Programme overview
The aim of the Global Leadership Initiative is to develop your intellectual and practical understanding of what makes for good leadership in your context and put the learnings into practice as you go on your own leadership journey after graduating from Oxford. The six-month programme will help you to grow as a leader who is both effective and ethical, who furthers the good of society and enables others to flourish.
Any postgraduate student enrolled in a full-time programme at the University of Oxford can apply to participate in the GLI. Throughout the programme, you will engage in regular reflections, dialogues, and exercises to apply the leadership lessons in your own context. In the end, you will walk away with a new understanding of who you are and how you lead.
Applications open: 15 October 2025
Want to learn more about the programme? Write to us and/or attend our events.
What we focus on
Practical Wisdom
We help participants develop the knowledge and experience to make appropriate judgements that contribute to flourishing and the common good.
Honesty
We encourage participants to behave in a truthful and sincere manner, giving others good reason to trust them as leaders.
Humility
We emphasise the power of humility – recognising one’s true self and so being able to appreciate others, being open to new ideas, and being willing to revise one’s own positions.
Service
We inspire participants to be appropriately other-oriented, rather than merely self-focused in their career goals and actions.
Purpose
We focus on leading with purpose and cultivating a sense of calling that integrates aspiration with action.
Gratitude
We recognise that we are not solely responsible for all we have received and enjoyed, giving appropriate acknowledgment and recognition to others.
How it works
In Michaelmas Term, we invite Oxford postgraduates with an interest in global leadership to apply to be part of a diverse learning community. Through a competitive selection process, a small group of students with demonstrated leadership potential are given an offer to join our flagship programme – the Global Leadership Initiative.
Our research-based curriculum draws heavily on the humanities as well as leadership discourses in a wide range of disciplines. We facilitate weekly hour-long discussions through Hilary and Trinity terms in a small group setting, learning together and from each other. Exceptional guest speakers join the sessions to share their life stories and perspectives.
We host a number of social events including dinners to facilitate meaningful connections among students. Such opportunities help students to develop relationships beyond their academic circle, lasting long after they graduate from our programme. We have over 300 alumni all over the world, leading with character and purpose.
One of my favourite things about the GLI is opportunity to have deep and soul searching discussions with genuine and earnest people. Every session is an opportunity to learn different perspectives and remind myself that despite everything going on in the news, there are plenty of people to give reason for hope.
Ajantha Abey, GLI 2021
