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.

Who is the programme suitable for?

This programme is aimed at individuals working in the governance sector, whether you have been working in the sector for many years and want to formalise your knowledge or whether you are new to the sector and are looking to build your knowledge and skills. The programme is equally suitable for professionals in corporate or not-for-profit organisations. Students have the opportunity to specialise in their chosen area of interest through tailored module assignments and their final 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:

  • Research Methods & Academic Writing
  • Governance & Ethics
  • Development of Strategy
  • Financial Analysis & Decision Making
  • Organisational Law and Compliance

Year two:

  • Effective Meetings
  • Risk Management
  • The Effective Board
  • Focussed Governance Report

Programme duration and delivery

The programme is delivered by KCB, 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 governance report.

Students also benefit from in‑person learning opportunities as part of the programme. Details for the Autumn 2026 cohort will be confirmed in line with upcoming CGIUKI conference schedules and programme planning, ensuring that all students receive a high‑quality, professionally relevant learning experience. For context, the February 2026 cohort will be attending the 2026 CGIUKI Annual Conference in July, held across two days in London.

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 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

Autumn 2026

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

Bursaries

  • A bursary scheme is currently being established for applicants joining the programme in Autumn 2026

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