4 universities developing tomorrow’s leaders

As a working professional, you’ve honed your skills and established yourself in your field. But have you considered taking the next step toward becoming a true leader? A master’s or doctoral degree can be the ultimate power move, equipping you with the knowledge, expertise, and network to stand out from the crowd.

How? You’ll get deeper into your chosen field, analysing complex issues and developing innovative solutions. This expertise positions you as a thought leader, able to navigate industry trends and steer your organisation toward success.

Consider Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB). Her graduate studies in law provided the foundation for her meteoric rise in finance, ultimately leading her to become the first woman in the ECB’s top position. In the creative field, sculptor Antony Gormley‘s Master’s in Fine Arts honed his artistic vision and theoretical understanding, leading him to international acclaim for his large-scale public installations.

In essence, pursuing a master’s or PhD degree is an investment in yourself. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credibility to become a leader who shapes the future of your field. So, if you’re ready to take the next step, start your journey at these four universities:

New York University in Abu Dhabi is a vital component of NYU’s Global Network. Source: New York University Abu Dhabi

New York University (Abu Dhabi)

Nestled on Saadiyat Island, New York University Abu Dhabi’s campus embodies its unique character. Fusing modern and traditional architecture, it reflects the university’s trifold identity: rooted in Abu Dhabi, inspired by New York, and embracing the world. This international spirit infuses everything from its diverse student body to its rigorous academics and cutting-edge research.

Master’s programmes here make the most of this strategic location at the centre of a global crossroads. The Master of Science in Economics has an international faculty and students body. In one year, you’ll benefit from their intercultural insights and exposure to the broadest global challenges as you master the theoretical and quantitative skills needed for success in academia, policy-making, or doctoral studies. You’ll delve into microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and analysis, then explore electives and computer programming before completing the final project, where you conduct economic research and prepare a research thesis or policy proposal.

For aspiring artists, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art and Media is a two-year interdisciplinary programme that emphasises research-based artistic practice, encouraging students to become not just skilled artists but also critical thinkers and innovators. The programme leverages Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for the arts, allowing you to engage with diverse art forms like painting, sculpture, video, and digital arts.

For those seeking a truly international experience, apply for the Global PhD Fellowships for a chance to study and create new knowledge on both NYU Abu Dhabi and New York campuses. What’s more, a joint programme with NYU Stern School of Business allows students to pursue a one-year full-time MBA with modules in Abu Dhabi and New York.

The best part? Financial aid is available for all programmes, with scholarships covering full tuition for master’s students and generous stipends for PhD candidates. Learn more about NYU Abu Dhabi.

Monash University Malaysia is the third largest campus of Australia’s largest university and the first foreign university campus in Malaysia. Source: Monash University Malaysia/Facebook

Monash University Malaysia

Monash University, a leading international university established in Melbourne, Australia, has a global presence. In 1998, it became the first foreign university to set up a campus in Malaysia, offering a world-class education closer to home for Southeast Asian students.

Monash University Malaysia’s programmes are accredited in Malaysia and Australia, ensuring a locally relevant yet internationally recognised education. Its coursework and research degrees are designed to enhance career prospects and spark personal growth — especially those run by the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS).

This vibrant hub of research and learning is home to the Master of Communications and Media Studies. This programme equips students with a critical understanding of the evolving media landscape, focusing on the impact of digitalisation, globalisation, and cross-cultural communication.

Just ask Master of Communications and Media Studies graduate Vishnee Ramcharan, who’s now a Social Media Specialist at Bulle-IKCS, Mauritius. “The course broadened my understanding of digital media and the social sciences surrounding it while allowing me to critically assess the use of online media in everyday practices,” she says. “I’m able to use the acquired knowledge in my workplace to better understand the ways social media platforms can be used to our client’s advantage in building and sustaining an audience.”

Monash Malaysia also offers research-focused, industry-driven programmes. The School of Business, with its team of qualified academics, prepares students for success through programmes like the Master of Digital Business and the Master of International Business.

That’s not all. Monash University Malaysia understands the importance of financial support and offers scholarships to deserving students, making a world-class education more accessible.

Master’s students from Tsinghua University and UC Berkeley gain valuable experience by learning alongside peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, guided by professors and industry supervisors from both institutions. Source: Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute/Facebook

Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute

The Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), established in 2014, is a unique collaboration between Tsinghua University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Shenzhen Municipal Government. This institute fosters a dynamic research environment for master’s students, aiming to bridge the gap between global research and education.

TBSI runs a dual master’s programme that lets students earn degrees in Data Science & Information Technology from Tsinghua University (THU) and Engineering Leadership from UC Berkeley within three years. Research areas encompass a variety of cutting-edge fields, including big data, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, intelligent transportation systems, and many more.

The institute prioritises cultivating innovative thinking and creativity in its students. By integrating resources from both universities, TBSI provides an unparalleled learning experience. Students benefit from world-class faculty, industry advisors, and a diverse student body, fostering collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.

A unique co-advising scheme pairs students with faculty members from both Tsinghua and Berkeley. This ensures personalised guidance on everything from academic plans to research and career development. TBSI has an Industrial Advisory Board as well, featuring representatives from leading tech companies like Tencent, Huawei, and Siemens. This strong university-industry partnership empowers students to make apply their research to the real world and compete for valuable internship opportunities.

Tsinghua University further supports students through a comprehensive financial aid system. Scholarships, assistantships, and awards to outstanding international master’s applicants are available.

The University of Utah Asia Campus offers a top-tier US academic experience, mirroring its Salt Lake City campus in preparing students for success in a globalised world. Source: University of Utah, Asia Campus/Facebook

University of Utah, Asia Campus

The University of Utah is an institution with a long history of academic excellence since its founding in 1850. Today, international students from across the world can gain a Utah degree by joining its Asia Campus in South Korea. This campus replicates the high-quality education of the Salt Lake City campus, allowing students to seamlessly transition between the two locations for a truly international learning experience.

Situated within the heart of Songdo International Business District, a thriving “smart city,” the Utah Asia Campus provides access to global companies and networking opportunities. This environment equips graduates with the skills and connections necessary to succeed in today’s interconnected world.

The campus offers a Master of Communication specifically designed to equip students with practical knowledge in strategic communication. Conducted entirely in English, this programme caters to a diverse range of students with its flexible schedule, including evening and weekend classes.

The location, spanning Incheon and Seoul, allows you to immerse yourself in two distinct urban cultures. Small class sizes enable a personalised learning experience, allowing you to build strong relationships with your professors. Plus, you’ll benefit from close collaboration between faculty in the US and Asia, creating a rich and stimulating academic environment. This, combined with a curriculum that balances flexibility with a strong foundation in theory and methodology, ensures a well-rounded education for its students.

For academically talented individuals, the university offers scholarship options that recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International