This page is intended for those who manage LEAP students, for HRCos, and LDMs.

How does LEAP work?

Each OC stipulates which ‘pathway’ their candidates can take:

• Postgraduate certificate (PG Cert): 60 academic credits over 1-2 years (0-1 trips to the UK, possible to complete entirely online)

• Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip): 120 academic credits over 2-4 years (at least  (1-2 trips to the UK)

• Full master's (MSc): 180 academic credits over 4-5 years (2 trips to the UK)

• Standalone Module Pathway (SMP/Units)*: 10-20 academic credits over 10 weeks (0 trips to the UK)

*note: SMP is a much shorter pathway facilitated centrally by MSF UK.

These pathways are comprised of 'core' and 'optional' academic modules.

• There are 4 core modules. They are worth 15 credits and run for 10 weeks.

1. Critical Approaches to the Management of Humanitarian Operations (runs in September semester, includes 2 weeks of intensive teaching in-person in the UK)

2. Research into Practice (runs in September semester, includes 2 weeks of intensive teaching in-person in the UK)

3. Critical Approaches to Evidence (runs in January semester, includes 2 weeks of intensive teaching online)

4. History of Humanitarian Aid (runs in January semester, includes 2 weeks of intensive teaching online)

• PG Certificate students must take 2 core modules as part of their 60 credits

• PG Diploma students must take 3 core modules as part of their 120 credits

• MSc students must take 4 core modules as part of their 180 credits

• There are many optional modules, which students can choose in addition to core modules to make up the remainder of their credits, details of which can be found on the University-managed LEAP website.

  • Optional modules are worth either 15 or 20 academic credits, and run for between 5 and 12 weeks, most often for 10 weeks

  • Optional modules generally take place online, with very flexible and asynchronous (offline) learning structures which allow for students to fit these modules around their working commitments

  • Some 5-week modules take place with in-person teaching in the UK, but students must get approval at many levels in order to attend these additional in-person modules (from MSF UK, their OC, their line manager, etc.).

Applying for LEAP

How to apply?

For the PG Cert, PG Dip, and MSc pathway, students apply to LEAP through their OC. Each OC has an annual application and selection cycle which is run from this website. OC specific criteria and processes can be found on the respective OC pages on this website: "The Application Process".

For the Standalone Module Pathway, students apply through MSF UK: "Standalone Modules".

English language requirements

LEAP is taught entirely in English. It is therefore crucial that students have a sufficient level of English in order to thrive on the programme.

➡️‼️PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT: Full English Language Requirements ‼️⬅️

English level is tested in two ways:

1. Candidates first must take a free 90-minute EF Set test to provide a rough idea of their English level in the first stage of selection (minimum level C1 required). 

2. Candidates, if selected by their OC, then have to take a formal English language exam (for which MSF pays) to prove their English level to the University. In very exceptional cases approved by MSF UK, students may be eligible for an English language waiver: please reach out to LEAP@london.msf.org as soon as possible after selection by your OC in order to be considered for this.

Academic requirements

The majority of LEAP students have undergraduate degrees.

However, those without undergraduate degrees, but who have considerable relevant professional experience, will be considered for the programme. Their entry is ultimately at the discretion of the University Course Director.

Other requirements

MSF UK has developed a 'global vision' for LEAP which endeavours to capture the major aspects of the programme which are largely, though not entirely, universal. The below explanations of both 'Who is LEAP for?' and 'How are applicants selected?' intend to give an insight into the general target group for LEAP, but it is important to check each OCs application page for the specific requirements of the OC to which you are affiliated.

Who is LEAP for?

• LEAP is open to all staff groups, including medical and non-medical staff, HQ staff, internationally mobile staff, and locally recruited staff. 

• LEAP is particularly intended for those in field or field-facing roles, and those who are decision makers, managers, or in positions of influence.

• All applicants are required to have at least 6 months field experience, as per the University’s minimum standards (OCs will have their own specific experience criteria).

• All applicants must meet the minimum English requirement of C1.

• Most LEAP students have an undergraduate degree. However, those without undergraduate degrees who have considerable professional experience will be considered for selection (their entry into the programme is then at the discretion of the University Course Director). A diverse classroom with staff of varying levels of previous education is crucial for academically rich discussion and there is an active effort to encourage those without the means to otherwise pursue a PG qualification to apply.

• LEAP is committed to reflecting MSF’s diversity in its cohorts, and the representation of female staff and locally recruited staff is particularly important.

How are applicants selected?

• LEAP is a competitive programme. The number of seats corresponds to a small percentage of total applications. In 2023, just 24% of applicants were accepted onto the programme.

• LEAP selection committees are usually formed of representatives from several HQ departments.

• The selection committee considers candidates’ aptitude, motivation, critical thinking and reflection, relevant experience, quality of written work, and leadership and management potential.

• The selection committee considers the candidate’s previous level of education, with a focus on ensuring academic diversity in the classroom. Students’ education level ranges from those with existing master’s degrees, usually in subjects outside of Humanitarian Practice, to those who have not previously studied at university level.

• OCs may have quotas in place to facilitate the representation of all staff groups in the programme.

Support for LEAP students

OC Commitment Forms

OC commitment forms provide guidance on what students need from MSF to study effectively, as well as guidance on the expectations of those studying. 

OCs are increasingly aligned on study conditions and provisions, but please check the applicable OC's Commitment Form for specific detail: OCA, OCB (currently under revision), OCBA, OCG, OCP, WaCA.

Study leave

Balancing full-time work and study is a huge undertaking. Study leave is crucial for students to excel on the programme.

The study leave to which a LEAP student is entitled depends upon the module type they are studying.

OCs are increasingly aligned on the provision of study leave, but please check the 'OC Commitment Forms' for more information on each OCs specific study leave policy.

Study resources

LEAP students require specific resources in order to study effectively. The project is responsible for providing, where needed, the following resources:

• Access to a quiet space

• Access to a stable internet connection

• Access to a laptop for study

Travel to the UK

Where travel to the UK is necessary, LEAP students will be supported in the following way:

• MSF UK will provide UK visa application guidance and accommodation in the UK.

• OCs will provide practical support for UK visa applications (e.g. travel to visa application centres and covering of the visa fee), practical support for travel to the UK (e.g. flight bookings and payment for flights), and provision of per diem in cash prior to departure.

Managing complex employment situations

Please reach out to LEAP@london.msf.org in the event of a complex employment situation which may affect an employee's LEAP studies.

We manage each situation on a case-by-case basis, so please reach out, but the following policies guide our overall approach:

• Managing LEAP studies in the case of contract closure due to project closure or restructuring

• Managing LEAP studies when a student moves OC

Studying in 2024 and 2025

The module options and module calendar for the January 2025 can be found here.