This course aims to provide students with a foundation of theoretical knowledge on leadership, drawing on the social sciences of psychology, sociology and anthropology.

Equipped with this knowledge students are able to examine the historical trends in leadership studies and progress to critically study leadership in the context of defence and the wider security sector.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • Please enquire for course dates
  • Duration3 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£1,050

Course structure

The course lasts three days. As a foundation course it is taught through lecture and discussion where students have the opportunity to share their leadership experiences and learn from the experiences of others. There are opportunities to visit the library with the MSc students to explore the latest study techniques. Short course students will also study a leadership case involving challenging ethical dilemmas in leadership on UN operations.

What you will learn

This short course will provide a first class academic education built on intellectual rigour and practical utility in this specialised field.

Core content

During the course students will study: the origins of leadership; classical leadership;  leadership traits and behaviours; power; charisma; contingency theory; transformational and transactional leadership; adaptive leadership; authentic leadership; language, narrative, communications & rhetoric; the romance of leadership; social identity theory and decision-making.

The course begins with a series of lectures asking the question: What is leadership? The second series of lectures examine classic and modern theories of leadership. Lectures then explore British Military leadership and the context of problems linked to leadership style. There is also an insightful discussion focused on a visiting practitioner’s leadership journey.

Who should attend

This course will be suitable for those who already have personal experience of leadership practice, who are keen to expand their knowledge and understanding of leadership theory, and through greater awareness improve their personal leadership.

As participants on the course students will be able to add real value to the examination of defence leadership in general and through their increased knowledge bring benefit to their subsequent appointments in defence ministries, procurement and logistics agencies, the Armed Forces, defence industry or the wider security sector.

Speakers

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

For further location and travel details

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.