Programme Specification (Postgraduate) FOR ENTRY YEAR: 2022/23

Date created: March 2022 Last amended: Version no. 2

1. Programme title(s) and code(s)

MSc in Healthcare Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Management*
Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Management*
Notes
* An award marked with an asterisk is only available as an exit award and is not available for students
to register onto.
HECOS Code
HECOS Code %

100089 80%

100476 20%
2. Awarding body or institution University of Leicester

3. a) Mode of study
Full-time
b) Type of study Campus-based

4. Registration periods
The normal period of registration for the MSc in Healthcare Management is 12 months.
The maximum period of registration for the MSc in Healthcare Management is 24 months.

5. Typical entry requirements

This programme is designed primarily for intercalating medical students to take between their third
and fourth years of medical studies. As such it is expected that such students will be in the 9th decile
or above of their degree. Non intercalating students would be expected to have a medical degree or
a degree in a closely related subject at 2.1 standard or equivalent or substantial practical healthcare
management experience. For students whose first language is not English, the English Language
requirement is an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90. Students who complete 2+1 undergraduate degrees where
the 2 is not taught in English must still meet the University IELTS requirement.

6. Accreditation of Prior Learning

Will be considered on a case by case basis.
7. Programme aims
The programme aims to:
1. provide students with a rigorous healthcare management curriculum covering the main
theories, models, frameworks, and techniques of management and the particular context of
 healthcare to prepare them for a career in healthcare management or for further study in
the area;
2. enable the study of healthcare management and organisations in an historical, international
and comparative framework recognising the structures of the NHS and the stakeholders
served;
3. critically analyse and evaluate healthcare management problems and issues, covering the
external economic, political, social, and technological, contexts within which the NHS
operates and managers work;
4. enable students to critically evaluate the published literature on healthcare management
and to synthesise the range of issues and perspectives which inform research and practice in
the field;
5. provide students with an appreciation of the importance of information to managers and
organizations within a knowledge-based economy. This will include an identification of
appropriate methodologies for data acquisition, assessment, analysis and dissemination.
6. enable course members to integrate and apply systematically and creatively the knowledge,
approaches, and methods that they have learnt to a variety of case studies and a
dissertation.
7. enable course members to develop their interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving
skills, and to use these in an imaginative and self-directed way that will allow them to
identify problems, evaluate and analyse situations, consider alternative solutions, make
choices, and implement solutions.

8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification 

QAA Benchmarking Statement
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
• UK Quality Code for Higher Education
• Education Strategy
• University Assessment Strategy
• University of Leicester Periodic Developmental Review Report
• External Examiners’ reports (annual)
• United Nations Education for Sustainable Development Goals
• Student Destinations Data

9. Programme Outcomes
Unless otherwise stated, programme outcomes apply to all awards specified in 1. Programme title(s).
Discipline specific knowledge and competencies
i) Knowledge
Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes

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Certificate Lectures, group discussion, Essays (individual), group
directed reading and exercises, discussions, examinations, case
Knowledge of a core of
private study, assignment study exercises.
management subjects
including the business feedback: formative and
environment, accounting, summative
finance, economics,
organisational behaviour,
strategy. Knowledge of the
NHS and healthcare
management specific topics.

Diploma As above As above

In addition to the core
knowledge outlined above,
knowledge of leadership
topics.

Masters In addition to the above, the In addition to the above the

In addition to the above dissertation research process, research proposal, ethics
knowledge of the research research methods training approval and dissertation
methods used in
management research and
what constitutes a
methodology. Ability to
synthesise and integrate
knowledge across the core
management subjects

ii) Concepts
Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Lectures, group discussion, Essays (individual), group
directed reading, assignment discussions, examinations, case
Ability to explain the core
feedback, private study. study exercises.
concepts of healthcare
management as they relate
to organisations, the
business context, and
finance.

Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Outcomes
Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above, the
In addition to the above, dissertation supervision process research proposal, dissertation
ability to apply the above (group and 1-to-1), independent
theories to analyse research.
organisational case studies
within the NHS.

iii) Techniques

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Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Certificate and Diploma Independent research, lectures, Essays (individual), group

group discussion, directed discussions, examinations, case
Ability to: demonstrate
reading and exercises, self study exercises
knowledge of key theories
directed private-study.
and concepts; select relevant
Assignment feedback, formative
material from academic
and summative.
readings and demonstrate
familiarity with the
conventions of academic
writing and associated
referencing techniques;
undertake qualitative,
numerical and statistical
evaluation as a means to
analyse a management
problem.

Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above, the

In addition to the above, dissertation supervision process research proposal, dissertation
mastery of a range of (group and 1 to 1), independent
methodological tools used to research, lectures and seminars
investigate topics in designed to support the
healthcare management. preparation of the research
Ability to be able to proposal.
differentiate the conditions
when either qualitative or
quantitative data analysis
should be used and/or be
able to identify the
conditions under which it is
appropriate to combine
different techniques

iv) Critical analysis

Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Certificate and Diploma Independent research, lectures, Essays (individual), group

group discussion, directed discussions, examinations, case
Ability to reflect critically on
reading and exercises. study exercises.
both the academic discipline
of healthcare management
and the functions of
management in a healthcare
context.

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Masters In addition to the above the In addition to the above, the
In addition to the above, presentation of a substantial dissertation
demonstrate understanding piece of research culminating in
of different cultural, the dissertation document
environmental and
organizational contexts and
to appreciate theory and
practice appropriate to these
contexts

v) Presentation
Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Lectures, group discussion, Essays (individual), group
directed reading and exercises discussions, computer based
Ability to differentiate
exercises, examinations, case
between relevant and
study exercises.
nonrelevant material; to
write up and deliver written
work to a professional
standard.

Masters In addition to the above the In addition to the above, the

In addition to the above, presentation of a substantial dissertation.
ability to organize research piece of research culminating in
material in a manner the dissertation
appropriate to the medium
that is to be assessed (i.e.
professional report, research
proposal or dissertation)
vi) Appraisal of evidence
Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Independent research, lectures, Essays (individual), group
group discussion, directed discussions, computer based
Ability to locate, organise
reading and exercises. exercises, examinations, case
and assess data, analyse
study exercises
complex ideas and
understand and criticise
different arguments.

Masters Dissertation research Dissertation

In addition to the above, the
ability to mount and sustain
an independent level of
inquiry at an advanced level
Transferable skills
i) Research skills

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Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Certificate and Diploma Research methodology module, Essay assignments (formative and
supervision, independent summative), examinations
Ability to demonstrate
research and group work.
intellectual independence,
through identifying a credible
research project, drawing up
a realistic timetable,
reflecting on and ‘writing up’
results.

Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above the

In addition to the above, dissertation supervision process research proposal, dissertation
ability to plan research (group and 1-to-1), independent
projects based on focused research
research questions, conduct
significant background
research and literature
surveys, collect and analyse
data which is relevant to
research questions, report
on findings demonstrating an
ability to critique the data
from competing viewpoints,
construct an informed critical
argument at an advanced
level

ii) Communication skills

Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Lectures, group discussions/ Group exercises, contributions to
problem solving exercises. discussions, and assignments.
Ability to work
collaboratively and Group work, lectures and
responsibly in groups. through addressing the
requirements of progressive
modes of assessment.
Knowing how and when to Lectures, group discussions/ Group exercises, contributions to
draw on the knowledge and problem solving exercises. discussions, and assignments.
expertise of others; ability to Group work, lectures and
contribute & comment on through addressing the
ideas in group discussions. requirements of progressive
modes of assessment.

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Ability to demonstrate Lectures, group discussions/ Group exercises, contributions to
clarity, fluency and problem solving exercises. discussions, and assignments.
coherence in written Group work, lectures and
expression of management through addressing the
issues and debates in a requirements of progressive
manner appropriate to the modes of assessment.
audience.
Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above the
In addition to the above, dissertation supervision process research proposal, dissertation
ability to produce a (group and 1-to-1), independent
dissertation that is logically research
structured and written with
clarity and precision.

iii) Data presentation

Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Certificate and Diploma Synchronous and asynchronous Assignments, case study exercises
lectures, case study exercises,
Ability to locate, organise and
self-directed private study.
marshal evidence, and
articulate it accurately in a
written or spoken format, in
a manner appropriate for the
required audience.

Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above the

dissertation supervision process research proposal and
Ability to organize research
(group and 1-to-1), independent dissertation
data into graphical and
research, lectures and seminars
statistical summaries where
designed to support the
relevant
preparation of the research
proposal

iv) Information technology

Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Lectures and seminars, Essay assignments, examinations
selfdirected private study
Ability to construct and
present quantitative and
qualitative data clearly,
effectively using IT sources
where appropriate.

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Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above the
In addition to the above, dissertation supervision process research proposal and
ability to use, if necessary, (group and 1-to-1), independent dissertation
data analysis software that is research, lectures and seminars
relevant to a dissertation designed to support the
(e.g. SPSS) preparation of the research
proposal
v) Problem solving
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Certificate, Diploma Research methods classes and Essays and examinations

independent research
Ability to refine problems
into researchable
questions.
Ability to identify and locate Research methods classes and Essays and examinations
relevant data and source independent research
material.

Ability to use material to Research methods classes and Essays and examinations
address problem and come independent research
up with answers or solutions.

Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above,

dissertation supervision process independent research, particularly
Ability to refine problems
(group and 1 to 1) that leading to dissertation.
into researchable
questions.
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?

Ability to identify and locate In addition to the above: the In addition to the above,
relevant data and source dissertation supervision process independent research, particularly
material. (group and 1 to 1) that leading to dissertation.

Ability to use material to In addition to the above: the In addition to the above,
address problem and come dissertation supervision process independent research, particularly
up with answers or solutions. (group and 1 to 1) that leading to dissertation.

vi) Working relationships

Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Group work, seminars and Group discussions, group
lectures exercises, and group assessment
Ability to work
collaboratively and
responsibly in groups.

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Masters In addition to the above: the In addition to the above; the
establishment of a working dissertation
In addition to the above,
relationship with the dissertation
knowing how and when to
supervisor (or the resolution of
draw on the knowledge and
any problems through
expertise of others; ability to
consultation with the Personal
contribute & comment on
ideas in group discussions. Tutor and the Programme
Leader)

vii) Managing learning

Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Independent research, lectures, Assignment essays and
Ability to plan and construct and group-work, directed reading examinations.
responses to a brief, drawing and exercises
upon a range of appropriate
sources.
Ability to reflect upon Directed reading, lectures, group Group and individual exercises,
behaviour and skills with a discussions and peer to peer discussion within forums,
view to personal and feedback, problem solving assignments, case study
professional development. sessions exercises.
Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Masters In addition to the above: the Research Proposal; Dissertation
dissertation supervision process
In addition to the above:
(group and 1-to-1),
ability to identify a credible
research project; construct a
feasible research timetable;
carry out independent
research

viii) Career management

Intended Learning Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated?
Outcomes
Certificate and Diploma Directed reading, lectures, group Group and individual exercises,
discussions and peer to peer discussion within forums,
Ability to reflect on
feedback, problem solving assignments, case study
motivation, strengths,
sessions, independent research. exercises.
interests and skills with a
view to personal and
professional development.

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 Masters In addition to the above; the Dissertation
In addition to the above, if dissertation supervision process
appropriate, ability to
research an area which may
be relevant to the student’s
career preferences.
10. Special features
This programme is designed specifically with intercalating medical students in mind. The programme
is intended to be studied between the third and fourth year of a medical degree. As such, the
timetable for this course will be slightly compressed. In order to allow intercalating medical students
to return to the fourth year of their medical degrees it is anticipated that dissertations will be handed
in in mid August. To allow for this no second term modules have examinations and three of the four
modules including research methods for healthcare managers will be taught in block formats. This
will mean that students can start working on their dissertations relatively early (late in the second
term) and not have to participate in the exam period meaning they should have adequate time to
complete the dissertation.

11. Indicators of programme quality

Academic quality will be maintained by adhering to School practice and University regulations.
Programmes are carefully planned and reviewed internally on a yearly basis through the ADR
mechanism. External examiners of programme content and marking will provide external validation
and comparison to programmes offered by competitors. Coordination and alignment between the
programme teaching team and professional services ensures a consistent and high quality academic
experience for the students.

12. Criteria for award and classification

This programme follows the standard scheme of taught postgraduate award and classification set out
in Senate Regulations – see the version of Senate Regulation 6 governing taught postgraduate
programmes of study relevant to year of entry.

13. Progression points

As defined in Senate Regulations - refer to the version of Senate Regulation 6 governing taught
postgraduate programmes of study relevant to year of entry.
In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to
withdraw from the course and a recommendation will be made to the Board of Examiners for an
intermediate/exit award where appropriate.

14. Rules relating to re-sits or re-submissions

As defined in Senate Regulations - refer to the version of Senate Regulation 6 governing taught
postgraduate programmes of study relevant to year of entry.

15. External Examiners reports

The details of the External Examiner(s) for this programme and the most recent External Examiners’
reports for this programme can be found at exampapers@Leicester [log-in required]

16. Additional features (e.g. timetable for admissions) n/a

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 Programme Specification (Postgraduate) FOR ENTRY YEAR: 2022/23
Date created: 16/11/2020 Last amended: 26/07/22 Version no. 2

Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations)

The University regularly reviews its programmes and modules to ensure that they reflect the current status of the discipline and offer the best learning experience
to students. On occasion, it may be necessary to alter particular aspects of a course or module.

MSc in Healthcare Management

Credit breakdown
Other delivery
Status Year long Semester 1 Semester 2 period

Core taught n/a 60 credits 60 credits n/a

Optional n/a n/a n/a n/a

Dissertation/project n/a n/a n/a 60 credits

180 credits in total

Level 7/Year 1 Choose an item.

Core modules
Delivery period Code Title Credits

Semester 1 MN7400 Academic Skills (Semester 1 and Semester 2) n/a

Semester 1 MN7401 Organisational Behaviour 15 credits

 Semester 1 MN7402 Business Economics 15 credits

Semester 1 MN7403 Accounting and Finance for Managers 15 credits

Semester 1 MN7405 Management decisions and risk analysis

Semester 2 MN7415 Managing Clinical Professionals in Healthcare 15 credits

Semester 2 MN7400 Academic Skills (Semester 1 and Semester 2) n/a

Semester 2 MN7409 Managing change and uncertainty 15 credits

Semester 2 MD7459 Leading, Managing and Organising Quality and Safety in Healthcare 15 credits

Semester 2 MN7408 Research Methods for Healthcare Managers 15 credits

Term 3 MN7419 Dissertation 60 credits

Notes
MN7400 Academic Skills takes place over semester 1 and semester 2

Appendix 2: Module specifications

See taught postgraduate module specification database (Note - modules are organized by year of delivery).
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