Business - Leadership & Management (Level 5) - NZDip Freedom Institute of Higher Education, New Zealand

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,500 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,500 USD

      Start date
      July, January
      Show program overview about Business - Leadership & Management (Level 5)
    • false

      Business Administration - Leadership and Management - OCADip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,193 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

      Start date
      May, September, January
      Show program overview about Business Administration - Leadership and Management
    See all undergraduate diplomas in leadership

    Certificate in leadership

    • false

      Intercultural Leadership - Cert University of Regina, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      14,365 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Intercultural Leadership
    See all undergraduate certificates in leadership

    Pathway in leadership

    • false

      Business Management with Leadership (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,942 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Business Management with Leadership (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in leadership

    Leadership graduate programs

    Master's in leadership

    • false

      School Building Leadership - MSEd Manhattan College, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,100 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,100 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about School Building Leadership
    • false

      Social Work Advanced Practice Leadership for Foundation and Advanced Students - MSW Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Social Work Advanced Practice Leadership for Foundation and Advanced Students
    • false

      American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance) - MSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,318 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,318 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance)
    • false

      Applied Leadership - MSc Freedom Institute of Higher Education, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      42,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 42,000 USD

      Start date
      July, January
      Show program overview about Applied Leadership
    • false

      Sport, Fitness and Recreation Leadership - MSc DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,320 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,320 USD

      Start date
      January, March, September
      Show program overview about Sport, Fitness and Recreation Leadership
    See all master's degrees in leadership

    Doctorate in leadership

    • false

      Business Administration: Concentration in Strategic Leadership in 21st Century - DBA Westcliff University, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,000 USD

      Start date
      January, August, June, May, March, October
      Show program overview about Business Administration: Concentration in Strategic Leadership in 21st Century
    • false

      Instructional Leadership - EdS University of West Alabama, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,680 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,680 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Instructional Leadership
    • false

      Instructional Technology and Leadership - EdD Duquesne University, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,112 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,112 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Instructional Technology and Leadership
    • false

      P-20 & Community Leadership - EdD Murray State University, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,200 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,200 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about P-20 & Community Leadership
    See all doctorates in leadership

    Diploma in leadership

    • false

      Business Administration - Leadership and Management - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      20 months
      Annual tuition fee
      12,787 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,022 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Business Administration - Leadership and Management
    • false

      Applied Leadership - PGDip Freedom Institute of Higher Education, New Zealand

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      28,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,000 USD

      Start date
      July, January
      Show program overview about Applied Leadership
    • false

      Leadership and Organizational Excellence - PGDip University of California, Riverside Extension, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      9 months
      Annual tuition fee
      18,200 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,200 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Leadership and Organizational Excellence
    • false

      Midwifery Practice and Leadership - MSc/PGDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's/Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      25,345 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,297 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Midwifery Practice and Leadership
    • false

      Strategic Management & Leadership - GDip C3S Business School, Spain
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      5,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,000 EUR

      Start date
      September, February
      Show program overview about Strategic Management & Leadership
    See all postgraduate diplomas in leadership

    Certificate in leadership

    • false

      Business Leadership - GradCert Buckinghamshire New University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      9 months
      Annual tuition fee
      3,701 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 2,700 GBP

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Business Leadership
    • false

      Leadership - GradCert Central Michigan University, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      9,555 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,555 USD

      Start date
      May
      Show program overview about Leadership
    • false

      Instructional Leadership - GradCert University of West Alabama, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      15,444 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,444 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Instructional Leadership
    • false

      Leadership and Human Capital - PGCert Northeastern University, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,000 USD

      Start date
      May, January
      Show program overview about Leadership and Human Capital
    See all postgraduate certificates in leadership

    Pathway in leadership

    • false

      Leadership (Global Pathways) - PGP Northeastern University, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      4 months
      Annual tuition fee
      15,200 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,200 USD

      Start date
      July, March, November
      Show program overview about Leadership (Global Pathways)
    See all postgraduate pathways in leadership

    Future leadership careers

    Global employers are always keen to find individuals who can successfully manage and mobilize teams. You’ll be prepared to lead by example in a multitude of roles, including:

    • Police or probation officer
    • Human resources manager
    • Project manager
    • Sales manager
    • Teacher
    • Politician
    • Coach

    Employers will often ask for evidence of your leadership capabilities besides your degree, such as leading a student society or club. It’s also a good idea to seek out some work experience in a company or team that you can see yourself heading up one day. Most universities will have a careers service to help you secure these opportunities.