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.
Application launch: 20 November 2023
Want to learn more about the programme? Write to us and/or attend our events.
Application deadline: 11 December 2023
Submit your application to be a part of Global Leadership Initiative.
Decision announcement: Week of 18th December
All applicants will receive the outcomes of their applications.
GLI Session 1: 15 January 2024
The OCP team will officially kick off GLI 2024
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.
Please note that we will host GLI sessions every Monday (5:30pm-6:30pm) during Hilary and Trinity terms at the Manor Road Building. This year, we have limited space in this programme (up to 12 students). Therefore, we can only accept people who are committed to attending all of the sessions. Please consider your other commitments before you apply.
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply to GLI?
Any current University of Oxford postgraduate student (Masters or DPhil) is eligible to apply. We welcome applicants from all academic disciplines.
2. How many students will be accepted?
We will accept 10-12 students in the GLI 2024 cohort.
3. Is there a fee associated with GLI?
Participants don't need to pay any fee. However, you MUST commit to participating in the entire programme.
4. What is the time commitment?
The programme will run in Hilary term and Trinity term with hour-long weekly sessions every Monday (5:30pm-6:30pm) at the Manor Road Building. You will be expected to go through some reading materials before attending the sessions. In general, we don't expect the overall preparation time to exceed one hour/week.
5. Can I speak to a member of the team to learn more?
We will organise two information sessions where you can chat with our team to learn more about our approach to leadership and the programme. Please see the dates and times below. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions, please write to us at anjali.sarker@politics.ox.ac.uk.
Global Leadership Initiative information session #1 (In-person)
Date and time: 27 November 2023 (5pm-5:45pm)
Location: Boardroom 172 (First floor), Department of Politics and International Relations, Manor Road Building
Registration: Please sign up here.
Global Leadership Initiative information session #2 (Virtual)
Date and time: 5 December 2023 (5:30pm-6:00pm)
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97747490844
Registration: No sign-up is required.
