MSc Governance

About the programme

The MSc Governance is delivered by KCB in collaboration with the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) and the University of Essex. CGIUKI brings 125 years of professional governance expertise and the pathway to chartered status, while The University of Essex contributes its academic excellence as a university ranked 12th in the UK in the 2026 Guardian University Guide. Together, these partners ensure the programme is academically robust, professionally aligned and recognised across the governance sector.

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.

Our next intake will be April 2027.

Who is the programme suitable for?

The MSc Governance is designed for professionals who are ready to take their governance knowledge and practice to the next level. Whether you are an experienced governance practitioner looking to formalise and deepen your expertise, or a professional with a degree and an interest in developing a specialist understanding of governance, the programme provides the academic challenge and practical application expected at master’s level. It is particularly well suited to those working in governance, company secretarial, compliance, risk, legal, board support and related professional roles.

Suitable for professionals working across corporate, public and not-for-profit organisations, the MSc Governance combines academic rigour with practical application, enabling students to apply their learning directly to the challenges they encounter in the workplace. Students also have the opportunity to explore areas of particular interest through tailored module assignments and their final research project, the Focused Governance Report.

We understand that many of our students are balancing study alongside professional and personal commitments. That is why our programme is delivered on a part-time basis over a period of just over two years, with live evening teaching designed to fit around working schedules. Sessions take place online, providing students with the flexibility to access the sessions.

The benefits

The MSc Governance is designed to help students deepen their governance knowledge while developing practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. Through module assignments and the Focused Governance Report, students have the opportunity to explore specialist areas that align with their professional interests and career goals. Key benefits include:

• Developing specialist knowledge in governance-related topics
• Building practical skills in research, analysis, communication and strategic thinking
• Applying learning directly to real workplace challenges
• Learning from experienced tutors and governance practitioners
• Being part of a supporting learning community via live classes and an active WhatsApp group

Each intake is limited to a maximum of 25 students to allow meaningful discussion, greater interaction with tutors, and personalised support throughout the programme. Because spaces are limited, we recommend getting in your application as early as possible to avoid missing out on a space.

Programme modules

Programme duration and delivery

The programme is delivered by KCB, a college with over 40 years experience delivering governance qualifications. All tutors are experts in their fields with a combination of academic and practitioner experience. The taught component of the programme will be delivered online over two years, with additional time allocated for completion of the final project.

In addition to live online learning, the programme also includes opportunities for students to engage with peers and the wider governance profession. Details for the Autumn 2026 and April 2027 cohorts will be confirmed in due course. Most recently, the February 2026 cohort attended the 2026 CGIUKI Annual Conference in July, held across two days in London as part of their programme experience.

Programme assessment

Our assignments are designed to help students build the practical skills expected of modern governance professionals, while also strengthening the deeper academic understanding that underpins decision making.

Students will engage with a blend of real-world and academic tasks including but not limited to:

• Case studies
• Group work presentations
• Time-constrained exams
• Simulations
• Audits
• Reviews

This variety ensures learners develop both the practical skills and the advanced critical thinking needed to apply governance principles with confidence.

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 Corporate Compliance & Governance
• 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 start date

April 2027. Exact start date to be announced shortly

Programme cost

Programme Fees

• Standard fee: £4,500 per year (total £9,000)
• Charity/NHS fee: £4,250 per year (total £8,500)
• Payment options: Instalments available

BEGA x KCB MSc Governance Bursary

We will release more information about the BEGA x KCB MSc Governance Bursary for the next intake in due course.

Further details

For further details on the programme or to enrol, please get in touch with Lauren on 020 7400 0333 or lauren@kcbglobal.net