Our teaching philosophy

The way we teach is essential to the way you learn: a process of 'co-creation'. We teach in a highly interactive way, using a mix of lectures, case studies, role plays, and practical projects. You will visit organisations including schools, prisons, and hospitals for applied project work in order to embed your theoretical knowledge in practice. We also draw on a wide range of guest speakers, both academics and practitioners, to ensure you have access to both leading-edge theory and front-line practice.

Practical wisdom

We will help you to build up the kind of practical wisdom essential for making sound judgements about effective ways of getting things done in complex situations. We use two interdependent forms of learning processes: learning aimed at knowledge enhancement, and learning aimed at capability development.

Knowledge enhancement focuses on concepts and contexts in order to frame the way you analyse, understand, and interpret practice at four levels: global, organisational, policy, and personal.

Capability development focuses on the building up of the knowledge and management skills required for effective leadership and decision-making.

Our approach to teaching and learning is based upon a combination of high-touch and high-tech. Teaching is supported by my.wbs an online learning resource providing personalised programme resources, timetables, notice boards and discussions, as well as our latest news. It also enables you to stay in touch with staff and other participants between modules for debate and discussions in small seminar groups. You will need access to a computer and the internet throughout the programme.

You will often learn in a larger group, which combines other cohorts and programmes. This gives you the opportunity to experience an even greater diversity of shared experience.

Four themes

Our core programme covers four key themes, in both theory and practice:

Vision: inspiring and dynamic
Develop your strategic abilities and leadership practices to energise and inspire your organisation and staff.
Value: formulating and implementing policies and programmes which create public value
Identify and understand the diversity of needs within the population, analyse policy options and focus on outcomes which add public value.
Validity: taking account of changing global, national and local contexts
Gain knowledge and capabilities that are valid in terms of the major forces that are reshaping societies, economies, and identities globally. Learn to think and act systemically, and develop a critical approach and commitment to continuous learning and self-development.
Viability: ensuring effective operations
Understand how effective and viable organisations can be structured to operate as complex adaptive systems. Learn how to use systems thinking, organisational logistics, and resources creatively to mobilise change and to make a real impact at the front line.