Master of Leadership and Management

Brief

The Master of Leadership and Management program puts His Majesty’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik royal directives regarding developing all levels of government leadership into action. 

The program aims to equip Section Heads in the government sector with the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes that allow them to adapt and pace with the evolution of the new economy with all its integrated forms.

This degree is offered in collaboration with Thunderbird’s School of Global Management at Arizona State University, the world’s premier leadership and management school, and the No. 1 ranked Master in Management program as well as renowned professional and executive education, under the umbrella of the No. 1 university for innovation in America according to the latest U.S. News & World Report for Higher Education

The Program is scheduled to commence in January 2023.  Participants will be able to study while on the job since the program is delivered virtually, except for some in-person experiences.

What Makes this Program Special?

The Royal Academy of Management will coordinate leave arrangements with participants' entities

Participants who complete all requirements will be awarded a Master of Leadership and Management degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

Participants will enjoy a lifetime membership with both the Royal Academy of Management and Thunderbird alumni networks.

The program spans over 12 months of blended learning, exploring the latest global trends in leadership, management, innovation, strategy, public policy analysis, and agile governance, among other areas.

The learning journey will focus on enhancing participants’ attitudes and leadership behaviors both personally and professionally.

​​The applied individual and group projects will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

Application Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply, you should meet the following criteria:

Be an Omani citizen.
Hold the position of a Section Head or equivalent in the public sector
A holder of a bachelor's degree. Holding a master’s or PhD degree does not prevent you from applying to this program.
Fluent in Arabic and English. Excellent command of the English language is essential to participate in the program successfully.
Possess personal, intellectual and interpersonal attributes to demonstrate your ability to thrive in the program

For more information on the program, click on “The brochure” button below

How to apply?

Applicants considering to apply should prepare the following requirements:

- A Bachelor’s degree certificate
- A copy of your national ID
- A copy of your current resume/CV; Resumes are requested to allow the Admission Committee to evaluate your work experience. Resumes should include:

  • Job titles and positions held, including key responsibilities and accomplishments for each position.
  • Honors, awards, certificates, professional organizations, volunteer activities and community involvement.
  • Computer skills

- Proof of employment letter
- A personal statement (maximum 500 words) that addresses relevant backgrounds such as education, employment, and reasons for applying to the Master of Leadership and Management program
To qualify for the program, candidates will undergo four assessment stages. 25 participants will join the program. More information on the selection process available on the program brochure:  

Most questions about the program and the application process can be answered by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions section on this page. However, if you can’t find the answer to your question, you may contact the help desk on the application form page.

Important Dates

Call for Application opens
September 18, 2022
October 15, 2022
Call for Application Closes
Assessment and Selection Phase
October 19 – December 10, 2022
December 25 2022
Finalists Announcement
Program Commences
January 7, 2023
January 7-13, 2023
Leaders’ Retreat
Residency week 1 in Muscat
January 15-20, 2023
May 21-25, 2023
Residency Week 2 in Muscat
Residency Week 3 in the United States of America
December 2023
December 2023
Program Concludes

Note: The courses periods are mentioned in the “Academic Courses Description” section of the brochure. 

important dates

Call for Application opens

September 18, 2022

September 18, 2022
October 15, 2022
Call for Application Closes

October 15, 2022

Assessment and Selection Phase

October 19 – December 10, 2022

October 19 – December 10, 2022
December 25 2022
Finalists Announcement

December 25 2022

Program Commences

January 7, 2023

January 7, 2023
January 7-13, 2023
Leaders’ Retreat

January 7-13, 2023

Residency week 1 in Muscat

January 15-20, 2023

January 15-20, 2023
May 21-25, 2023
Residency Week 2 in Muscat

May 21-25, 2023

Residency Week 3 in the United States of America

December 2023

December 2023
December 2023
Program Concludes

December 2023

Note: The courses periods are mentioned in the “Academic Courses Description” section of the brochure. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Application Period:

Can Directors or Director Assistants in the public or private sector apply to the program?

No, as the program targets Section Heads and their equivalents in the public sector only.

Can you apply if you already have a Master’s degree?

Yes, Having a master’s degree or any higher degree does not prevent you from applying to this program.

What are the language requirements for applying to this program?

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written Arabic as well as English languages. The English language proficiency requirements are TOEFL of 80 or IELTS of 6.5. However, applicants will not have to provide any proof of English proficiency at the application stage and the Royal Academy of Management will arrange for the IELTS tests during the selection stage if required.

How can you apply for the program?

By completing the online application before the end of Saturday the 15th of October. 2022

Note that only submitted forms before the deadline will undergo the selection process.

Selection period:

How are the participants selected?

Applicants will go through a rigorous assessment process that includes: online assessments, an assessment center and online interviews. Details about each phase will be shared with the participants by emails used in the application form. 

Are the assessment and selection stages conducted online?

Stages one, two and four will run virtually, whereas the third stage will be conducted in person in Muscat. Applicants will be notified at the end of each stage of their application status as well as the next steps via Emails

Program period:

Is this an online program?

This is a blended program, delivered both online and face-to-face. 

Do participants need to be on a one-year leave to participate in this program?

No, the program is designed to fit the busy schedule of the participants. It is offered in a blended and flexible format that allows participants to study while they’re working. There are some complementary residency courses that will require the participants to take some time off to participate. The Royal Academy of Management will communicate the dates and leave requirements with the participant’s entities once selected. 

Is this a paid program?

Yes, the participants will be fully sponsored by the Royal Academy of Management. The sponsorship will include international travel and accommodation fees during the residency weeks.

When is the application form deadline?

 October 15, 2022, 11:59 pm

Is there any learning support offered during the program?

Yes, technical and academic support will be offered throughout the program. 

What are Complementary Residency Courses?

A face-to-face learning experience that spans over one to two weeks.  It includes academic courses, site visits and discussion panels with experts and participants will require to be fully available during these weeks. 

Can you apply for this program if you are currently participating in one of the programs offered by the Royal Academy of Management?

Any individual that meets the eligibility criteria could apply for this program. However, priority is given to new candidates to ensure maximum benefit from the programs

When is the program going to start?

The Program is scheduled to commence in January 2023