About the programme
The programme is a dual qualification. Upon successful completion of the programme students will be awarded an MSc Governance from the University of Essex and GradCG status of the Chartered Governance Institute in the UK and Ireland (CGIUKI). Students with the relevant work experience will be able to apply for full chartered status.
Who is the programme suitable for?
The programme is suitable for those working within the governance sector, or those seeking to start a career within the sector. The programme is equally suitable for those working within the corporate or not for profit sectors and provides the opportunity for students to specialise in the area of their choice, through module assignments and an end of programme project.
The benefits
A key benefit of the programme is that it allows students the opportunity to explore module topics in detail to enhance specialist knowledge and gain expertise within their field of interest. It also seeks to develop a wide range of practical skills relevant to the governance professional. To maximise the learning and development experience for students, each intake is limited to 25 students.
Programme Modules
Year One:
- Academic Writing and Research Methods
- Governance & Ethics
- Development of Strategy
- Finance & Accounting
- Organisational Law and Compliance
Year Two:
- Effective Meetings
- Risk
- The Effective Board
Programme duration and delivery
The programme is delivered by KCBGlobal, a college with over 40 years delivering governance qualifications. All tutors are experts in their fields with a combination of academic and practitioner experience. The taught component of the programme are delivered online over two years, with additional time allocated for completion of the final project. For each module there will be 10 weekly live online sessions. Further Independent study and preparation time is required.
Programme Assessment
The programme will be assessed using a variety of innovative approaches that will help students develop a range of practical skills important to governance professionals. These will include assignments, presentations, case studies, simulations and time constrained examinations.
Entry Criteria
The general entry requirement is a minimum of a 2:2 Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in any discipline or those that have attained Affiliate status of the Chartered Governance through an assessed programme of study and who have five years relevant work experience. We particularly welcome students who have undertaken any of the following CGI certificate programmes:
- Certificate in Company Secretarial Practice and Share Registration Practice
- Certificate in Corporate Governance
- Certificate in Charity Law and Governance
- Certificate in Academy Governance
- Governance Officer Apprenticeship
Programme commencement
Mid-February 2026
Programme cost
The cost of the programme is £4500 per year (total £9000) or £4250 per year for those working for Charities or the NHS (total £8500). The option exists to pay by instalments.
(A bursary scheme is currently being set up to accept applications for the programme commencing in September 2026).
Further details
For further details of the programme or to enrol, please get in touch with Lauren on 0207 400 0333 or Lauren@kcbglobal.net