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Queen Mary Academy
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  3. Academic Leadership Development
  4. Programme Directors

Programme Directors

An academic leadership development programme for current and aspiring Programme Directors at Queen Mary, designed to build confidence, strategic insight, and leadership capability.

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CPD Training

About the programme

Through three comprehensive units, participants will explore a variety of topics and perspectives, deepening their understanding of their role and advancing their leadership journey.

This programme is offered multiple times throughout the year, with confirmed dates listed at the bottom of this page.

To book your place please use this link to visit the CPD Training platform, where you will be able to view the available programmes and book the one that works best for you.

Please note: you must ensure that you have gained approval from your Head of School/Institute or Director of Education before booking a place.

Programme Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme participants will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of Queen Mary’s 2030 Strategy, our ambitions, enabling plans and KPIs, and how these relate to the role of a Programme Director.
  2. Interpret the external regulatory landscape in which Queen Mary operates, and evaluate its implications for the design and delivery of academic programmes.
  3. Identify and implement actions that contribute to the delivery of institutional strategy and supporting plans through their role as Programme Director.
  4. Recognise the needs, motivations, and experiences of those they lead, and apply leadership approaches that support high performance, engagement, and a positive environment.
  5. Develop and evaluate personal leadership practices that enhance their effectiveness and confidence as a Programme Director.

Content Overview

Each unit consists of a day-long core session and a half-day workshop. Please scroll down for dates and times for upcoming cohorts.

Unit 1

Leading in your role as Programme Director to deliver your programme(s) aligned to the Queen Mary Strategy 2030

In Unit 1 we will cover a range of topics to support you in getting the most from your role as a leader whilst delivering on our shared QM vision. Topics include:

  • Your role as a Programme Director
  • Translating strategy into action
  • Leading on the ACE approach
  • Programme design principles

Unit 2

Enhancing your leadership skills to deliver your programme(s) aligned to the QM 2030 strategy

In Unit 2 we will explore your personal leadership values and style to uncover your strengths and what energises you. We will also cover a range of skills development sessions to support you on your journey. Topics include:

  • Leadership values and the PD role
  • Influencing and communicating
  • Self-awareness
  • Navigating challenging conversations

Unit 3

Leading and promoting your programme(s) effectively aligned to the QM Strategy 2030

In Unit 3 we will examine the components of programme management and how they may influence the delivery of your leadership vision. Topics include:

  • Financial management
  • Academic reputation
  • Team working styles and behaviours
  • Leveraging feedback effectively

Strategic Projects

As part of the program, you will undertake a strategic project designed to create a meaningful impact on your educational priorities. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to develop and refine your project, reflecting on its progress and outcomes.

At the close event, you will present your project's achievements and future plans to a panel of senior academics, fostering insightful discussion and feedback.

Upcoming Dates

We will be running three cohorts in 2025-26. Dates for the first two cohorts are shown below, and booking is now open. Sessions will be delivered in person in Dept W, with the exception of two online workshops.

The third cohort will be held later in the year. This is a fully online programme designed for participants working in other locations, or who have difficulties travelling to campus. The dates and booking for this cohort will be released shortly.

November 2025 – February 2026 Cohort 6

  • Unit 1 Core Session - Monday 3 November, 9:30-16:00
  • Unit 1 Workshop - Tuesday 18 November, 10:00-12:30 (online)
  • Unit 2 Core Session - Thursday 4 December, 9:30-16:00
  • Unit 2 Workshop - Wednesday 10 December, 10:00-12:30
  • Unit 3 Core Session - Tuesday 27 January, 9:30-16:00
  • Unit 3 Workshop - Tuesday 3 February, 10:00-12:30 (online)
  • Close Event - Thursday 26 February, 9:30-14:00

March – June 2026 Cohort 7

  • Unit 1 Core Session – Thursday 5 March, 9:30-16:00
  • Unit 1 Workshop - Tuesday 10 March, 10:00-12:30 (online)
  • Unit 2 Core Session – Tuesday 14 April, 9:30-16:00
  • Unit 2 Workshop - Wednesday 22 April, 10:00-12:30
  • Unit 3 Core Session – Thursday 7 May, 9:30-16:00
  • Unit 3 Workshop – Thursday 14 May, 10:00-12:30 (online)
  • Close Event - Thursday 4 June, 9:30-14:00

If you have any questions about the Academic Leadership Development programme, please don't hesitate to get in touch: ald-qma@qmul.ac.uk.

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