Many factors go into being a great leader. You need to motivate your team members, get them on the same page, resolve disputes, and more. Accomplishing this requires understanding the abilities of the people you lead and finding ways to make the most of them.
Leadership is a valuable skill in many workplaces. Whether you want to work in a corporation, a school, a nonprofit organization, or a government agency, being able to bring people together to achieve an objective is crucial.
It might surprise you to find out that there are entire degree programs dedicated to leadership and leadership-related fields. Here are five universities and business schools that offer notable master’s-level programs in this area.
Top Leadership Schools in the World
1. National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore offers the Master of Technology in Digital Leadership through NUS-ISS. The program focuses on digital strategy and leadership, helping experienced professionals develop the critical thinking, technical, and people capabilities needed to lead digital transformation.
The curriculum includes nine courses, a 44-unit master’s degree structure, and a Digital Leadership Capstone Project. In the capstone, students apply what they have learned to a real-world business context and develop a digital transformation business case and roadmap.
NUS-ISS also offers a stackable professional certificate pathway in Digital Leadership. Students who want to continue toward the Master of Technology in Digital Leadership must complete all nine professional certificates, apply for matriculation into an MDL cohort, and then complete the capstone project.
2. ESSEC Business School
- Study Program
- Location: France and Singapore | Degrees Offered: Master’s
ESSEC Business School’s selling point is its global exposure. ESSEC has campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco, and its Global MBA page lists Paris La Défense and Singapore. The MBA brings together an international cohort and uses global learning expeditions, electives, and Career Learning Labs to help students develop a global business network.
ESSEC’s Global MBA no longer lists “Strategy and Digital Leadership” as a major. Its current curriculum emphasizes sustainability, digital leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship as strategic topics, while allowing students to personalize the program through electives and Career Learning Labs in fields such as luxury, finance, consulting, and product management.
3. ESCP Business School
- Study Program
- Location: England and France | Degrees Offered: Master’s
ESCP Business School is the world’s first business school, founded in 1819, and uses a six-campus European model that includes Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin, and Warsaw. Students can build networks across Europe and gain awareness of different cultures.
ESCP offers the MSc in Digital Transformation Management & Leadership, a full-time program studied in London and Paris with 9 to 12 months of study and 9 months of professional development. The school also offers the Executive Master in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership, which is designed for professionals leading digital innovation and entrepreneurial transformation.
The MSc covers topics such as AI, big data, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, social media, blockchain, and robotics, while the Executive Master includes a global journey across Berlin, Paris, Turin, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley. Knowing how to lead teams in multiple contexts remains crucial today.
4. Heriot-Watt University
Founded in 1821 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heriot-Watt University has a long history of practical education and is connected to the creation of the world’s first Mechanics Institute.
Heriot-Watt currently lists the MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change at its Edinburgh campus. The program is offered full-time or part-time, delivered on campus, and normally takes one year. It is designed to help students develop skills in business strategy, leadership, and change.
This program was developed by academics within Edinburgh Business School. Heriot-Watt says it works closely with an industry advisory board to identify current skill gaps and align course content and teaching with industry needs.
5. University of San Diego
The Master of Arts in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego equips students with both personal and professional leadership skills. The current program is 30 units, can be completed in one to two years, may be taken part-time or full-time, and uses a blended format with in-person and online classes. Students learn about the dynamics between systems and groups, which is highly applicable to many workplace environments.
This program prepares students to work in a variety of fields. Students can tailor their degree through electives within the Department of Leadership Studies and across other graduate programs at USD. Besides corporate careers, graduates may pursue work in education, public service, nonprofit, and community-focused organizations.
The University of San Diego emphasizes an international and global mindset, intercultural sensitivity, and social justice. Through SOLES and the Global Center, Leadership Studies students have opportunities for international experiences, with examples including Italy, Northern Ireland, and Australia.
We hope that this article on the best leadership schools in the world was helpful. If you are interested, check the available courses on our Available Courses for International Students!
