Leadership
This subject is currently only available at undergraduate or graduate level. It is expected to become available as a postgraduate specialist subject for the Master of Business, Postgraduate Certificate, and Postgraduate Diploma from 2026 or 2027, pending approval.
Why study Leadership?
Great leaders aren’t born — they’re made. At the University of Waikato, we’re shaping the next generation of business and community leaders who can lead with purpose and integrity, and create meaningful change in any organisation.
Waikato is the only university in New Zealand to offer Leadership as an undergraduate major, taught by globally recognised experts in this field.
Studying Leadership at Waikato – a top 1% global business school - will equip you with the insight and skills to drive positive transformation at both strategic and operational levels, delivering better financial, social, and environmental outcomes.
You’ll explore diverse leadership theories and practices from around the world — including Māori and indigenous perspectives – and develop a richer understanding of what it means to lead in Aotearoa and beyond.
You’ll also gain a deeper understanding into your own personal leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth.
Effective leadership skills are highly sought after across every industry, as employers look for people who can navigate complexity, inspire others, and solve challenges in an ever-changing world.
Good leaders don’t assert their authority or make executive decisions on the fly. They listen, engage, empower, and build a shared sense of purpose within their teams.
At Waikato, you’ll learn what it takes to lead effectively in fast-changing environments - from shaping strategy and managing high-performing teams, to influencing people, and making responsible, evidence-based decisions.
This subject will provide life-long benefits for your career. You’ll graduate ready to make a lasting impact across business, government, iwi, and not-for-profit sectors.
Whether you aspire to be a manager, consultant, entrepreneur, or changemaker, studying Leadership will help you develop the relationship-building, communication and problem-solving skills that set exceptional leaders apart – and make a difference where it matters most.
Career Opportunities
- Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
- Business development manager
- Business entrepreneur/owner
- CEO / General manager
- Change management specialist
- Communications and engagement manager
- Community or Iwi Development Coordinator
- Diversity and inclusion consultant
- Human resources manager
- Innovation Manager
- Leadership & organisational development trainer
- Management consultant
- Operations manager
- Project Manager
- Team Leader
Hamilton
Study Leadership in these qualifications
Qualifications offered
Leadership can be taken as a either a 1st Major with the Bachelor of Business, or as a 2nd Major or Minor subject with almost any other bachelor's degree at the University of Waikato.
Alternatively you can take it as a specialist subject for a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.
Subject regulations
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.