LEAD Online (Leadership Education and Development)

LEAD Online kicks off in term two, offering a flexible learning experience for students anywhere in New Zealand.

Over the course of Terms 2 and 3, students complete eight one-on-one online tutorials, including personalised coaching sessions with tutors. These are designed to fit around students’ studies and other commitments, beginning once they have settled into the school year.

The programme offers remote access, allowing students to study from anywhere while staying connected with the university. Final assessments are conducted through one-to-one conversations or interviews with tutors, ensuring a tailored and personalised learning experience.

Students can nominate themselves for LEAD Online, but participation requires a Unistart contract and support from their school, which we can support with.

Gain university credits in Leadership

Students will complete one of Waikato Management School’s flagship first-year papers – 'Introduction to Leadership'.

Completing the paper means students will already have one paper (15 points credit) if they go on to university. The paper will be delivered as a UniStart paper and will include:

• A lesson based (rather than lecture-based) format with readings available every fortnight.
• A personal-best leadership project. Students select a project that involves starting something new or making changes in how something is being done, or both.
• Students explore leadership theory and their own definitions of leadership, as well as their own insights on themselves as leaders.

Programme delivery

LEAD Online is delivered fully online, this involves:

• One-on-One tutorials: Direct interaction and coaching with tutors for a more personalised learning experience.
• Flexible timetable: The schedule has flexibility to fit around other commitments, starting after the school year has settled.
• Remote access, allowing you to study from anywhere and still build a connection with the university.
• Final assessment: One-on-one conversations or interviews with tutors for final assessments means a personalised approach to learning.

Student benefits

 Throughout the programme there will be opportunities for leadership development, self-reflection and exposure to influential leaders.

By the end of the programme students will:

• Be stronger leaders who are better equipped to make a positive difference in their schools, in their future careers, and for their communities

• Have completed a first-year university paper

• Have connected with other rising leaders from different schools and backgrounds.

Commitment

For eligible domestic students, fees would be covered by the Unistart scholarship so there are no costs for students or your school.

A fee is required for international students, and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

The total time commitment for students will be approximately 150 hours. This is made up of the readings, assessments, online tutorials and leadership activities that the students will already be involved in through school.

For more information, please email leadership_academy@waikato.ac.nz