Leadership Foundations

You don't need an official title (e.g. president/manager) to be a leader. Anyone can be a leader, and anyone can practice leadership skills. We believe that this program should be part of every student’s development journey as it reflects the UNSW Graduate Capabilities, opens in a new window of becoming a globally focused graduate capable of leadership and professional practice in an international community.

We welcome any UNSW student who is interested in discovering their leadership identity and developing their interpersonal and professional skills.

A key strength of Leadership Foundations is the diversity of perspectives, experience and knowledge within the learning community. We encourage students from all faculties and levels of study to apply to the program.

*Please note this program is not suitable for students enrolled in MBA programs. Please contact Career Accelerator @ AGSM, opens in a new window for career development support/career coaching support.

Inclusive and supportive program

We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that is inclusive and supportive for everyone. If you have any specific needs to help you fully participate, we are here to make the necessary adjustments.

These adjustments might include providing extra time, ensuring spaces and processes are accessible, or offering materials in alternative formats. If there is anything we can do to support you, please let us know by emailing us at leadership@unsw.edu.au. Your comfort and ability to fully engage are our top priorities.

Listen here, opens in a new window to the accessibility message.

You will join a learning community of like-minded students to progress through four blended learning modules. This will take approx. 20 hours in total to complete.  

Each module contains an online component and interactive live workshop. Participants will reflect on their assumptions, collaborate with peers, and challenge themselves in a range of individual and group activities.

Leadership Foundations concludes with a creative and reflective final task to consolidate the learnings from the different modules and help you discover the next step in your leadership journey.

On successful completion of this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to: 

• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Learn how to recognise challenges as opportunities for growth and view mistakes as valuable learning experiences. Practice applying a growth mindset to enhance your leadership in both personal and professional contexts.  

• Build Resilience and Grit: Identify stress management techniques that work for you. Develop grit by learning how to stay motivated and persevere, while also recognising the importance of self-care to maintain overall wellbeing. 

• Drive Team Success: Practice effective communication, active listening and trust-building skills. Learn simple conflict resolution strategies to enhance collaboration and develop basic leadership techniques that support effective teamwork.   

• Foster Curiosity and Inclusivity: Develop an awareness of the value of diversity in teams. Begin developing curiosity and inclusive leadership skills so you can create a team environment of innovation, respect, and creativity. 

• Reflect and Plan for Growth: Reflect on your personal values and strengths to create a meaningful purpose statement. Evaluate your leadership progress, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for continued development.  

The Leadership Foundations program runs multiple times a year, offering both term and intensive formats.

• Term Program: Conducted online during the first four weeks of each term, allowing you to participate with minimal interruption to your coursework.

• Intensive Program: Held in-person over two days during the break between terms.

Applications are now closed for Term 1.

Upcoming Program: May 2025 Intensive
Location: Kensington Campus

• Tuesday 20 May, 10am - 4pm:

• Workshop 1: Growth Mindset

• Workshop 2: Grit

• Thursday 22 May, 10am - 4pm:

• Workshop 3: Collaboration

• Workshop 4: Curiosity

Applications for the May Intensive and Term 2 programs open in April. Register your interest, opens in a new window, and we will reach out when applications open. 

Upon satisfactorily meeting the program requirements, you will be awarded AHEGS recognition and a completion certificate. We will also provide you with access to the Leadership Foundations LinkedIn Group to continue your professional and personal development as well as a banner to post to your LinkedIn profile to acknowledge your involvement in this program.