Healthcare Leadership MSc | PGDip | PGCert | PGAward – Online Course
Advance your healthcare management career by equipping yourself with the key tools to drive innovation within healthcare across the world.
What is healthcare leadership?
Within the medical and healthcare fields, a wide range of disciplines all come together to form a cohesive service that all works together to cure, research and treat diseases, as well as educating the public and improving healthcare provision on a national scale.
To ensure the smooth collaboration between all of these disciplines, health leaders manage parts of, or even entire medical organisations, facilitating better cohesion and making sure that patients are getting the best possible healthcare service.
Healthcare leadership jobs are some of the most important in the sector, and embarking on a healthcare leadership course, including those taught through distance learning, grants students the essential skills they need to become the medical leaders of tomorrow.
This master’s degree is a unique interdisciplinary programme jointly delivered by the University of Liverpool’s AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accredited Management School and the School of Medicine – one of the largest medical education providers in the UK. The programme aims to advance your leadership skills, knowledge and behaviour – understanding the interface between these is key to your success as a healthcare professional seeking to contribute to the improvement of patient care and healthcare systems.
You will develop the ability to make effective decisions using a pragmatic and evidence-based approach and lead proactively, reflectively and with confidence. You will also learn how to lead at individual, team, organisational and national levels; and establish robust, appropriate, and innovative leadership practices within the healthcare environment, from a small practice to larger clinical environments.
Through online discussion, you will have collaborative learning opportunities to apply leadership theory to healthcare settings and critically analyse and discuss case studies with your fellow students. Due to the global reach of this programme, you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from international peers, in private and public sector healthcare settings across the world.
Upon completion of your studies, you will be equipped to provide impactful outcomes for your organisation by offering innovative and high-quality solutions to key contemporary issues within changing healthcare contexts.
Download a prospectus for more details on this programme.
What will I study?
This programme consists of the following modules. You are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Master of Science (MSc), 120 credits to achieve the postgraduate diploma (PGDip), 60 credits to achieve the postgraduate certificate (PGCert) and 30 credits to achieve the postgraduate award (PGAward).
| Modules | MSc | PGDip | PGCert | PGAward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Leadership (15 credits)‡ | x | x | x | x |
| Leading Strategic Management and Implementation of Healthcare Services (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Leading Complex Change in Healthcare Settings (15 credits)‡ | x | x | x | x |
| Leading People and Teams in Healthcare Organisations (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Leading Innovation in Healthcare (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Quality Management and Safety in Driving Safe Healthcare (15 credits)§ | x | x | x | |
| Healthcare Finance (15 credits)§ | x | x | x | |
| Research Methods (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Work-Based Project OR Dissertation (60 credits) | x |
‡ These modules must be taken for the PGCert and PGAward. § These modules must be taken for the PGCert.
For more information on the modules, including syllabus and learning outcomes, please download our programme booklet.
All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you want to discuss your previous qualifications and experience before applying, please contact us now via LiveChat.
Applicants should possess either:
- A minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject area, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or
- Professional work experience in other settings and/or other prior qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5.
If you don’t have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our 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.
Fees for the academic year 2024/25
MSc: £16,868
PGDip: £11,246
PGCert: £5,623
PGAward: £2,811
These fees* are fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits.
Executive Scholarship
An Executive Scholarship of 15%** is available for our January 2025 intake. Contact our admissions team for more information.
Other scholarships and discounts
You may also be able to benefit from the following scholarships and discounts:
- Regional Scholarships of up to 20%. To find out the scholarship offered in your region, please make an enquiry now.
- 10% UK Scholarship for students residing in the United Kingdom is available for our intakes in the 2024/25 academic year for all full master’s awards.
- 10% discount for University of Liverpool alumni
- 5% discount for up-front full tuition fee payment
Further support
We aim to make it as easy as possible for you to cover the costs of your studies. You could benefit from:
- Simple monthly payment plan provided to spread the cost over the duration of study
- Students living in England may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover some of the programme cost.
Please speak to our admissions team for more details of fees, scholarships, discounts and support.
*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.
**Please note that the Executive Scholarship can only be used with the Up-Front Payment Discount.
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.
Teaching methods
Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes:
- innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content
- a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals
- forums for you to discuss programme content with peers
- support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team
Assessments
Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting.
We are committed to:
- providing frequent and transparent feedback
- ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear
- making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform
- delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules
- ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours
- providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues
Online learning experience
We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform.
Typically, your learning experience will include the following:
- directed learning – including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours
- self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding
- assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment
On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per module, per week.
Study duration
Our master’s award has an approximate study duration of 30 months, studied online and part-time. Our PG Diploma award has an approximate duration of 20 months, our PG Certificate has an approximate duration of 10 months, and our PG Award has an approximate duration of five months.
Please note, that the actual study duration may be longer depending on study options chosen, speed of study, and module availability.
Students pursue the programme in a linear fashion, which is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules, and a three-week break for the Christmas period. You will receive an indicative module timetable during the enrolment process.
On successful completion of your degree, and payment of any outstanding tuition fees, you will receive an invite to attend an in-person graduation ceremony in the vibrant city of Liverpool
Academic staff
We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.
They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.
All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool.
Quality and assurance
As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards.
The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.
Apply for this course by completing a simple online form.
In order to apply, you will need to provide copies of the following supporting documentation:
- School or college transcripts/certificates
- University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
- Degree certificates
- Evidence of English language proficiency (EU and international applications only)
- Personal statement
- An up-to-date CV
Acknowledgement of your application
The admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application and will pass it to the Department Head and/or appropriate academic department(s) for consideration.
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform the University so that you receive appropriate support.
Deadlines
We have regular start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if they have special requirements.
Graduates will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in a range of managerial and senior roles within healthcare organisations, healthcare governing bodies, and community healthcare organisations, as well as related sectors such as financial and consulting. These could include positions in clinical leadership, marketing, finance, strategy, international development, research, and human resources.
Additionally, you will gain the leadership skills required to be an effective leader, as well as professional skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking and research, which will generally enhance your CV and improve your career prospects.
Our Healthcare Leadership programme is jointly delivered by our triple-accredited Management School and the School of Medicine which is one of the largest medical education providers in the UK. The Management School was established in 1881 and is among an elite group of business schools to be triple-accredited with AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS status. The School of Medicine was established in 1834 and been at the forefront of medical practice and research for over 180 years. Together, we provide postgraduate programmes that support your career development and equip you with the confidence, knowledge and skills that are essential for success within the 21st-century healthcare environment.
The Management School is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year of special events to mark two decades of transformation from a newly established school in 2002, to a triple accredited internationally recognised research powerhouse. Learn more about the 20th anniversary celebrations and the history of the school.
By studying online with Liverpool, you can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university and a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.
The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.
Study Online with the University of Liverpool
Olanrewaju Adeboye – Healthcare Leadership MSc Student
Why did you choose to study your programme?
After l graduated from medical school and l was employed by the Government, l had to enrol for a master’s in public administration to perform my duties well. After that, l proceeded to study for a master’s in public health. However, l still felt the need to explore healthcare leadership further, and after searching seriously l found the perfect institution for the programme.
What has your experience of the programme been like?
l have learnt a lot since l enrolled on the programme. The modules are detailed and impactful. Most of the lessons are applicable to the healthcare industry. The programme has also improved my communication and technology skills among other benefits.
Read Olanrewaju’s full testimonial
Manish Madnani – Healthcare Leadership MSc Student
Tell us a little about yourself
I am a native of India and work as a gastrointestinal surgeon in Bahrain. I am passionate about learning new things. My favourite escapes from routine life are strolling around the sea and reading. I cook, write, and love to spend time with my family.
Why did you choose to study your programme?
As a clinician in private healthcare, it is not enough to just work as a doctor. I mean, apart from clinical and surgical skills, many other soft skills are needed to grow. Initially, I thought about studying management, but leadership was one step ahead of management. Then I thought, why not learn what might help me become a better person as a whole, not just a chap who carries out transactions?
