Input from advisory board members ensures the MSc CIL programme is moving in lockstep with a world shaped by fast-moving technological innovations pushing forward new demands. What the future of working needs are people who can do what algorithms cannot; bring human storytelling to the heart of strategy. “The role of storytelling is central to everything you see across the creative industries – from leadership narrative crafting to brand storytelling and embedding creative thinking into the programmes you run,” shares Rachel Murphy, head of enterprise events EMEA at Adobe. Storytelling is woven throughout the curriculum. Students will have a chance to work with a storyteller-in-residence to expand their creative comfort zones. Whether it be working with myths and fairy tales, honing pitching skills, curating a personal brand, or engaging in high-stakes negotiation, storytelling is the thread that connects the programme’s pillars of learning.
Dr Jennifer Lynch, associate professor (education) of creativity and innovation, heads this new programme, bringing a passion for intersecting academia and real-world leadership. Her background covers a PhD in the psychology of creativity, years of management consulting at McKinsey & Company and a decade spent designing leadership development programmes as a certified executive coach.
The programme is open to applications for the September 2026 intake, and is based in London’s modern business hub of Canary Wharf. For prospective students who need a visa, applications are open until 5pm BST on 26 June 2026; for those who don’t require a visa, applications are open until 28 August.
Students can apply for a range of scholarships towards the MSc CIL tuition fee of £35,400. These include The Director’s Academic Excellence Scholarship and the Pousaz Family Scholarship. In addition, 6 full scholarships are available for East London applicants through UCL’s East London Scholarship. This covers full tuition, plus a £17,096 living stipend. The scholarship deadline is 5pm BST on 25 June 2026.