University of Warwick

What you'll study

This programme blends core operations management theory with healthcare-specific applications. Teaching covers process improvement and Lean/Six Sigma methods, capacity planning and demand management, healthcare supply chain and logistics, digital health and informatics, applied data analytics and simulation modelling, and quality, safety and governance in clinical settings.

Typical module topics include:

• Operations and Service Management: principles of operations strategy, process design and performance measurement.
• Healthcare Systems and Policy: structures of health and social care, commissioning and regulatory context.
• Process Improvement for Healthcare: Lean methodologies, Six Sigma tools and change management.
• Health Analytics and Simulation: data analysis, forecasting, discrete-event simulation and optimisation for patient flow.
• Supply Chain and Procurement in Health: inventory control, sourcing and value-based procurement.
• Digital Health and Informatics: electronic records, interoperability, digital transformation and evaluation of health technology.
• Leadership, Strategy and Organisational Change: project management, stakeholder engagement and leading improvement initiatives.
• Research Methods and Applied Project/Dissertation: research design, mixed methods and an applied project undertaken with a clinical or industry partner to address a real operational challenge.

Learning is delivered through lectures, seminars, case studies, workshops, practical modelling labs and team-based projects. Assessment typically includes coursework, group projects, presentations, modelling exercises and a final independent applied project or dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours, 2:1) in any discipline. Candidates with a lower second-class degree and relevant professional experience in healthcare, management, engineering or a related field will also be considered.

We look for demonstrable numeracy and analytical ability; experience of quantitative analysis, project work or operations-related roles is beneficial. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language requirements (for example, an internationally recognised test equivalent to an overall IELTS score that meets postgraduate admission standards).

Selection is based on academic record, personal statement, references and where applicable, relevant work experience. Some applicants may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates move into operational and improvement roles across the health and care sector and related industries. Typical job titles include:

• Healthcare Operations Manager / Service Manager
• Improvement or Transformation Lead (NHS trusts, integrated care systems)
• Operational Analyst / Health Data Analyst
• Supply Chain / Procurement Manager for healthcare providers or suppliers
• Project Manager for digital health implementations
• Management consultant specialising in healthcare operations

Alumni work in NHS provider and commissioner organisations, private hospitals, medical technology and pharmaceutical companies, consultancy firms, and charities. The programme also provides a pathway into further academic research (PhD) in health services research, operations research or implementation science.

Why study at University of Warwick

WMG at the University of Warwick has a strong reputation for applied research and industry-facing education in operations and systems engineering. The Healthcare Operational Management MSc benefits from WMG’s interdisciplinary approach, combining management, engineering and digital expertise to address real-world problems in health and care.

Students gain access to industry and clinical partnerships, opportunities for applied projects with health providers and technology companies, and practical training in modelling and data tools. The University’s careers and enterprise services support internship and employment connections, while campus facilities and a research-active faculty create a learning environment focused on translating improvement theory into measurable impact across health systems.