MBA module LeadershipPlus shortlisted for UK employability award

Warwick Business School's innovative LeadershipPlus MBA module has been shortlisted for the prestigious Academic Employability Awards, recognising its outstanding contribution to embedding employability within higher education.  

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) sifted through hundreds of applications before selecting the School’s LeadershipPlus module to the shortlist of the awards’ Curriculum Design for Employability category, with the winner set to be announced at a ceremony in London on April 24. 

LeadershipPlus, a cornerstone of the School’s Full-time MBA programme, stands out for its emphasis on self-discovery, theoretical understanding, and practical application. The module is designed to help students explore and define their leadership identity, ensuring that it translates into real-world practice and tangible behavioural change. 

Dawn Eubanks, Associate Professor and Course Director for the Full-time MBA, said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. LeadershipPlus is more than just a module; it's a transformative journey that empowers our students to become authentic and effective leaders. This recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students. 

“We leverage technology as a nudge tool and partner with companies for continuous improvement and practical application. The skills students learn on the module can be applied to the rest of their MBA and into their careers, preparing them to be the leaders and Change Makers they have dreamed of becoming.” 

The module includes five intensive two-day sessions spread over two terms, each focusing on critical aspects of leadership and management. From introspection and understanding leadership stereotypes to team leadership and responsible leadership, the module covers a comprehensive range of topics and styles essential for modern leaders. 

Students have consistently rated LeadershipPlus their favourite module on the Full-time MBA for its impact on their personal and professional development.  

Sukhvinder Randhawa, who works in private equity and alternative financing and completed the Full-time MBA last year, said: “The LeadershipPlus module stands out as a transformative experience in my MBA journey, deeply impacting my perspective on leadership and management.  

“The emphasis on self-reflection and personal leadership development was instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership, making it more authentic, empathetic, and effective when working in a team.”  

Fellow graduate, Suman Tomar, now a Strategic Planning Manager at American Express, added: “Unlike traditional leadership training, this module goes beyond just building skills. It takes a deep dive into one’s own personality. 

“Through rigorous coaching and self-analysis, LeadershipPlus encourages a comprehensive exploration of personal strengths and weaknesses, significantly contributing to a holistic journey of leadership development. In essence, it not only refines leadership skills but also cultivates heightened self-awareness and adaptability.” 

High quality of teaching focused on employability

The Academic Employability Awards, organised by AGCAS, are in partnership with Universities UK, GuildHE, and the Institute of Student Employers, and aim to celebrate excellence in teaching employability skills in the curriculum. 

AGCAS Chief Executive Martin Edmondson said: “The sheer volume and quality of submissions highlight the dedication of academics in driving forward employability-focused education. 

“Embedding careers and employability in the curriculum is the new normal, and being driven by the collective effort of careers teams and academics.  

“These awards celebrate the creativity, collaboration, and impact of initiatives that are not only transforming student futures but also addressing the skills needs of employers and the wider economy.” 

Find out about more of our Change Makers at Warwick Business School.