University of Leicester

What you'll study

This MSc combines core management disciplines with subjects specific to health and care systems. Typical modules cover health service organisation and policy, health economics, strategic management, leadership and change in healthcare, quality improvement and patient safety, and health informatics. Research methods and applied statistics prepare you for the dissertation or an applied project, in which you will investigate a practical management problem in a health-care setting.

• Health Systems and Policy – structure, funding and regulation of health services; comparative perspectives.
• Health Economics – economic evaluation, resource allocation and costing in health care.
• Strategic and Operations Management – strategy development, service redesign and operational performance in clinical environments.
• Leadership, Governance and Change – leadership theory, governance, stakeholder management and implementing organisational change.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – methods for improving clinical quality, risk management and safety culture.
• Health Informatics and Data for Management – use of routine data, information systems and analytics for decision-making.
• Research Methods and Dissertation/Applied Project – research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, culminating in a substantial research project or workplace-based project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (typically a UK 2:1 or international equivalent) in a relevant subject such as healthcare, business, social science or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower second-class degree but with substantial relevant professional experience in health or social care management may also be considered. Clinical applicants should check employer support and registration requirements with their regulator if applicable.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Typical evidence is an academic IELTS score around 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a range of roles across the health-care sector. Common career pathways include operational or departmental management within hospitals and primary care, commissioning and service planning roles in health authorities and clinical commissioning organisations, service improvement and quality assurance posts, health-care consultancy, and roles with third-sector and private providers. The MSc also provides a foundation for those seeking senior leadership roles or further academic study such as a PhD.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester combines a long-standing commitment to health-related teaching and research with close working relationships with regional health organisations. Students benefit from teaching that integrates management theory with practical, workplace-focused projects and access to academics with expertise in health services research, health economics and quality improvement. The campus location and alumni network provide opportunities for placements, guest speakers from the NHS and health providers, and links to employers in the public and private health sectors.