Overview
Start date: September 2026
Duration: 12 months (Full-time only)
Fees: Fees for the 2026/27 cohort to be confirmed. Scholarships available.
Application deadline: Applications for the 2026/27 cycle will open in October 2025.
Entry: Minimum of an upper-second class bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Degrees in a relevant discipline are preferred. Applicants with a degree in other subjects with a quantitative component will also be considered. Applicants are also required to meet the Level 2 English Language requirements. Learn more.
Location: This programme is delivered at our Canary Wharf campus.
Programme
The MSc Creativity, Innovation and Leadership develops the creative, critical, and collaborative thinking skills that are increasingly sought after in today’s workforce. Combining academic insight with real-world application, the programme equips graduates with a future-focused, practical skillset to lead change and drive innovation across sectors-from corporate and consultancy roles to government and non-profit organisations.
Designed in response to employer feedback and global trends, the programme addresses the growing demand for professionals who can think both analytically and creatively. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 identifies analytical and creative thinking as the two most important workplace skills, with over 70% of companies expecting creative thinking to grow in importance.
This demand is driven by complex global challenges- including the rise of artificial intelligence, shifting demographics, climate change, and new patterns of work- that cannot be solved by traditional approaches alone. In this context, the ability to lead innovation and develop creative solutions is essential for both organisational and societal progress.
Through a combination of theoretical study and practical engagement, students gain expertise in creative problem solving, innovation strategy, leadership, and team collaboration. Modules cover topics such as the psychology of creativity, organising for innovation, collaborative design, leadership, and managing diversity- all aimed at fostering inclusive, high-performing teams and environments that support new ideas.
Learning is grounded in real-life case studies, interactive group projects, and close engagement with organisations. For the final dissertation, students apply their skills to a real-world challenge, either by collaborating with an external partner or using design thinking to explore an issue of their choice.
Graduates leave the programme ready to challenge assumptions, lead diverse teams, and solve complex organisational problems through innovative and creative approaches, capabilities that are in high demand across a wide range of industries.
Programme structure
This one-year degree programme incorporates topics related to creative thinking and problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership and management, strategy, organisational processes, collaboration, teamwork, plus data gathering and analysis.
Term 1 of the degree is about developing your understanding of creative problem solving, how organisational processes impact creativity, collaborative design approaches, and leadership techniques. You’ll take four compulsory modules during this term. The Creative Problem Solving module covers the foundational psychological theories that feed into creative problem solving. By interrogating a series of organisational and social problems, you’ll develop your own creative problem-solving skills. The Organising for Creativity module looks at how different organisational practices can help or hinder creative performance, while the Leading High Performance Teams module takes a deep dive into leadership and teamwork. The Collaborative Design Practices module covers structured processes for implementing work that stems from creative thinking.
In Term 2, you’ll take another four compulsory modules, with a focus on honing your understanding of effective leadership and management. You’ll have opportunities to develop your own leadership and communication skills, plus learn more about managing diversity, and the links between diversity and innovation. The Creativity and the Creative Industries module explores the links between the creative industries and the economy, with the application of relevant frameworks to solve complex problems. The Innovation Practices module covers how to manage innovations through managerial strategy and conceptual frameworks.
Term 3 is all about the Creativity and Innovation Research Project, which results in a 12,000 word dissertation and a viva. You will also be supported with 10 hours of lecture content and four hours of supervisory meetings. You’ll embark on your own design project based on a practical, real-world problem. You may collaborate with an organisation on this, and your choice of project requires the application of the skills and knowledge you have learned during the programme so far. In particular, you will demonstrate your creative thinking skills to find an implementable solution for a complex issue.
TEACHING METHODS AND CONTACT HOURS
Throughout this degree, you will learn through a variety of methods, blending in-person sessions and independent study. This includes lectures that are rooted in evidence-based learning, using case studies and data analytics, plus interdisciplinary theories and frameworks. You’ll learn the fundamentals of a behavioural science approach in the workplace, transferring the ability to drive organisational performance through the selection, development, and leadership of people.
Interactive and experiential learning focuses on discussion and real-life examples. This will enable you to link theoretical concepts with the application of these concepts in contemporary business settings.
The UCL School of Management also organises a programme of external speakers to deliver workshops, further enhancing your learning.
Independent study includes reading material, writing reflection papers and undertaking case analyses. As part of your individual and group work, you will conduct research, which may include research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and the evaluation of the validity and relevance of published research in new situations.
Each 15 credit module equates to approximately 30 hours of contact time in class, with an additional 120 hours dedicated to independent study, assessment preparation, and other related activities.
You will be assessed through a combination of written coursework, group work and examinations. You’ll be assessed continuously throughout the programme through coursework, class interaction, coaching and support by module leaders. Pre-submission work includes design critiques and peer review sessions, where students can present their work in progress and receive feedback from both peers and staff. All assessments are designed to evaluate your understanding of the taught topics, your critical evaluation skills, your ability for independent research and how you apply knowledge to solve complex organisational problems.
Programme for Students Starting in September 2026
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Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
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Compulsory |
Compulsory |
Compulsory |
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Creative Problem Solving |
Leadership and Communication |
Creativity and Innovation Research Project
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Organising for Creativity |
Managing Diversity |
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Leading High Performance teams |
Creativity and the Creative Industries |
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Collaborative Design Practices |
Innovation Practices |
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Applications
We are looking for students from any background or subject discipline who want to improve their creativity and the creativity of their organisations. This degree is for you if you want to learn a practical skillset that could apply to any organisation. You should also want to become a manager or leader in the future, keen to broaden the ability for creative and critical problem-solving in the organisations you go on to work for.
When we assess your application, we will be seeking to learn:
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Why you want to study the MSc Creativity, Innovation and Leadership at UCL, as opposed to a more general business and management programme.
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Why you are interested in creativity, and the problems you’re interested in solving by creative problem soliving these skills.
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Where you have undertaken specific activities with tangible outcomes, not just what your aspirations are.
Successful candidates will be able to tangibly demonstrate:
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A keen desire to learn how to use creative and critical thinking to solve practical challenges.
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Enthusiasm to develop into a manager or leader who will bring about positive change.
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Achievements that show personal initiative and commitment in any area of life.
We are looking for students with an analytical appetite who are passionate about marketing and creative problem solving.
Application process
Please check back here soon for application deadlines for 2026 entry. Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to the competition for places.
Academic Entry Requirements
A minimum of an upper-second class bachelor’s degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, is required for this programme. Degrees in a relevant discipline are preferred. Applicants with a degree in other subjects with a quantitative component will also be considered.
English Language Requirement
• The English language level for this programme is: Level 2.
• Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
Meet us at an event
If you’re considering applying to one of our programmes and would like to discuss your eligibility, you can meet a member of the Student Recruitment Team at an event in a city near you.
Click below for upcoming events, booking 1:1 appointments with the Student Recruitment Team, and how you can connect with us.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition Fees
The 2026-27 fees will be published in Autumn 2025. Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarships and Funding
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Number of Awards: 15 scholarships will be awarded across three cohorts, with five students selected each year(UK and international).
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Funding: Each scholarship provides full tuition and maintenance support.
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Eligibility & Priority: Priority will be given to students with financial need, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including:
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Students from the Global South
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Students with care experience
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Expectations: Recipients should demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and social value creation.
This programme may include opportunities for students to undertake optional international study trips. The costs of such trips are usually covered by students although some elements may be subsidised or grants available depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,000 to £1,750 depending on the trip location, personal flight preferences and spending habits as well as the prevailing exchange rates.
Careers
Successfully graduating from the MSc Creativity, Innovation and Leadership will give you a skillset that will apply to many roles and industries. With the ability to apply creative and critical thinking to any situation – supported by your management and leadership knowledge – you’ll be able to add value to any workplace you enter.
The skills and knowledge you’ll gain are particularly suitable for work in:
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the creative industries
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the design sector
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creative consultancies
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organisational change departments
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organisational learning teams.
However, creative and critical thinking skills apply to almost any sector. From finance and the corporate world to government and NGOs, anyone aspiring to undertake management and leadership positions with a fresh approach will benefit from this degree.
This degree equips you with a range of skills employers are actively looking for at the moment. These include:
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people management – including team building, leadership and mentoring
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problem solving and critical analysis
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researching business and management issues
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commercial acumen
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innovative, creative and enterprising thinking
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managing complexity
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networking and awareness of interpersonal skills
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effective business communication
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collaborative teamwork
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relationship-building and influencing
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leading and managing change.
At the beginning of this degree, you will have access to complete the Global Business Primer, an exclusive online programme available to UCL School of Management students. This gives you an insight into best practices for working in an ever-changing global business environment. It takes no more than 15 hours to complete and includes sessions such as Global Ethics and Working in Global Teams, and seven regional overview sessions exploring market trends, business etiquette and working practices. On successfully completing this programme you’ll receive a certificate, which you can show employers as evidence of your global business mindset.
You’ll benefit from bespoke career support from the UCL School of Management throughout the programme, which includes access to a variety of insightful employer and alumni talks. The career support you’ll receive also includes:
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individual career planning and coaching sessions with career consultants
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industry/sector insight sessions and employer-led events
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regular career and professional development workshops on topics including networking and social media presence
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bespoke programme events such as employer and alumni talks
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access to UCL School of Management alumni.
Graduate Prospects
Achieving a MSc Creativity, Innovation and Leadership degree from UCL will set you up for a prosperous career, where you can bring critically needed problem-solving skills to management and leadership positions.
You will graduate from this degree programme with the ability to analyse the contexts where creative solutions are appropriate. You’ll be able to identify the challenges and the design strategies needed to improve creative thinking. You will also gain a deep understanding of organisational structures, processes and cultures, developing the ability to devise strategies that sustain creativity and innovation. Crucially, you will be able to break down and reframe complex real-world problems. You’ll apply a combination of psychological concepts, organisational knowledge and frameworks to create new and implementable solutions.
By learning contemporary leadership theories, developing an understanding of data gathering and analysis, plus honing communication and negotiation skills, you’ll also graduate with the ability to foster creativity and creative performance in others.
Subject-specific knowledge
When you graduate from this degree, you will be able to:
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Identify and analyse contexts where creative solutions are appropriate or necessary based on fundamental knowledge of the unique nature of creative work in the context of strategic imperatives, dynamic environments, and everyday problem solving.
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Identify the challenges involved in developing creative solutions, and apply that knowledge to design and develop strategies to improve creative thinking.
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Design and develop organisational processes, structures, and cultures that support and sustain creativity and innovation.
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Apply the fundamentals of contemporary leadership theories, including inclusive, transformational, and sustainable leadership to effectively lead and inspire teams and drive positive change within the modern workplace.
Intellectual and academic skills
When you graduate from this degree, you will be able to:
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Break down and reframe complex, ambiguous real-world and societal problems (e.g. UCL Grand Challenges, UN Sustainable Development Goals) and apply psychological and organisational knowledge and frameworks to develop novel and implementable solutions.
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Synthesise qualitative and quantitative data about real-world problems and gaps to develop creative solutions.
Practical and transferable skills
When you graduate from this degree, you will be able to:
Foster creativity and creative performance in others by leveraging the fundamentals of diversity and inclusion and applying them to employee engagement and wellbeing.
Use communication and negotiation skills to influence others in the course of developing and implementing creative ideas.
Reflect on and change your own behaviour to improve your approach to creativity.
Canary Wharf campus
The programme is taught at the UCL School of Management’s home in Canary Wharf, at the heart of London’s business and finance hub. The strategic location provides access to a network of large organisations in the immediate surroundings. You will also be able to network with UCL School of Management alumni while you study and attend various events organised by the Careers team to build a strong foundational network.
Want to experience student life from our campus in the clouds?
Grab your spot on one of our upcoming Canary Wharf Campus Tours!
We recommend you register early as spaces are limited.
Contact
For further queries regarding admissions please see the UCL Postgraduate Admissions Webpage.
Please contact our team here: mgmt-cil@ucl.ac.uk
Register for more information
FAQs
You may apply now for a place on a programme without a current English test as long as you send your qualification as soon as you receive it. If you are offered a place, it will be conditional on you providing evidence of meeting UCL’s English Language Requirements before the start of the programme.