University of Hull

What you'll study

This online MSc combines leadership theory with applied modules that address the practical challenges of managing health and care services. The programme is delivered through a mix of taught modules and a major independent project, allowing you to study part-time while remaining in employment.

• Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care – contemporary leadership models, personal leadership development, ethical decision-making and leading interprofessional teams.
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety – methodologies for improvement (eg. Plan-Do-Study-Act), measurement and evaluation, building a safety culture and implementing change at team and service level.
• Health Policy, Systems and Governance – organisation of health systems, commissioning, regulation, accountability and the interface between policy and local delivery.
• Financial and Workforce Management – resource allocation, budgeting principles, workforce planning and approaches to staff engagement and retention.
• Evidence-based Practice and Research Methods – quantitative and qualitative methods, critical appraisal and applying evidence to service redesign.
• Digital Health and Innovation – use of digital technologies, data-driven improvement and considerations around digital transformation in care pathways.
• Major Project / Dissertation – an applied or research project that addresses a real leadership or service challenge in your workplace, supervised by academic staff.

Teaching methods are tailored to online learners: recorded lectures, live webinars, case-based learning, peer discussion boards and workplace-based assignments that encourage immediate application of new skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have an honours degree at a 2:1 level or equivalent. Candidates with a lower second-class degree plus relevant professional experience, or substantial managerial experience in a health or social care setting, will also be considered. The programme welcomes applications from a wide range of professionals including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, managers, commissioners and others working in health-related sectors.

Where English is not the applicant’s first language, an appropriate English language qualification at the level specified by the University is required. Applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement outlining their leadership experience and development goals; employers’ references or a professional reference are usually requested for candidates without a recent academic record.

Career prospects

Graduates develop the skills to move into senior operational and strategic roles across health and care. Typical career destinations include service or department manager, clinical lead, programme or project manager for service transformation, commissioning and contract roles, workforce and quality leads, and leadership positions within integrated care systems or local authorities. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue professional development programmes, executive education or doctoral study in health services research and leadership.

Why study at University of Hull

• Flexible online delivery designed for professionals, enabling study around work commitments with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.
• Curriculum linked to real-world practice, emphasising applied projects and workplace-based assessments so learning can be immediately implemented in your organisation.
• Teaching and supervision from staff with health services research and leadership expertise, with strong links to local NHS and social care organisations and collaborative partnerships that support practice-focused learning.
• Dedicated student support including academic tutors, online learning resources and careers guidance to help you progress into senior roles.
• Opportunities to network with professionals across the health and care system through virtual seminars and cohort activities, building contacts for future collaboration and career development.