1. Develop an understanding of critically informed knowledge regarding the role of leadership in contemporary organisations

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry

2. Critically evaluate the contribution of theories, concepts, practice and research relating to leadership and its development

University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Learning, Communication

3. Apply a range of theoretical and research-informed perspectives to analyse leadership challenges and critically evaluate their implications for organisational practice.

University Learning Outcome: Problem Solving, Application, Reflection

Recorded individual poster presentation identifying, analysing and making recommendations on a contemporary issue in the field of leadership. Support will be provided in the assessment support sessions on how to record the poster presentation. – (Assesses all learning outcomes)

Authentic leadership brings together the concept of authenticity with positive psychology. You will learn how to make confident and effective leadership interventions and to be aware of the impact of these interventions in wider organisational settings. You will explore the theory and process of leadership and explore your own preferred style.

- The nature of leadership; leadership versus management
- Definitions of leadership, including authentic leadership
- Type of influence process
- Organisational objectives
- Leadership practices
- Cultivating the leadership relationship
- Leadership Behaviours

Authentic leadership brings together the concept of authenticity with positive psychology. You will learn how to make confident and effective leadership interventions and to be aware of the impact of these interventions in wider organisational settings. You will explore the theory and process of leadership and explore your own preferred style.

The learning strategy for distance learning students require to commit to 200 learning hours (including assessment). Of this there will be 4 hours of class or workshop support and 196 hours of independent and self-directed study for students working alone or as part of a learning group.

The tutor led sessions will tend to follow a general pattern of introduction of a topic and provision of frameworks and models for student learning, followed by application by students to appropriate data or case study materials. Throughout this distance learning module, you'll engage in a variety of case-based exercises. You'll work on these tasks both on your own and with a learning group, focusing on analysis, discussion, and presentation. We'll provide ongoing formative assessment to help you track your progress, and we'll use a range of digital tools to support your learning journey.

Students will be expected to obtain supplementary information from a number of papers or electronic sources as part of their preparation, as recommended by the tutor.

Northouse, P, G. (2025) Leadership: Theory and Practice.10th Edition, London: Sage.

Owen, H. (2012) New Thinking on Leadership: A Global Perspective. London: CIPD.

Schedlitzki, D. and Edwards, G. (20 21), Studying Leadership: Traditional and critical approaches. 3rd edn. London: Sage.

VLE learning material
University’s library and learning resources
Selection of peer reviewed papers, research reports, official statistics, contemporary case studies

Careers

The Introduction to Career Connect video for Business Management (Top Up) students at Staffordshire University explains how to use Career Connect to book one-to-one careers appointments, search for job opportunities, access employability resources, and register for events that support your career development. You can also explore guided career activities and tools on the Career Centre platform and engage with immersive job simulations on the Forage platform.Learn more about careers support on the Staffordshire University Careers website.