Diploma of Advanced Studies in Leadership & Personal Development

Executive Format

Diploma of Advanced Studies in Leadership & Personal Development - Executive Format

This Advanced Studies Diploma tackles leadership at both a personal and organizational level, taking account of the complexities presented by a rapidly changing workplace. You will be challenged to reflect on your personal leadership qualities and how you can develop your leadership potential.

The curriculum also encompasses organizational behavior, change management, risk analysis and other key elements of the modern leader’s toolbox, equipping you with the skills you’ll need to climb the corporate leadership ladder.

Format: Executive format

Location: Blended Online + 1 Residential weeks + Immersive Field Trip

Duration: 18 weeks of executive education

Total credits: 15 US / 30 ECTS

Intake: Spring and Fall

Further study options

We offer flexible program pathways tailored to hospitality professionals. Participants can progress to the Master of Advanced Studies in International Hospitality Management by completing one additional semester of the DAS in International Hospitality Management.

Flexible Completion & Residential Weeks While the program is designed to be completed in 6 months, participants have the flexibility to extend their studies for up to 24 months, allowing them to balance their learning with professional and personal commitments. Residential weeks are scheduled within Modules 1 and 3; if participants are unable to attend their assigned cohort, they may join the corresponding residential week with one of the next three cohorts.

Program highlights

Intensive leadership education across seven modules.

Undertake a ‘practical approach project’ to bring your skills to a very high level.

Leadership retreat in an exclusive location.

Comprehensive learning, brilliant networking

A unique element of this program is the opportunity for participants to spend a week on campus in Marbella.

During this carefully organized Experiential Week on campus, you will:

Attend in-person classes taught by international faculty
Interact with guest experts
Build strong connections with fellow participants, fostering a solid team spirit

A transformative

learning journey

As part of the DAS in Leadership and Personal Development, the immersive field trip takes participants for a week of discovery, reflection, and growth.

Combining academic insight with wellness practices, cultural immersion, and hands-on workshops, it offers a unique opportunity to connect learning with personal development in an inspiring natural setting.

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Program details

Developing your Full Leadership Potential

Unlocking one's full leadership potential begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Embracing strengths, acknowledging weaknesses, and navigating discomfort empower us to make conscious decisions about personal growth. Increased self-awareness directs our focus to what truly matters, allowing us to prioritize and address important aspects that enhance the value of our actions. Being truly aligned with oneself not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also heightens effectiveness and productivity. In leadership, self-awareness isn't just a skill, it's the catalyst for transformative and influential impact

Leading People to Success

This course concentrates on the practice of leadership itself: the theories, styles, and influence tactics that allow a leader to adapt their approach to different people and situations. Students examine how leadership must flex to the unique qualities of each team member and context, rather than following a single formula, and develop the ability to apply leadership influence effectively to guide others toward shared goals.

Managing Diverse High Performing Teams

Coaching Skills for Leaders

As a leader, you bear the responsibility of guiding colleagues or employees toward their self-growth and enhanced performance. The adoption of coaching, a proven and effective facilitation method, can be one of the instrumental tools in this process. This course will help you acquire the fundamentals of both individual and team executive coaching. In addition, going through experience of applying various coaching techniques will further enhance your ability to propel teams to the next dimension.

Effective Communication for Successful Relationships

Our ability to connect and engage with others is what sets us apart. Elevating communication skills to its full potential can transform our professional interactions, becoming a formidable asset to establish and nurture relationships. The mastery of effective communication involves, among others, honing the skills of active listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and mastering feedback techniques. These skills not only enhance our leadership journey but also empower us to build and sustain meaningful connections, both within existing relationships and when establishing new ones.

Leading People through Change

This course focuses on change management: how organizations plan, implement, and sustain change successfully. Students examine established change management models and the practical steps required to move a change initiative from design to adoption. Attention is given to the impact of change on employees — their reactions, resistance, and engagement — and to the practices that support people effectively through periods of organizational change

Exceptional faculty team

Marija Nemec

Marija Nemec holds an Executive Master’s in Leadership, Coaching, and Emotional Intelligence, and a Master’s in Project Management. Certified by IANLP and in the Points of You methodology, she has over a decade of experience in training and coaching, designing 300+ programs in leadership, communication, and personal development.

Having lived and worked in Serbia, India, Spain, and Germany, she brings broad international expertise in education and corporate training.

Dr. Ainhoa Otamendi

Dr. Ainhoa Otamendi holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, a Master’s in Personal Coaching and Organizational Leadership, and a Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management. An internationally certified practitioner in personality and conflict management assessments, she has over 20 years of teaching experience in psychology, organizational behavior, and talent development.

She has also led training and consultancy projects for the private and public sectors and authored multiple scientific publications in psychology and education.

Ivana Blecic

Ivana Blecic holds a Master of Economic Sciences with a specialization in Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Engineering. A certified international trainer and coach (NLP, PCM, POY) and ICF-accredited facilitator, she brings over 15 years of leadership experience across international companies in Germany, England, and Spain.

Her career spans roles from Quality and HR Manager to Sales Director and General Manager. An expert in communication and personal development training, she also lectures at the Mokra Gora School of Management and is the author of Alone Among People.

Program entry requirements

→ Admission criteria