Structure and Entry requirements

Course Structure

LeadUP offers qualifications leading to a Master of Studies (MSt) award following a stacked approach which includes Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert.) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip.) stages. For each of the levels of qualification, all modules are compulsory and must be passed; there are no optional modules.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert): requires the completion of three modules (1, 2 & 3) and assigned coursework delivered over 11 months. Assessment will be based on student coursework submitted.

  • Module 1: Introduction to digital innovations in the urban built environment
  • Module 2: Responsibly managing and applying digital technologies to create public value.
  • Module 3: Sociotechnical implications of digital innovations in the urban built environment

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): consists of 6 modules (1 to 6) delivered over 21 months. Year 1 will be shared with the PGCert. Assessment will be based on student coursework submitted.

  • Module 4: Responsible leadership of digital innovations to create public value in the urban built environment.
  • Module 5: Managing and governing actors involved in digital innovation projects
  • Module 6: Digital innovations in the urban built environment: Implications for business, finance and procurement models

Master of Studies (MSt): is a part-time master's degree over 31 months, designed for individuals who are typically studying in addition to working full-time, allowing students to develop their professional and academic interests for career progression or diversification and personal development. The qualification will be awarded upon the successful completion of all 6 modules for the PGCert and  PGDip, as well as Module 7  and the submission of a completed dissertation during the MSt.

  • Module 7: Methods and methodologies for investigating digitalisation in the urban built environment.

Entry requirements

A pre-requisite is that applicants should normally have a relevant UK first or very good upper second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent. In addition, students applying for the PGCert/PGDip/MSt will typically have relevant experience in industry or public service and, in some cases, a professional qualification. These additional elements would however not be a pre-requisite. 

Those with extensive relevant experience without honours degree qualifications applying for the course will be evaluated on an individual basis. It is anticipated that students will have at least 3-5 years of professional experience, but this is not mandatory. As applicants will be expected to have experience and successful track records in industry or public service, consideration may be given to candidates on the strength of their vocational experience in lieu of the normal standard entry requirements.

Language requirement: University’s standard and Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) requirements

The structure of the courses allows international students to attend on Student Visitor Visas and those in full-time employment, whether in the UK or abroad, to work and study at the same time.

Immigration requirements for international students

International students should ensure they understand the immigration considerations to attend the residential sessions. 

All nationals from outside the UK and Ireland who do not already hold immigration permission in the UK that permits study, would travel to the UK to attend residential sessions for the programme as a visitor. You are advised to read the information on the University’s short period of study immigration webpage and to note the expectations and restrictions of a visitor immigration status.

To meet the requirements of the visitor route, students on part-time courses of more than six months are expected not to remain in the UK for extended periods of time. The majority of study must be taken outside the UK and generally students will enter for the residential session and leave shortly after. It is not possible as a visitor on a course of more than six months to make the UK your main study location or residence, or make frequent or successive visits to stay in the UK for extended periods.

The Department can provide you with a letter of support for immigration purposes. Please note the PGCert, PGDip and MSt courses are not eligible to be sponsored for a student visa.

Upon arrival, and prior to commencing studies, students will need to provide their current passport and evidence of their immigration status. You will need to update the Department if there are any changes or updates to your immigration status whilst on the programme.