The MSc in Leadership in Healthcare runs over one calendar year. Starting with an initial 12-week online module to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies, students then complete the professional project module which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional report.

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

This module is designed to help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to leadership research. It will prepare you for the professional project by looking at qualitative and quantitative approaches.

You will learn how to analyse and interpret research in leadership and management related in healthcare settings. What’s more, you will develop the skills to selectively adopt, analyse and apply research tools to answer research questions in healthcare leadership and service development.

Professional Project

This module will develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice. You will learn how to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice and develop skills in independent research and study.

The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise of a literature review and appraisal of the evidence; audit of practice including organisational or clinical; review and implementation of evidence-based practice; qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated); case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal; case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.

You will develop the skills to design and undertake a research/development project related to healthcare leadership and learn how to critically evaluate practice/health service delivery and suggest improvements for change.

Although you’ll be learning entirely online, you will be part of a group with 10 to 15 other students – to share ideas, debate scenarios and develop best practice with.

You’ll have the support of a dedicated team who will help you with any challenges you may face – from help with navigating our online learning platform to advice on what you need to do to pass the course and meet deadlines.

Once you have secured your place on the course, you will be invited to an Online Induction Day Webinar. This will give you the opportunity to participate in study skills workshops on Harvard Referencing, scientific and reflective writings, and levels of evidence in preparation for your studies.

It is not compulsory for you to attend our Induction Day, but it is recommended as it’ll provide you with a sturdy introduction to the course.

Students are expected in the first eight weeks to interact with their tutor on a weekly basis on the dedicated students/tutor discussion area or through any other means of communication deemed appropriate by both parties (telephone/SKYPE/email). Note of any verbal communication with the tutor is recorded in the student’s journal by the student.

Students are expected in the first 8 weeks to interact with their tutor on a weekly basis. Students select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (approximately 1,500 words).

Once the proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,500 words) itself is then completed through online guidance and supervision offered by the tutor. The student and tutor will interact regularly (weekly) on the dedicated students/tutor discussion area or through any other means of communication deemed appropriate by both parties (telephone/SKYPE/email). Note of any verbal communication with the tutor is recorded in the student’s journal by the student.