HR9797 - Leading and Changing Organisations

What will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will have the opportunity to explore contemporary issues/themes of leadership and management practices, drawing upon your knowledge and experience of leading and managing in organisations. We will place a particular emphasis on individual and organisational development, within organisational contexts prone to ongoing change. By reflecting on your experiences alongside a critical exploration of theories and models, you will be encouraged to (re)consider your leadership identity as a foundation for developing yourself and others. Key topics will include leadership, team dynamics, organisational culture, and communications, as well as critical leadership perspectives (for instance, dark leadership, poor leadership, and followership).

The module aims to develop your ability to critically analyse behaviour and actions in commercial, public and non-profit organisations; to problem solve, plan and to employ critical (and inded ethical) judgement through careful consideration of and reflection on current and future management and organisational challenges. This will help you to demonstrate an appreciation of the changing context of work and organisations, the need for change and adaptability and ability to innovate and respond to complex situations. You will subsequently be able to apply this knowledge and skill in your own context, and subsequently critically analyse opportunities for implementation and recommend potential future improvements.

How will I learn on this module?

You will experience a dynamic and flexible learning environment that caters to professionals across business, public, and third sectors. The delivery model blends intensive face-to-face workshops with online sessions and self-directed online components, with pre-session materials providing essential background knowledge and post-session tutorials fostering reflective discussions amongst your cohort.


A robust digital learning platform supports your studies by offering access to recorded sessions, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums for peer-to-peer exchange within your cohort. Optional office hours and guided independent study sessions provide personalized support from experienced tutors, ensuring that every learning need is met.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

In this module, you will benefit from a comprehensive and responsive academic support system designed to help you succeed across both private sector and public/third sector contexts. Your learning is guided by experienced module tutors and supported by dedicated programme leaders and academic mentors, ensuring that expert advice is always available.

The programme is structured to encourage both collaborative and independent study, with resources such as recorded lectures, curated reading materials, and peer discussion groups that help reinforce key concepts in responsible business. This multi-faceted approach ensures that have you a robust network of academic support to guide you every step of the way.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• [MLO1] Demonstrate your knowledge of and critical understanding of the key concepts, models and theories in relation to the topics and themes covered in the module [PLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
• [MLO2] Identify the opportunities and challenges relating to the changing nature leadership/management practices and their application across organisational contexts. [PLO 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6]

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• [MLO3] Present a case analysis drawing on relevant theory and to present a critical evaluation of current practice and implications for future practice [PLO 1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
• [MLO 4] Demonstrate critical self-reflection based on critical incidents that demonstrate competence and awareness of personal leadership impact [PLO 1, 4, 6]

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• [MLO5] Demonstrate an appreciation of ethical dimensions of your own and others’ leadership practice in your critical reflection [PLO1, 3, 6]

How will I be assessed?

This module is assessed through a reflective report of 2,500 words. This assessment is designed to address all 5 of the MLOs.
• Knowledge & Understanding: Demonstrate critical insights into leadership and management practices.
• Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities: Apply relevant frameworks to analyse current leadership practices and implications for future practices.
• Personal Values Attributes: Reflect on and integrate your appreciation of ethical dimensions of your own and others leadership practice in your critical reflection.
Formative feedback will be offered throughout the block teaching sessions and in the virtual sessions convened to support your learning and development.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Leading and Changing Organisations is a reflective and critical module, providing you with the opportunity to (re)consider your own and others approaches to leading and managing within organisations (inc, private, public and third sectors). Through a research-rich learning approach, you will develop your ability to critically analyse behaviour and actions in organisations; to problem solve, plan and to employ critical judgement through careful consideration of and reflection on current and future management and organisational challenges. Ethical matters – to be clear – are a core aspect of the critical thinking expected here.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology enhanced learning platforms, the module blends interactive lectures, hands-on projects, and real-world case studies to deepen your understanding and stimulate critical thinking. Continuous formative assessments and detailed feedback ensure that you gain valuable insights while refining your problem-solving and leadership capabilities. This module will enhance your academic and professional skills as well as your employability skills, through your ability to demonstrate an appreciation of the changing context of work and organisations, the need for change and adaptability and ability to innovate and respond to complex situations.

Course info

Credits 15

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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