Melbourne Aspiring Leaders and Managers Program

About

The Melbourne Aspiring Leaders and Managers (MALM) program is designed for new and aspiring managers to develop their skills, knowledge and capacities to lead and manage effectively.

A unique feature of MALM that has been highly prized by previous participants is its delivery to mixed cohorts made up of both professional and academic staff. This feature has been lauded by participants for the way it enables a richer and fuller understanding of the University environment, particularly on issues around leadership and management.

The flexible study program was developed by practitioners in the higher and vocational education sectors and combines theoretical insights with practical realities and ‘real world’ case studies. Participants undertake self-paced online learning and guided discussions, developing critical reflective practice and interacting with others experiencing similar issues.

Suitable for

This free program is for the University of Melbourne professional and academic staff who aspire to or are newly appointed to leadership and management positions.

Program structure

The Melbourne Aspiring Leaders and Managers program consist of four online modules: Two modules commencing in a February/March cohort and two modules commencing in a July/August cohort. Each module involves online assessments and a series of workshops.

Module 1
Managing and Developing Yourself: 
focusing on leading the self; developing a critical reflective practice; and developing intra-personal intelligence

Module 2
Managing and Developing Others: 
addressing interpersonal intelligence, the specifics of transitioning to a management role; managing workplace relationships and developing others.

Module 3
Managing and Developing the Business:
situates business development within the tertiary sector and includes thinking and working strategically in tertiary education institutions.

Module 4
Understanding the Tertiary Education Landscape:
covering the history and evolution of higher education policy processes and outcomes, and the increasing importance of leadership and management considerations for policy settings, institutional governance, funding, internationalisation, diversity, and globalisation.

Participants will receive a formal Statement of Accomplishment upon successful completion of each individual module's assessment requirements.

Schedule

Below is the schedule for the MALM 2023 Beta Cohort - commenced Semester 2, 2023.

ModuleSessionTimeDate
Module 3 Introductory Session 9.30-11.30am Thursday 7 March 2024
  Mid-module Workshop 9.30-11.30am Wednesday 27 March 2024
  End of Module Workshop* 9.30-11.30am Thursday 18 April 2024
  Assessments Due 9am TBA
Module 4Introductory Session9.30-11.30amThursday 9 May 2024
 Mid-module Workshop9.30-11.30amWednesday 29 May 2024
 End of Module Workshop*9.30-11.30amThursday 20 June 2024
 Assessments Due9amTBA

Schedule for MALM 2024 Alpha Cohort - Commencing Semester 1, 2024.

ModuleSessionTimeDate
Module 1Introductory Session9.30-11.30amWednesday 6 March 2024
 Mid-module Workshop9.30-11.30amWednesday 27 March 2024
 End of Module Workshop9.30-11.30amWednesday 17 April 2024
 Assessments Due9amTBA
Module 2 Introductory Session 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 8 May 2024
  Mid-module Workshop 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 29 May 2024
  End of Module Workshop* 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 19 June 2024
  Assessments Due 9am TBA
Module 3 Introductory Session 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 24 July 2024
  Mid-module Workshop 9.30–11.30am Thursday 15 August 2024
  End of Module Workshop* 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 11 September 2024
  Assessments Due 9am TBA
Module 4 Introductory Session 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 9 October 2024
  Mid-module Workshop 9.30–11.30am Thursday 31 October 2024
  End of Module Workshop* 9.30–11.30am Wednesday 20 November 2024
  Assessments Due 9am TBA

Expression of interest

Expressions of Interest for 2024 Alpha cohort are closed. 

This professional development program is free for the University of Melbourne staff.

More information

  • I have partially completed some of the MALM program previously. Do I need to apply again?

    Yes. Whether you formally withdrew from your previous cohort or not, you will need to submit a new Expression of Interest. Please make a note on your application about which Cohort you had previously been enrolled in and what modules you have completed, as preference is given to those who have previously participated in MALM.

  • How many workshops are there, and do I need to attend them all?

    There are three workshops per module: an introductory session, mid-module workshop and the End of Module Consolidation Workshop (12 workshops in total). The End of Module workshops are the only compulsory Workshops for those who are completing MALM to receive a Statement of Attainment (certificate), and a repeat of this workshop is run for each module.

  • When will I receive the outcome of my EOI?

    Within one working week after the closing date of the current round. If a closing date has not been posted, this is usually about one month before the scheduled Module 1 Introductory Workshop for the commencing cohort.

  • Things have come up and I can no longer take part in MALM. Can I defer my enrollment?

    MALM is designed to be a flexible professional development option. We recognize that sometimes staff move around the university and life gets in the way, so we do not offer an automatic deferral between cohorts. If you are no longer able to engage with MALM, please email the MALM team to withdraw from the program. When your schedule allows, you are able to join the next cohort by submitting a new EOI. Make sure you add a note to your application about which modules and cohort you had previously been enrolled in, as preference is given to those who have previously participated in MALM.

  • I am part of the Beta cohort that runs across two calendar years. Do I need to submit a new EOI?

    No. Everyone enrolled in the Beta cohorts will automatically be carried over to the new calendar year. MALM generally starts up again with Module 3 around March.

  • I missed or can’t attend a compulsory workshop.

    You can attend any missed End of Module Workshops with future cohorts. Please note you will not be eligible for the certificate until you have attended the End of Module Workshop.

  • Can I commence MALM at a later module and then do the earlier modules?

    No. As the modules build on one another, we suggest you complete the modules in chronological order. If you cannot complete the modules in order due to special circumstances, please reach out to the MALM Team to discuss your options.

  • I am not based at Parkville campus. Am I still eligible?

    Yes. MALM is open to all UOM staff regardless of where they are located. The program materials are all online and the workshops are offered in dual delivery or with in-person or online options.

  • Will the workshops be recorded?

    Only the Introductory Forums are recorded. Due to the nature and format of the Mid and End of Module workshops, these are not recorded.

  • How much does the MALM Program cost?

    The MALM Program is provided for free to the University of Melbourne Staff. There is no cost for individuals or faculties.

  • How much time do I need to spend on MALM activities?

    As a self-directed program, you get out what you put in. Apart from attendance at the workshops, we suggest setting aside one hour per week for readings and written assignments. Depending on how you want to engage with the material and your own learning style, you may find you need more or less than this, but past participants suggest one hour per week is a good baseline.