There is a significant difference in the levels of healthcare available to people living in different countries and communities across the world. This level of disparity can be attributed to the varying degrees of investment, research facilities, education levels and many other factors. Faced with such varying circumstances it is important for managers to be able to think strategically, considering the different circumstances and implement changes that benefit their patients.

On our MSc International Healthcare Management degree, you will investigate the issues being faced by managers. You will learn how to make decisions aimed at tackling common healthcare challenges as well as those specific to your community and patients. The syllabus has been designed to develop your strategic thinking and managerial skills, helping you to progress your career to the next level.

This blog will give you a better understanding of the course and the different study options that are available to you.

 

What will I study first?

The course has been designed to introduce you to concepts in financial management, leadership strategies and research methods. In your first module, you will develop an understanding of the principles and concepts within health economics. During this course, you will learn about the importance of health economics within decision making especially in allocating scarce resources to maximise population health benefits. You will also learn how to use health economics to inform public policies and planning for effective and efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Your next module provides you with a grounding in management accounting and management control principles, investment appraisal and financial control principles. The key aim of this module is to develop your critical understanding of short- and long-term decision-making standards. You will critically analyse the role of budgeting, management control and conflicting implications of budgeting decisions.

 

What experience do I need to study this course?

We offer programmes in healthcare and management at both undergraduate level (through our BSc (Hons) Healthcare Management) and at postgraduate level. Where you start your educational journey is dependent on your level of academic prowess and years of work experience. It’s possible to study our healthcare management programme, beginning with our CertHE and progressing all the way through to our postgraduate Masters degree.

We have two different entry routes for our MSc. For our academic entry route, you need an UK undergraduate degree with honours, or equivalent, although it doesn’t need to be in a health-related subject. And for our work experience entry route, you need at least 3 years’ experience in a relevant field, such as hospital management or private practice.

By embarking upon this journey, you are given the chance to delve into the worldwide management of this complex and vital field. The courses will build on your existing experience whilst enhancing your knowledge of the challenges faced by the industry and how to build successful management and leadership approaches within it.

 

Can I tailor my studies?

To help you succeed along your desired career path you can tailor your studies selecting from three optional modules alongside the compulsory course content. Whether your interests lie in developing a deeper understanding of Social Marketing, Healthcare Improvement or Social, Political and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, these are all possible routes on which you can embark.

You also have the opportunity to create a piece of focused independent research into a global healthcare management issue of personal interest to you. During your dissertation, you will explore your specific chosen topic and apply new knowledge, developed during your course, to help make a difference in this area.

 

Do I have the option to shorten the length of my course?

The MSc International Healthcare Management degree has an indicative duration of two years; however the actual duration of study may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, the study options you choose and the module availability. You can complete the course at a faster rate by doubling up on modules (dependent on availability), although minimum study durations do still apply.

We also offer this programme at a PG Cert and PG Dip level, which have respective indicative study durations of eight and sixteen months. Both qualifications are highly respected helping people to progress their career in healthcare management. Many of our students also use these awards as a stepping stone towards earning a full Masters degree building upon the knowledge from their studies in order to get a deeper understanding of healthcare management.

 

What is it like being an online student?

We take great pride in the innovative way in which our courses are delivered through our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This gives you complete flexibility to complete your studies at a time and place that is convenient for you. Many of our students continue to work while they study with us, supporting their families and picking up a new qualification at the same time.

All course content, study materials and assessment submissions are available and completed through the same online platform. This removes the need to visit an actual library or purchase additional textbooks as these are all available through our extensive eLibrary.

We restrict class sizes to a maximum of twenty students which makes it easier to get to know your different classmates. Our students come from a range of backgrounds, countries and cultures and we encourage you to interact with one another sharing different ideas and concepts on course matter. By restricting class sizes, it also makes it easy for you to receive regular tailored feedback from your course tutor, so you know how you are performing.

 

Why choose to study at the University of Essex Online?

Your educational future is in safe hands when you study at the University of Essex Online. We achieved excellence for teaching, learning and academic support in the 2023 National Student Survey. We are also one of the most international higher education institutions in the UK, with students from over 170 different countries worldwide. This means you have the opportunity to learn not just from your tutors but also your classmates who come from a diverse range of countries and cultures.

 

Where can this course lead?

If you’re looking to pursue a career in hospital or healthcare management, then this course would offer the perfect route to make this possible. The theory you learn about, combined with the practical skills developed are both applicable to a variety of public and private organisations around the world.

Alternatively, this degree could offer the perfect transition pathway towards a related health management field which could include public and community health management, medical sales or third sector organisations.

 

How do I find out more information and apply?

If you’re ready to study healthcare management you can apply now, or download a prospectus to find out more.