What's involved?

The programme is a tried and tested development experience for Diverse Leaders in Higher Education, equipping them with the unique leadership competencies and strategies required to respond to the distinct challenges and opportunities they face as Black, Asian and Ethnically diverse Academic and Professional staff.*

Colleagues will spend 5 months identifying how to balance their personal leadership styles with the demands of the University without compromising authenticity, and developing strategies to manage their careers and for success as a minority in a higher education environment.

*Applicants should note, this course will include sharing lived experiences and discussions around the racialised experience, and how this has impacted on colleagues and their career development.

For full details see: https://www.stellarhe.com/.

For the 2026 schedule: display.aspx

For the enrolment question and matrix: display.aspx

Please note you will be required to complete the application form by the University of Manchester as part of shortlisting; do not apply via StellarHE directly.

How will I benefit/what will I gain?

• Impact and legacy within your institution and beyond 
• Access to a HE network of Black, Asian and racially diverse leaders
• Nine workshops (in-person and virtual) covering topics like 'cracking the corporate code' and 'presenting with impact'
• Two capstone residential events
• 1-2-1 Borderless Coaching sessions 
• Two Manager sessions 

Testimonial

"StellarHE has been transformative for how I understand myself and my work in Higher Education. It was stretching, provocative and raised difficult questions to reflect on however, it was deeply empowering and inspiring, providing a community to safely explore this with. I will forever be grateful for the experience and the lessons learnt will continue to influence how I seek to develop my career. I have been helped to see what authentic leadership can look like, and the programme has enabled me to be more comfortable to bring all of me to my role, including my blackness. It has been a precious opportunity, and I cannot endorse it enough. If you have the opportunity to, do it!"

Dr Emmanuel Oladipo MBChB MSc FHEA, Associate Academic Lead for Clinical Communication and Lecturer in Clinical Communication, 2024 alumni