The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: PG Cert Indicative duration: 8 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Delve into the fascinating world of global healthcare and take your first steps towards leadership, with our online Postgraduate Certificate in International Healthcare Management.

The thought-provoking course will provide you with an understanding of leadership and management theory, challenges and practices in relation to healthcare.

You’ll learn the principles and practices of effective modern management as well as developing an awareness of the healthcare environment on a global scale. You’ll also gain skills which will enhance your CV and that can be used directly in your current position, or to enhance your career further.
Throughout this course, you’ll explore a broad range of topics including:

  • the key issues and challenges facing senior management in today’s healthcare environments and the benefits of strategic management
  • practical leadership skills underpinned by a critical appreciation of leadership theory
  • the concept of evidence-based management practice in healthcare environments

Upon completion of your PG Cert International Healthcare Management we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to study for a PG Dip International Healthcare Management (120 credits) or our full MSc International Healthcare Management (180 credits).

Why we’re great

  • Our courses are taught by subject experts and industry leaders, so you can be confident that you are learning from professionals who are well versed in their field.
  • We cap our class sizes to 20 students to ensure you receive the support you need.
  • You’ll be assessed through a combination of written coursework and assignments.

The PG Cert International Healthcare Management is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 60 credits.

Find out how to maintain strategic momentum at a decision-making level with this in-depth module. Strategic management is considered an essential function in the global healthcare landscape – and throughout this module, you’ll study topics and apply theories learned across a range of private and public sector contexts and organisations.  

How do effective management and leadership skills drive healthcare organisations towards their objectives? In this innovative module, you’ll look at the theory behind leadership and ways to successfully judge performance using diagnostic tools. Then upon completion, you'll create your own personal development objectives based on assessments.  

Have you considered the principles and practices surrounding management and organisational behaviour in healthcare environments? This exciting module also introduces you to ethics and sustainability issues influencing managerial decisions – and upon completion, you’ll be able to connect your management thinking to wider themes within social science.  

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will 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 course 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 the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

 

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

  • Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
  • You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
  • You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
  • There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
  • You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

 

Study duration

Our PG Cert International Healthcare Management has an indicative study duration of 8 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

On successful completion of your course, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.

Studying this course could lead to a career in hospital or healthcare management in a variety of public and private organisations around the world.

You may also consider careers in related fields such as public and community health management; medical sales or third sector organisations; outpatient care and public health; support service executives and many more roles in business and health.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our PG Cert International Healthcare Management, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Cert International Healthcare Management, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least 3 years’ experience in a relevant field, supported by appropriate references.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English 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 are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:  

£4,056 UK / £4,143 International (2023-24) Δ 

  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

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 modules on our PG Cert International Healthcare Management are experts in the field of Healthcare.

What our students say

testimonials

Obinna Orjingene - Master of Public Health (MPH)

I was part of a medical team that supported Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in North-East Nigeria. I was working in the emergency room and intensive care unit providing critical care to paediatric emergencies. In particular, I was looking after children who had fled armed conflict and were living in slum dwellings either with their parents or guardians. It was here that I was convinced Public Health was the way to go to progress my career.

Nine months of hard work later I was treating over 45,000 people.

I had a mandate to provide emergency primary health care as part of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) working in one of the newly liberated areas formally occupied by Boko Haram. As scary as this task was, failure was not an option for me. I was the only medical doctor deployed to the town of Banki. I had to establish a functional healthcare...

Read more

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