Programme aims
The programme aims to develop compassionate & inclusive senior leaders. It will equip senior leaders to tackle inequalities in health and social care services; become key decision-makers and nurture a culture of organisational learning.
The learner will be able to apply their skills and behaviours to a work setting and become central to setting and implementing change to address health inequalities, improve health and care services and embrace a collective responsibility for the sustainable use of resources.
- To prepare a leader to develop clear, inclusive and strategic leadership and direction relating to their area of work within an organisation (statutory, voluntary, private or charitable sector) located within an integrated health and care system.
- To enable Health and Social Care leaders to create the culture and tone across their area of responsibility.
- To enable leaders to act as an ambassador for their organisation with wide-ranging networks typically involving service users/clients, supply chains and statutory/regulatory bodies.
- To enable the leader to take responsibility to set direction, vision, governance and provide a clear sense of purpose for their area of responsibility.
- To lead & promote sustainable business practices.
- To develop a leader who will support a culture of learning and integrated working.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Advanced understanding of key concepts related to strategy and leadership
A2: Comprehensive knowledge of ethical principles, values-based leadership and social justice
A3: Advanced understanding of business modelling; diversity; global and horizon scanning perspective
A4: Comprehensive knowledge of financial governance, procurement management and stewardship
A5: Comprehensive knowledge of approaches to strategic workforce planning
A6: Advanced understanding of and ability to apply principles of wellbeing
A7: Advanced understanding of research design, research methods and data analysis related to health and care
Learning methods
The course will be inclusive by utilising a variety of learning and teaching methods. Students will be encouraged to engage in lectures, reading, writing, participative learning, presentations, case studies, group-work and self-directed learning.
A1-7 are covered in lectures and seminars, which introduce the material in a structured manner with opportunity for class discussion. Many of the teaching sessions adopt a problem-based learning approach and are supported by self-directed study through Moodle.
A1-6 are further supported by practical experience, portfolio development, practical workshops, action learning sets, guest speakers and the completion of an independent research project
Assessment methods
A1-7 are assessed by a range of assessment methods to increase inclusivity. These consist of Individual essays, group presentations (individual assessment), leadership portfolio, reflective leadership case study and literature review, including formative opportunities to prepare summative assignments.
A1-7 are also bought together through the 12000-word individual research project (dissertation), dependent upon topic
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Advanced understanding of systems thinking
B2: Comprehensive ability to create an environment for innovation and creativity
B3: Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
B4: Translate vision into operational strategies
B5: Engages key stakeholders at all levels
B6: Plan, design and undertake a significant research project
B7: Analyse, interpret, report and present research findings
Learning methods
B1-5 are covered in lectures introducing and examining key concepts, drawing on student experience from professional practice. Interdisciplinary group work to explore key concepts and practical application, including in PC labs will complement lectures and seminar work.
B1-5 will additionally supported by e-Learning (Moodle), Self-directed study and group/ individual tutorials.
B3, B6 & B7 will be covered in HS900, HS908 and HS982 to prepare for and undertake a significant research project
Assessment methods
B1-5 will be assessed by individual in-context case study, leadership portfolio, literature review, individual essay, group presentation (individually assessed). The use of a diverse range of assessment strategies is more inclusive to support a range of learning styles and also provides opportunities for relevant skills development in a range of communication techniques.
B1-5 may also be assessed through the 12000-word individual research project (dissertation), dependent upon topic chosen.
B3, B6 & B7 will be assessed in the Research Design and DAI modules and in the MSc dissertation
C: Practical skills
C1: Coaching and mentoring skills
C2: Engage in Critical Reflection
C3: Initiates and leads change
C4: Challenges strategies, responsibility, sustainability and risk management
C5: Create an inclusive culture
C6: Brand and reputation management
C7: Capacity to formulate an appropriate, feasible research question and design a programme to carry it out
Learning methods
Teaching for C1-6 will combine instructional methods such as lectures- live and pre-recorded to aid flipped-classroom learning - and seminars employing participatory techniques of role play and simulated practice scenarios and other interactive activities. The themes, analytical framework and reading material align with key University agendas linked to the decolonising the curriculum movement and the commitment to increasing inclusion, tackling racism and other structural forms of discrimination.
Specifically for C5 the optional HS856 Intersectional Health Inequalities course design is rooted in an intersectionality-informed EDI framework which will guide teaching & learning via a decolonised approach to curriculum design and classroom delivery.
C1 & C2 will also be supported by engagement in regular action learning sets to engage in reflective, peer-reviewed practice.
C7 will be covered in HS900, HS908 and HS982 to prepare for and undertake a significant research project
Assessment methods
C1-6 will be assessed by essay (including a formative plan) and group presentations (individually assessed), Individual in-context case study, leadership portfolio, and literature review. Formative opportunities are included to develop practical and professional skills prior to summative assessment.
C7 will be assessed in the research design and DAI modules and in the MSc dissertation
D: Key skills
D1: Effective communication skills to write clearly and effectively; Communicate effectively verbally in a group; Summarise and communicate complex findings to others; Communicate with professional and lay audiences appropriately
D2: Use of a range of IT software including use the Internet; word processing packages; spreadsheets and statistics packages; presentation packages; data analysis software and competencies based on the JISC digital capabilities framework
D3: Statistical and data analysis methods and interpretation of data, tables and graphs. Optionally business finance will be covered in HS676
D4: Choose the appropriate method of enquiry in order to address a range of practical and theoretical problems. This includes review and use of appropriate past literature, consulting appropriate experts, or designing an appropriate piece of research work
D5: Work effectively in a team with others to agree and work towards goals; Work successfully with other disciplines; Practice reflectively and facilitate this in others in an inclusive and socially just manner
D6: Learn from feedback and respond appropriately and effectively to supervision and guidance; Work pragmatically to meet deadlines; Critically evaluate own performance and to practice reflectively
D7: Have courage and curiosity to challenge and explore ambiguity and complexity and encourage this in others
Learning methods
D1, D2, D4, D5 are embedded throughout all modules and their assignments.
D3 is also covered in many places with particular focus in the core modules Research Design and Critical Appraisal and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, as well as the dissertation depending on topic and methods selected.
D6 is addressed in several core modules and is also promoted and practiced through regular action learning sets with peers.
D1-4, D7 In addition to the teaching methods highlighted previously students will undertake a significant independent research project in the HS982 Dissertation module, developing research, communication and key academic and professional skills. Workshops are held throughout the academic year which will help students to select a topic for their dissertation and provide guidance on writing up their research. Formative feedback will also be provided by the individual project supervisor.
Assessment methods
D1-7 (excluding D5) Formative project proposal and the final dissertation (12000-word max) in addition to the assessment methods previously highlighted.
D1, D2, D4 are assessed through all assignments, in the form of essays, portfolio, oral presentation and literature review.
D2, D3 D4 are assessed through assignments for the DAI module and dissertation.
D5 is assessed through group presentation.
D6 is supported through formative feedback from all assignments and questioning through peer-led action learning sets.