Partner Article

Master’s in Strategic Leadership Empowers Third Sector Leader to Drive Organisational and Regional Change

Charity founder drives organisational change and shares knowledge with other charities after studying at Newcastle University Business School

Work-based programmes for senior leaders at Newcastle University Business School are designed to help learners advance as leaders and tackle complex businesses challenges. 

The programmes have proved transformative for professionals from a range of sectors, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks to lead meaningful change in their organisations and communities. Sandra Coulter, CEO and founder of Silverline Memories, a Newcastle-based charity supporting people living with dementia, recently completed the Strategic Leadership MSc programme and credits it with reshaping her approach to leadership, strategy, and long-term impact.

Sandra discussed her decision behind choosing to study at the Business School: “I wanted to validate my knowledge and gain tools for sustainable planning, The course helped me think not just about succession planning in my own organisation, but how I can help shape the third sector across the region.”

Flexible and blended learning

Designed for working professionals, the programme enables learners to balance study with full-time roles. One of the key strengths of the programme lies in its practical application. Learners are encouraged to implement theories directly into their work environments, allowing for immediate impact. While the workload can seem demanding, Sandra found the content so relevant that it integrated seamlessly into her daily leadership.  

Sandra explained: “The modules dovetailed with my professional practice. I was gaining skills and insight that I could use the very next day. At each stage, I applied my learning, reflected on it, and then used it for future development. It’s an accumulative and practical way to learn.”

Personal growth and professional development

The programme fosters powerful professional networks. Learners join a diverse cohort of peers from different sectors, encouraging rich cross-sector collaboration. Sandra discussed the benefits of this: “Learning alongside other leaders expanded my thinking. I’ve gained not only knowledge but confidence—and now I’m being invited to share my research with funders and other charities.”

Personal development is a core outcome of the programme, with learners often reporting increased clarity, confidence, and strategic fluency. Sandra highly recommends the programme to colleagues across the third sector, as it benefits both the individual and their organisation “I’m completely evangelical about it. Every time someone shares a leadership challenge with me, I tell them: ‘Maybe you should do this programme.’”

For Sandra, the choice of Newcastle University Business School was clear. “I’m proud to live and work in Newcastle. Newcastle University Business School reputation made it a no-brainer—it was the programme I wanted.”

To find out more about our work-based programmes for senior leaders, or to schedule a consultation with a member of our recruitment team, visit our webpage.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Newcastle University Business School .