Programme brochure

LSE AI Leadership Accelerator

Step into AI leadership with the strategic capability and confidence to evaluate, govern and lead AI transformation responsibly – backed by a prestigious LSE certificate. No technical background required.

AT-A-GLANCE

6 months

100% online

~5–10 hrs/week

LSE certificate + 12 months of coaching

£7,995 (Payment plans available)

Start date: Loading... | Loading...

What you'll build

Four board-ready deliverables that demonstrate AI leadership and strategic thinking

1
Board advisory memo
  • Evidence-based analysis of AI implementation considerations
  • Value mapping and use-case assessment
  • Implementation roadmap
  • Governance, ethics and data readiness framework
2
Board-ready business case
  • Financial evaluation and implementation plan
  • Trust-building tactics
  • An investment-grade case that survives scrutiny
3
Change management strategy
  • A pragmatic adoption plan that moves pilots to scale
  • Stakeholder mapping and influence tactics
  • Communications plan
  • A workflow for AI integration
4
Executive AI playbook
  • Building an AI-powered work prioritisation plan
  • RAG system validation
  • Human-in-the-loop processes
  • Privacy and security protocols

Use your own context where appropriate or curated case organisations; confidentiality guidance provided.

Built with industry practitioners. Designed for AI leadership.

Deloitte office of Generative AI

Our curriculum is informed by active practitioners through guest videos, curriculum input and executive Masterclasses, so you learn what actually works in organisations leading AI transformation.

Contributor involvement varies by cohort (guest videos, curriculum input, or Masterclasses). No company endorsement of the programme is implied.

Programme overview

  • Start date: Loading...
  • Duration: 6 months, excluding Orientation
  • Time: ~5–10 hrs/week
  • Tuition: £7,995 (Payment plans available)
  • Format: 100% online (weekly live classes; recordings provided)
  • Onboarding: 2 weeks Orientation before Course 1
  • Certification: LSE AI Leadership Certificate (non-degree, non-credit)
  • Cohort: Limited-seat cohort
  • Support: 12 months of 1:1 coaching, course facilitators, success managers, peer groups, Masterclasses & industry panels

Note: Scheduled breaks for holidays may extend the calendar end date beyond six months, though your total active learning time remains six months in full.

Who this is for

Managers, senior leaders, directors, consultants, and domain experts in AI-intensive sectors (finance, health, tech, legal, public sector) who need to evaluate, fund and lead AI at scale — including those formalising expertise already built in practice.

You'll benefit most if you're thinking:

  1. "I need to lead AI strategy, but I'm not a data scientist."
  2. "I've been handed an AI initiative. Now I need to make it credible."
  3. "I know AI matters for my organisation. I just need a clear framework to act."
  4. "I'm already doing this work informally – I need the credential and the language to make it official."

No technical background required. You don't need to write code or understand algorithms. This programme equips you to evaluate, govern and lead AI, not build it.

What makes this programme work

Move from pilots to value

Learn where AI creates value, assess organisational readiness, build investment-grade cases, and lead adoption with ethics, governance and cultural change at the core.

Prove it on paper

You'll graduate with four board-ready artefacts you can deploy with stakeholders, backed by an LSE certificate that carries the academic weight boards and hiring panels recognise.

High-touch support

Twelve months of leadership coaching, guided programme facilitation and small peer mentoring groups to keep momentum.

Why choose the LSE AI Leadership Accelerator?

Six months. Practical skills. Immediate organisational impact.

Unlike brief overviews or broad, long-term programmes, the Accelerator is built for measurable outcomes: practitioner-informed curriculum, portfolio-based assessment (no exams), and 12 months of leadership coaching to turn learning into funded, adopted work.

Comparison at a glance

Short courses
LSE AI Leadership Accelerator
MBA
Learning approach Introductory knowledge & awareness
Outcome-centric, leadership-level capability
Broad leadership & general management
Industry relevance & employer alignment Topical; light employer alignment
Practitioner-informed; employer-aligned challenges
Typically offer industry specialisations
Real-world application Limited; case reading
4 board-ready deliverables used with stakeholders
Broad, strategic application
Assessment Quizzes/assignments; varies
Project-based; no exams
Exams, papers, group projects
Executive & career support Minimal coaching
12 months 1:1 leadership coaching + facilitators + success managers
Generalised career services
Flexibility for busy leaders Light time ask
~5–10 hrs/week; recorded live sessions; drop-in Q&As; reflection weeks
Fixed timelines; heavier load
Credential & signalling Narrow certificate
LSE AI Leadership Certificate (non-degree, non-credit)
Degree (broad management)
Time to measurable ROI Rapid exposure; limited impact
Months (business case, change plan, exec playbook)
Long-term career benefits

Ready to take the next step?

Curriculum & capstones

How the rhythm works

One module per week (~5–10 hrs), with a weekly live class (recorded). Content releases in two-week batches. Each course is followed by a reflection week; assignments are typically due Monday of reflection week (13:00 UK). Assessment is project-based; no exams. Marks are moderated by LSE.

O
Orientation

(2 weeks)

Your Accelerator begins with two weeks of Orientation, during which you'll be introduced to your Success Manager and Leadership Coach. You'll get access to the digital learning environment and onboarding materials, and while you're settling in you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow learners and plan your studies.

1
Course 1 — Applying AI in Organisations

(6 weeks)

This course prepares you to evaluate and apply AI technologies to create meaningful business value. You'll acquire the insight to identify where AI can create impact, understand the risks and assess its strategic fit, while also learning what's required for successful adoption across different functions and contexts.

You will be equipped to:

  • Understand core AI technologies, including machine learning and generative AI, and their business applications
  • Identify where AI can improve organisational performance and reshape competitive advantage
  • Assess the wider impact of AI on the organisation, job roles and the workforce
  • Navigate the known implementation barriers, using insights from real-world use cases across different functions and contexts
  • Address key ethical and regulatory issues, including privacy, bias and fairness

What you'll build: An evidence-based board memo analysing AI implementation considerations – structured to inform high-stakes organisational decision-making responsibly and with strategic clarity.

2
Course 2 — Going From Vision to Value

(6 weeks)

This course helps you prepare strategic AI investments and guide them from pilot to full-scale rollout. You'll strengthen your ability to make informed, strategic AI investment decisions that align with organisational goals and deliver business value.

You will be equipped to:

  • Evaluate your organisation's readiness to support AI at scale
  • Scope, cost and measure the benefits and deliverables of AI initiatives
  • Assess potential AI investments based on business needs, risk and value
  • Oversee AI projects from pilot to full rollout, including governance, vendor strategies and lifecycle oversight
  • Optimise ROI through strategic execution and benefit realisation strategies
  • Prepare and pitch credible AI business cases aligned to strategic goals

What you'll build: A board-ready AI business case – including data-driven investment proposals, ROI and strategic impact metrics, and stakeholder trust-building tactics – submitted as a recorded presentation.

3
Course 3 — Making It Happen: AI & Change Leadership

(8 weeks)

This course equips you to lead AI and digital transformation by applying change management strategies and building organisational readiness. You'll strengthen your ability to align strategy, communication and stakeholder engagement to drive effective and responsible adoption of AI initiatives.

You'll be equipped to:

  • Play a pivotal role in AI and digital transformation initiatives
  • Evaluate and implement organisational change management strategies
  • Prepare communication strategies tailored to diverse stakeholder groups
  • Deploy innovative approaches to manage resistance, with a focus on AI initiatives
  • Manage stakeholder engagement and AI policy integration

What you'll build: A comprehensive change management strategy for an AI deployment project – including a stakeholder map, communications and training plan, and a resistance playbook.

4
Course 4 — Using AI for Executive & Team Performance

(4 weeks)

This course enables you to use AI to boost your performance and decision-making, while critically assessing the risks and trade-offs of AI-powered workflows. You'll also learn how to support your team in adopting AI tools responsibly and ethically in everyday work.

You'll be equipped to:

  • Use AI tools to improve your productivity and decisions, while balancing privacy and responsible use
  • Design AI workflows that support decision-making while retaining human oversight
  • Assess the benefits and risks of integrating AI into your daily workflow
  • Recognise the effects of AI on team dynamics, and how to support your team in adopting AI tools in ethical and effective ways
  • Apply AI to improve communication, collaboration and feedback in your leadership

What you'll build: A personalised executive AI playbook – covering leadership and team workflows, human-in-the-loop processes, and a privacy and governance framework, designed to be implemented from the moment you graduate.

Use your own context for practical activities and journal reflections (not submitted); confidentiality guidance provided.

Course content is subject to ongoing development and updates.

Scheduled breaks for holidays may extend the calendar end date beyond six months, though your total active learning time remains six months in full.

Outcome timeline: 90-day wins → 6-month results

See what you'll achieve and when, then keep momentum with six more months of coaching.

Your first 90 days

2

By Week 2

AI-business strategy gap analysis

6

By Week 6

Board advisory memo

12

By Week 12

Board-ready business case

What happens next (Months 4–6)

18-20

By Weeks 18–20

Change-management plan submitted

6

Month 6 (programme close)

AI leadership playbook in hand

12

Across 12 months

1:1 leadership coaching turns these into funded, adopted outcomes

Note: Week numbers reflect active course weeks; reflection weeks sit between courses. Exact pacing may extend beyond six months, depending on holiday/cohort timing.

Who you'll learn from

World-class faculty · Industry practitioners · Leadership coaches

LSE Faculty

Our academic leads are drawn from the LSE Department of Management and the Data Science Institute – two of the university’s most interdisciplinary and forward-thinking departments. Their expertise spans strategic leadership, AI ethics, digital transformation and organisational behaviour.

Dr Dorottya Sallai

Associate Professor (Education) of Management, LSE Department of Management

Brings 15+ years of experience leading AI-integrated education and advises on organisational change and AI adoption strategies across industries.

Dr Jonathan Cardoso-Silva

Assistant Professor (Education), LSE Data Science Institute

Brings extensive expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and AI education, with industry experience as a lead data scientist.

Professor Connson Locke

Professor (Education) of Management and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching and Learning), LSE Department of Management

Brings over 30 years of international experience in leadership development and organisational behaviour, guiding learners to lead with confidence and evidence-based insight.

Dr Anuschka Schmitt

Assistant Professor of Information Systems, LSE Department of Management

Brings expertise in AI-augmented work and decision-making, exploring how humans and intelligent systems collaborate to enhance performance and learning in business contexts.

Professor Prithwiraj Choudhury

Professor of Organisational Behaviour, LSE Department of Management

Leading global thought leader on the Future of Work. His research is focused on how technology is changing where we work and how we work.

Dr Tomislav Karačić

Assistant Professor of Information Systems, LSE Department of Management

Brings deep expertise in the social and organisational dimensions of artificial intelligence, examining how AI is developed, interpreted and governed across diverse real-world contexts.

Industry Contributors

You'll engage with senior advisors and executives across tech, finance and consulting, via guest videos, curriculum input and executive Masterclasses (contributors vary by cohort):

Robert Hardman

Former Chief AI & Innovation Transformation Officer, Inchcape Digital

Robert is an industry trailblazer with over 25 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies, including Facebook and Uber, guiding them through digital business transformations. His command of advanced mathematical techniques and knowledge of global technological ecosystems have made him a specialist in deploying state-of-the-art technologies such as Generative AI, LLMs, and machine learning to transform and reimagine businesses.

Susan Steele

Chair and Board Director

Known for enabling rapid, profitable growth in B2B AI, SaaS and tech services businesses, Susan is an experienced chair, board member and C-suite operator whose career spans global leadership roles across IBM, Deloitte, WPP, JPMorgan Chase, and HSBC. She is also an advisor on the impact of AI on the HR function and workplace.

Diwakar Patwal

Head of Data and AI, Thredd

Diwakar Patwal is Vice President of Data and AI at Thredd, and brings more than 15 years of experience in advanced analytics, machine learning and management consulting. He has held senior roles at Natwest, Barclays, Ernst and Young, and IBM, working in financial services, logistics and utilities internationally.

Dael Williamson

EMEA CTO, Databricks

Dael is an accomplished and entrepreneurial CTO, Business Platform Economist, and Architect focused on digital data and AI-led business transformations across various industries. He provides thought leadership and guidance for the C-level executives at major Databricks customers in EMEA and globally. Prior to joining Databricks, Dael was the Global Data Technology Lead at Accenture Microsoft Business Group.

Tom Head

Co-Founder, G3NR8

Tom has two decades in digital and has built multiple 7-figure agencies. He’s now leading G3NR8, delivering AI training, strategy, research, and cutting-edge solutions to future-proof businesses and give them a competitive edge. G3NR8 is trusted by brands like Samsung, Red Bull Racing, JP Morgan, Tesco, and The Guardian.

Rachel Wagner-Kaiser, Ph.D.

Director, Data Scientist, Advisory, KPMG US

Rachel is an AI leader who helps organisations transform complex, unstructured data into actionable insights that drive real business impact. She leads data science and engineering teams with a solution-first approach, designing practical AI and NLP systems that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and support better decision-making. Rachel is also the author of the book "Teaching Computers to Read".

Albert John

Management Consultant, AI Nordic Portfolio, Capgemini Invent

Albert is a management consultant at Capgemini Invent with an academic background in international business and management. He sits on the global Applied Innovation Exchange, where he orchestrates and supports Capgemini Group’s global innovation services, helping organisations translate emerging ideas into practical, impactful solutions.

Charlie Symonds

CEO, Alirity

With over a decade of experience advising regulated enterprises and delivering complex change, Charlie is passionate about making AI transformation accessible, responsible and effective. As CEO of Alirity, he helps organisations harness AI responsibly, transforming with confidence, clarity, and control.

Jesus Checa

Strategy and Innovation Director, Bacardi

Jesus has 20 years of global experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and SAP ERP rollouts across the Consumer Goods, manufacturing, and utilities sectors. He is an experienced leader skilled in scaling high-performance teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like GenAI to generate more than $10M in new value streams.

Nadine Soyez

GAI Expert & Advisor

Nadine helps organisations turn AI ambition into tangible business results by bridging the gap between strategy, technology, and adoption. With over 15 years’ experience in digital transformation, she brings a practical, outcomes-focused approach to AI implementation and is recognised as one of LinkedIn’s Top 12 AI in Work Voices to Follow in Europe.

Patrick Gilroy

Head of AI and Education, TÜV Association

Patrick is a Berlin-based researcher and Head of AI and Education. A self-described curious generalist and AI enthusiast, he combines social science, storytelling and design expertise to drive innovation in education and technology.

Alper Serçe

Deputy General Manager Operations (NG, HEPP, WPP, SPP) & New Technologies, Enerjisa Üretim

Alper is the Assistant General Manager for Operations and New Technologies at Enerjisa Üretim, where he drives the adoption of digital twins and remote operations in power plant management. With extensive experience in energy operations, he focuses on turning real-time data into actionable insights that improve performance and reliability.

Chris Eastham

Partner, Fieldfisher

Chris is a recognised legal leader with over a decade of experience structuring and negotiating complex, strategic commercial contracts, particularly for business-critical systems and regulated environments. He is passionate about advising organisations at the forefront of innovation, leading the firm’s cross-practice emerging technologies group and being independently recognised by Chambers & Partners as a Global Market Leader in Artificial Intelligence.

Melissa Bramwell

GenAI Lead for HR Transformation, Deloitte

Melissa is a Director at Deloitte with over 17 years’ experience partnering with Consumer and TMT clients, specialising in large-scale HR transformation and the future of work. A former HR Business Partner at Meta and Fellow of the CIPD, she holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Organisational Psychology. She is part of Deloitte’s HC GenAI team, focusing on GenAI in HR, and previously led Deloitte’s UK Future of Work team and co-authored Deloitte’s European Human Capital Trends Report.

Davinder Kang

GenAI Workforce Transformation Director, Deloitte

Davinder leads data-driven, insight-led workforce transformations, redesigning work, teams, and skills to enhance performance and employee experience. As a key member of Deloitte’s UK Office of GenAI, she drives large-scale GenAI programmes, leveraging AI to transform HR functions, embed sustainable skills development, and apply robust people and change frameworks to enable organisation-wide adoption.

Chloe Chia

Human-Centred AI Design Strategist, Deloitte

Chloe is a Senior Manager in Strategy & Business Design at Deloitte and part of the firm’s Innovation and Ventures team. A creative-turned-consultant, she champions human-centred and inclusive design in the application of disruptive technologies such as AI, helping clients build businesses that are desirable, viable and feasible.

George Johnston

GenAI Market Activation Partner, Deloitte

George is a Partner at Deloitte with over 20 years’ experience leading complex, enterprise-wide transformation programmes for telecommunications and media clients across EMEA and South America. He specialises in the scoping, design, implementation, and business change of information and analytics-led solutions, spanning enterprise data and BI, CRM, BSS/OSS, network rollouts, workforce management, EPM, and content and campaign platforms.

Inna Bondarenko

GenAI Transformation Lead, Deloitte

Inna is leading Deloitte’s own AI Transformation programme through hands-on implementation of strategic AI priorities, overseeing AI projects from initial concept through deployment and adoption.

Leadership coaches

Qualified, experienced coaches work one-to-one with you to:

  • set goals and a skills/impact baseline,
  • translate coursework into a role-specific roadmap,
  • prepare stakeholder narratives,
  • track implementation in the post-programme follow-ups.

Assessment & academic quality

  • Assessment:

    4 projects (one per course) — no exams

  • Pass mark:

    50% per project; retake available if required

  • Feedback:

    Detailed, with clear improvement guidance

  • Moderation:

    Assignment marks moderated by LSE Head Facilitator for consistency and rigour

What you'll graduate with

Four board-ready artefacts you can use with stakeholders:

  • Board advisory memo (value map, challenge analysis, data readiness, roadmap and ethics/governance guardrails)
  • Investment-grade business case (cost/benefit, governance and risk)
  • AI change-management strategy (stakeholders, comms, resistance playbook)
  • Executive AI playbook (leadership/team workflows, human-in-the-loop, privacy notes)

Your support system – from week one to twelve months after

Comprehensive support throughout your learning journey and beyond

1:1 Leadership coaching

12-month journey

During programme (6 sessions)

Goal-setting • Leadership positioning • Stakeholder preparation

Post-programme (6 follow-ups)

Implementation support • Career progression • Leadership milestones

Peer learning network

Small groups

From Week 1

Feedback • Accountability • Momentum

Sync sessions Async support Peer feedback

Experience cross-industry debate, diverse use-cases and a network you'll keep long after programme completion. When a CFO and a Director of Data Lineage tackle the same business case from different vantage points, the learning in the room is something no case study can replicate.

Weekly learning framework

Complete module

Attend live class

Drop-in Q&A

Peer discussion

Expert learning team

Industry facilitators & success managers

Weekly Q&As with a Course Facilitator, and dedicated support from your Student Success Manager who will keep you on track and accountable.

Flexible scheduling

Live sessions + recordings

Weekly live classes and drop-ins; all sessions recorded for flexibility.

Who you'll study with

Recent cohorts include:

SVP Engineering (SaaS)

CFO (Start-ups)

Strategy Manager (Consulting)

Senior Product Manager (Payments)

CDO (Digital)

Head of Communications (Public Sector)

Director of Data Lineage (GSIB)

Principal Advisor (Behavioural Insights)

Not sure if this programme is right for you?

This 90-second self-assessment helps us, and you, understand how well this programme aligns with your goals.

Admissions criteria

To ensure a high-quality, senior-level cohort, applicants must:

Hold an undergraduate degree (any field) or equivalent qualification

Have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience

Be proficient in English (professional working proficiency)

Be motivated to actively engage with peer learning and apply insights directly in organisational contexts

Be committed to leading measurable strategic AI initiatives that deliver clear business value

Be over the age of 18 years

Alternative pathways available

If you don't meet the formal degree requirement but have substantial leadership experience, we offer alternative assessment pathways. Contact our admissions team to discuss your background.

Past cohorts have sold out early. Apply soon to reserve your place.

Programme fee & plans

Choose the payment plan that works best for you

Full programme fee

£7,995

(incl. VAT)

Six months of intensive learning + 12 months of leadership coaching

6-Month plan

10% deposit

£799.50

upfront

£1,199.25

/month × 6

No interest or added fees

6-Month plan

30% deposit

Save £300 with a higher upfront deposit

£2,398.50

upfront

£882.75

/month × 6

Extended plan

via StepEx

£299.81

/month × 24

10% deposit required

UK/EU residents only

Tip: Get your application in to reserve your place while you still decide. No payment required to apply.

How to apply

Join our next intake in three simple steps

1

Speak to an Enrolment Advisor

15 minutes

Clarify goals, fit and timelines in a brief conversation with an advisor.

2

Start your online application

  • Submit CV/LinkedIn
  • Academic docs (if available)
  • Proof of identity
3

Review & decision

Our admissions team will review your application and provide a decision within 48 hours.

About this programme (LSE × FourthRev)

The LSE AI Leadership Accelerator is delivered in collaboration between The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and FourthRev.

Curriculum design & academic oversight — LSE

Faculty from the LSE Department of Management and the LSE Data Science Institute set learning outcomes and assessment standards, ensure academic rigour and relevance, and moderate project marks for consistency. Successful participants receive an LSE certificate.

Programme delivery & learner support — FourthRev

FourthRev provides the high-touch learner experience: weekly live sessions and drop-ins, platform and operations, small peer discussion groups, success manager support, leadership coaching (12 months), practitioner engagement, and scheduling of Masterclasses and industry panels.

Why this matters

You get the best of both: university-led academic quality and practical, real-world delivery designed for busy leaders, so your outcomes stand up to scrutiny.

Contributor involvement (guest videos, curriculum input, or masterclasses) varies by cohort. Company mentions do not imply endorsement.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a degree?

No. You earn an LSE AI Leadership Certificate (non-degree, non-credit) on successful completion.

How technical is it?

It's non-technical. You'll learn to evaluate, govern and lead AI delivery – no coding required.

Do I need my own project?

For most courses, you can apply learning to your own organisation or one you're familiar with – confidentiality guidance is provided. Course 1 uses a fictional case organisation.

Do I have to attend live?

Live sessions are strongly recommended; recordings are provided for flexibility.

How big is the cohort?

Limited-seat executive cohort to preserve a high-touch experience.

I don't have a degree — can I apply?

Yes. We consider equivalent professional experience; your advisor will guide you.