Healthcare Management - Leadership & Innovation in Healthcare

Develop a strategic mindset and gain the skills necessary to implement evidence-based leadership and management practice with the MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare from RCSI Graduate School of Healthcare Management.



This programme is designed to develop your leadership competencies and management skills as a healthcare professional, and provide you with the tools needed to manage in your environment, notwithstanding limited resources, increased demands and budget restrictions. Combining academic rigour, practical experience and in-depth self-analysis it will provide you with the opportunity to develop and enhance your knowledge of concepts, theories, research and best practice relating to leadership in healthcare settings, and training in the use of associated models and tools.



The focus is firmly on leadership, addressing the main issues and problems healthcare professionals experience in recognising, assessing, managing and overcoming daily challenges. This programme is delivered in a digital format via our online teaching platform, making it accessible to busy healthcare professionals wherever they may be working. It is part-time, and runs for two years.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications



Suitable for

This programme is for clinicians, doctors, nurses, interdisciplinary health and social care professionals, healthcare managers and administrators and those working in the wider healthcare sector who wish to develop their leadership and management capabilities and take the next step in their career. Personnel in allied health businesses such as medical supplies and equipment, the pharmaceutical sector and healthcare regulation should also find the programme highly relevant.



Accreditation and recognition

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). All RCSI programmes are accredited by the NUI.



Recognition by Ministries and bodies in all jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.



We are pleased to confirm that a number of our recent graduates who are domiciled in the United Arab Emirates and in the Kingdom of Bahrain have successfully had their certificates recognised by the Ministry of Education in their respective countries.

Module 1

Developing and Demonstrating Personal leadership Qualities

Develop leadership qualities and strategies to influence and persuade teams effectively.



Module 2

Working with and Leading Others

Understand team leadership, build rapport, and create effective, motivated work teams



Module 3

Leading and Managing Services

Learn to lead and manage healthcare services, focusing on service excellence and strategic initiatives



Module 4

Leading Innovation and Change

Master change models, lead innovation, and implement effective change strategies in healthcare



Module 5

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Explore strategies, tools, and techniques for effective strategic planning and implementation in healthcare



Module 6

Developing a Future-Oriented Mindset

Develop future-oriented leadership skills to create collaborative, innovative healthcare environments



Module 7

Research Methods and Methodology

Gain in-depth knowledge of research principles and methods to investigate healthcare innovation and change



Capstone Project

Research Project

Demonstrates your competencies through a Leading and Innovation or Change Project

To be eligible for the programme you must:

• Hold a bachelor degree. If you don’t hold a bachelor degree, please see the recognition of prior learning pathway outlined below.

• Be working in the healthcare industry.

• Meet the English language requirements (unless exempt): IELTS score of 6.5, Duolingo 105-110, or equivalent score on another standardised test. Please see below for list of exemptions. 



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.



Learning occurs in many contexts which include work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such; rather it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.



RPL may be used to gain:

• Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.

• Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.



English language requirement exceptions:

Exemptions may apply:

• If you have completed your school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) through English in a country where English is the majority native language.



• If you have completed your school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) in an English speaking institution in a country where English is not the majority native language and where an IELTS score of 5 or more was a requirement for admissions to the programme.



• If you have been working in a country (three years or more) where English is the majority native language or for an employer where English language is the official language.



• Graduates of an RCSI undergraduate, Masters or professional diploma programme in Dublin and Bahrain.



Please note: Certified proof must be uploaded as part of your application.

How to apply

Applications for the MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare are now open for autumn 2026. There is only one intake each year, starting in September.



Please ensure you attach the following supporting documents with your application:

• Clear copy of a valid passport

• Copies of your academic transcripts/degree

• Copy of your CV

• English proficiency test (if required)

2 years. Mode of delivery Online - Part-time.

Next start date: September 2026.