The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Learn how to lead a healthcare organisation to success with this thought-provoking online professional course. 

You’ll explore a wide range of leadership theories to help you develop your own style. You’ll also consider how the nature of your organisation has an impact on behaviour and how critical incidents can affect leadership performance.  

The module covers a wide scope of topics, including:  

  • alternative leadership theories   
  • organisational culture and leadership   
  • how to manage people and build successful working relationships   
  • assessment and diagnostic tools  

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you have the opportunity to study one of our popular postgraduate health courses – including a PG Cert, PG Dip or full Masters degree. 

This course is accredited by The CPD Certification Service, which provides independent CPD accreditation used to formally record CPD learning. Recognised in over 100 countries, the accreditation is compatible with international requirements and confirms our courses achieve qualitative standards required by professional bodies, institutional associations and education providers.

Why we’re great

  • Develop your self-direction and autonomy in learning.  
  • Explore the role of leadership specifically in healthcare settings.  
  • Study 100% online, part-time, with no need for a career break.  
  • Receive your online professional courses certificate from the University of Essex, a top 40 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).  
  • All our modules are taught by industry leaders and subject experts with a wealth of experience.  

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

  • what is leadership? 
  • power, influence and negotiation 
  • leadership approaches  
  • organisation and leadership 
  • leadership and emotional intelligence 
  • healthcare leadership and example cases 
  • culture, gender and leadership 
  • leading a team 
  • people management 
  • leadership instruments and assessment tests  
  • ethics and leadership 
  • reflection techniques 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café. 

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including: 

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students 
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals 
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students. 

 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start 
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform 
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Study duration 

Our Healthcare Leadership in Practice online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Healthcare Leadership in Practice online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into a healthcare role – helping you stand out amongst the competition.  

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional health online professional courses, such as Epidemiology or Topics in Public Health. Alternatively, you could progress on to one of the following postgraduate qualifications:  

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme.  

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Please note, our online professional courses have a limited number of places available. We’ll always endeavour to get you started on your preferred date, but if this isn’t possible our Admissions team will be in touch to discuss alternative arrangements.

Full tuition fee:
£1,386 (2023-24)
Δ 
£1,386 UK / £1,455 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Our courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.   
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. 

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach on our Healthcare Leadership in Practice course are experts in the health field.

What our students say

Obinna Orjingene -Master of Public Health (MPH)

I’ve used the modules I’m studying in my real-life work experiences, which is amazing!

I was working in the emergency room and intensive care unit, providing critical care for paediatric emergencies and looking after children who'd fled armed conflict and were living in slum dwellings with their parents or guardians. It was here I decided a Master of Public Health was the way to go to progress my career.  I’m currently working as a child survival and development consultant. I chose to study public health because the course is beneficial to my current career aspirations. With this course, I’ll gain a broader perception of health. It will allow me to address the primary...

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