The Master of Leadership programme develops leaders who think strategically, act ethically, and inspire lasting impact. Combining academic depth with real-world relevance, the programme equips professionals to navigate complex environments and lead with purpose across business, ministry, and social sectors. Grounded in global best practice and a faith-centred perspective, it empowers you to influence with integrity and create meaningful change in your organisation and community.

The Master of Leadership is the ideal opportunity for individuals and organisations seeking to develop strong, values-based leaders who bring lasting transformation to their fields.

Global Accreditation, Local Support

This is an internationally accredited Australian qualification (AQF Level 9), offered by Alphacrucis University College (AUCU) in Australia and fully supported locally by the City Changers Institute (CCI) in South Africa.

• World-Class Qualification: Earn a Master's degree accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and regulated by TEQSA, focusing on equipping transformational leaders in business, ministry, and education.
• Purpose-Driven Focus: Grow your influence and global perspective through an authentic, purpose-driven leadership curriculum grounded in a Christian worldview with real marketplace relevance.
• Flexible Online Delivery: Integrate world-class learning into your daily life with our 100% online mode of study.
• Local Mentorship: Benefit from dedicated local mentorship, leadership coaching, and administrative support provided by the City Changers Institute's Adjunct Faculty, ensuring a connected community and personalised growth journey.

Study with confidence knowing that your learning journey is both global and personal. CCI provides on-the-ground mentoring, support, and access to the City Changers leadership and alumni network, including the Lifework Leadership programme.

The Master of Leadership offers an integrated learning journey that equips students with a firm theoretical grounding and practical leadership capability. Through the subjects offered, students explore foundational leadership principles, personal purpose, organisational dynamics, strategic thinking, and the development of emerging leaders across diverse context.

Subjects that stimulate creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial stewardship strengthen students’ ability to lead effectively in complex environments. The program culminates in a substantial research project, allowing students to apply advanced theory and research methods to a real-world leadership challenge.

Together, these elements form a holistic curriculum that prepares graduates to lead with clarity, integrity, and confidence across a variety of sectors.

Dr Marcel Hattingh is a visionary entrepreneur, human and organisational capital strategist, and Managing Partner of CCI Professional, where he leads a team of executive consultants dedicated to empowering leaders to grow exponential organisations. With more than two decades of executive-level experience, including governance roles, board directorships, and leadership within multinational, faith-aligned ecosystems, he integrates practical leadership mastery with advanced strategic insight.

He holds a research-based PhD in Organizational Leadership from Regent University (USA) and has pioneered several original thought-leadership frameworks, including the Organisational Dynasty, the Mission Alignment Process, and the Propensity Toward Success (P2S) performance model. Marcel and his wife have served as ordained ministers since 2006.

After a decade in the higher education environment, Marcel now focuses primarily on Master's-level students, bringing a distinctive blend of academic depth, executive practice, and values-driven leadership philosophy to his students. When not working, he invests deeply in his family, finds renewal on mountain trails, and draws inspiration from fellow Kingdom-focused leaders.

Dr Karma Palmer is an education leader with over two decades of international experience across South Africa, the UK, the USA, and Singapore. She holds a Doctor of Strategic Leadership and a Master’s in Organisational Leadership (both Summa Cum Laude from Regent University in the USA), complemented by qualifications in mathematics education, physiology, and biochemistry. Her expertise spans strategic foresight, organisational development, leadership theory, and curriculum innovation.

As CEO of Education at Oaktree Education, she strengthens high-impact NPOs and drives social upliftment through evidence-based program evaluation and strategic partnerships. As Managing Owner of Seriously Addictive Mathematics South Africa, she has scaled a hybrid commercial–social franchise that expands access to quality numeracy education in diverse communities.

Faith-driven and purpose-focused, Karma integrates academic insight with a commitment to empowering leaders, building resilience, and fostering transformation in organisations and society. Outside work, she enjoys time in nature with family and draws inspiration from ancient and modern wisdom.

Karen Cerff, PhD. Organisational Leadership (Regent University, USA); Post-doctoral qualification in Executive Coaching & Consulting (Regent University); MEd. Leadership (Cum Laude) (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa); Master Coach Trainer, Leadership and Life Coach (LifeForming Leadership Coaching International).

Karen is co-vocational as COO of Transformational Leadership Institute integrating coaching, consulting and training in her interaction globally with organisational leaders and community development leaders, while serving in an academic capacity in teaching roles and research. Karen is a seasoned Board member. Karen’s work in the marketplace includes facilitation as a leader of executive think tank groups, strategic forums, and coaching business executives in groups and individually.

Karen’s research interests include transformational and servant leadership, organisational and leadership development, organisational communication, hope theory, and cross-cultural leadership dimensions. Karen’s pursuit of the unknown continuously fuels her empirical research. Karen is a chapter contributor of four Palgrave Macmillan academic books, has published articles in journals, speaks at conferences and enjoys motivational speaking. Karen finds fulfilment in combining academic research and practical consulting, and in serving clients through unique research projects that will add value and innovation to their marketplace business.

Karen and her husband, Mike, serve as elders in their local church. Karen and her family deeply value their relationships and leisure time spent together, often enjoying nature trails and water sport activities together.

Sheldon Moulton, PhD. Organisational Leadership (Regent University, USA); Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Leadership (Regent University); Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership (PALAMA/VUT); B.Com Hons. Economics (UNISA); B.A. Hons. English Literature (University of Natal).

Sheldon is a multidisciplinary scholar with a unique academic background spanning the Arts, Commerce, Administration, and Economics. His experience includes serving as a faculty member for the Regent University Masters in Organisational Leadership Programme (USA). His academic excellence and commitment to the field were formally recognised when he was named in the "Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges". Sheldon combines a rigorous grasp of economics and administration with the humanities, allowing for a holistic approach to leadership challenges.

Sheldon’s research interests are centred on the nuances of leadership within the South African landscape. His doctoral research, titled “Taking the GLOBE Study Further,” provided a critical examination of racial and ethnic influences on conceptions of prototypical leadership in the South African context. He possesses a deep interest in cross-cultural communication and is a linguist at heart; he is fluent in English and Afrikaans, possesses a working knowledge of French and Italian, and has studied Russian.

Sheldon and his wife, Anna-Marie, have been married since 1990. They value their long-standing partnership and life together.

To apply for the Master of Leadership programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Entry
   • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (Level 7 or 8).
   • Minimum GPA as per Alphacrucis policy.
2. Professional Entry (Recognition of Prior Learning - RPL)
   • Minimum of three years’ leadership or managerial experience.
   • Submission of an RPL portfolio or interview where applicable.
3. Language Requirement
   • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) is required.
   • Exemptions apply for South African university graduates.

Ready to step into a journey of transformation? Fill out the Declaration of Interest form on this website. Once the CCI office has been in contact with you, you can go to the Official Alphacrucis Application website and follow the steps below:

1. Follow all steps as per the Alphacrucis official application portal.
2. Upload required documentation:
   • Certified academic transcripts
   • Proof of identity (passport or ID)
   • CV/Résumé
   • Motivation letter
   • References (if requested)
3. Your application will be reviewed by the Alphacrucis Admissions Office.
4. Receive your Offer of Admission & enrolment confirmation.