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Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Healthcare Management

Course details
The MSc in Healthcare Management is designed to facilitate healthcare professionals, managers and administrators to develop the necessary knowledge, expertise and skills which can be applied to various settings within healthcare systems.

The programme comprises six taught modules, an organisational development project and a personal development plan which aims to provide you with the knowledge and expertise to lead and manage effectively in healthcare organisations.

As a graduate of this programme you will be better able to ensure the delivery and configuration of high-quality healthcare services, lead and manage change and development within your organisation and profession. This will require a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complexity of healthcare, business processes, finance, operations management, information technology, marketing, leadership and strategy.

Applications are invited from all those working in the healthcare sector including doctors, managers, nurses, other clinical specialists and administrators who wish to develop and extend their management knowledge and skills. Personnel in allied health businesses such as medical supplies/equipment and pharmaceuticals may also find the programme relevant and valuable for their needs.

Delivery and design
The MSc in Healthcare Management is designed to facilitate staff working in the health service and is delivered using a combination of classroom contact days, online learning and tutorials.

Year 1 consists of six taught modules which include three days of on-campus lectures and activities, with the remainder of the module dedicated to reading and assignment completion.

Year 2 comprises a practice-based dissertation supported by 8 Action Learning sets, which is equivalent to three modules.

Most participants complete the Postgraduate Diploma in one academic year and the MSc degree in two academic years.

The MSc in Healthcare Management is offered in three locations: Dublin, Bahrain and Dubai. This means you may have the opportunity to take some of your modules in another country.

Learning outcomes
This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:
•Understand the complexity and determinants of health and healthcare systems.
•Understand management, the role of the manager in healthcare and understanding how organisations work.
•Manage resources effectively managing people, finance and organisations.
•Manage across boundaries evaluating how services can best be configured and delivered.
•Team work effectively and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
•Develop leadership, personal and professional learning and development skills.

Entry requirements

All applicants should hold a primary degree and be working in the healthcare sector.

For applicants who don't hold a primary degree, there is a recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway outlined below.

Recognition of prior learning
The RCSI regulations for RPL provide a process and framework for validating and placing a value on prior learning for the purpose of:

A. Admission
B. Exemption
C. Advanced entry/transfer between programmes

The EU Council (2012) defines validation as a process of confirmation by an authorised body that an individual has acquired learning outcomes measured against a relevant standard which consists of four distinct phases:
1.Identification dialogue of particular experiences of an individual
2.Documentation making visible the individuals experiences
3.Assessment formal assessment of these experiences
4.Certification the results of the assessment

These regulations are intended for use by the RCSI staff and faculty involved in admissions processes relating to applicants seeking assessment of their prior learning for the purposes of admission, exemption or advanced entry/transfer between programmes and to provide clarity and direction for candidates during their application process.

Duration

2 years part-time. Mode of delivery Blended learning.

Further enquiries

Please direct any enquiries about online applications to leadership@rcsi.ie.

Subjects taught

Semester 1:

Module 1: Managing Organisations and People
(10 ECTS)
This module introduces you to organisational structure and culture, teamwork, conflict, power and influence, and change management. You will also learn how to use analytical management tools. The module is supported by the development of your individual electronic portfolio.

Module 2: Operations & Quality Management
(10 ECTS)
In this module you will examine the patient journey using process mapping, identifying areas for improvement and discussing the concept of lean management. Project management tools are introduced and applied as part of the learning.

Module 3: Evaluation, Measurement & Research
(10 ECTS)
Modern health services require a complex range of information to support evidence-based practice. In this module, you will learn how to collect, analyse, interpret and present valid and reliable data as a foundation for evidence based practice.

Semester 2:

Module 4: Managing Finance in Healthcare Organisations
(10 ECTS)
This module introduces you to financial and management accounting. Topics covered include: preparation and interpretation of financial accounts, working capital, cash flow forecasting, budgeting and costs and costing.

Module 5: Leadership & Strategic Management
(10 ECTS)
Different approaches to leadership and your preferred leadership style are explored here. You learn how to design and implement strategy using a wide variety of tools to understand the external environment and assess the internal strengths and weaknesses of your organisation.

Module 6: Quality & Risk Management
(10 ECTS)
Quality maintenance and improvement is necessary in healthcare given the imperative of maximising patient safety. In this module, you will explore the concepts of quality, safety and risk and examine current best-practice in a variety of healthcare contexts.

Semester 3 and 4

Action Learning Sets and Action Research Project
(30 ECTS)
In order to fulfil the requirements for an MSc Degree, you must complete the six modules outlined above and conduct a change management project in your organisation. This component of the programme is facilitated via action learning sets. Use your learning from Year 1, in conjunction with Year 2 seminars dedicated to the leadership of change, to develop and direct your own change project. In collaboration with your work-based manager you will select a project designed to produce benefits to your organisation, such as process improvements or resource restructuring, that are likely to result in substantial cost savings.

With the support of a dedicated Action Learning Set comprising a small group of fellow students, you will lead the selected organisational development project within your own workplace setting. The set will also support you to produce a dedicated project report with a reflective account based on your ongoing diary notes and a poster for display.

Year 2 of the programme is an exciting and beneficial opportunity for students dedicated to leading local healthcare change.

Participants on our MSc programmes in the past have produced considerable developments in their organisations and many projects have resulted in significant improvements, substantial cost savings and publications in management journals.

Assessment method

Your learning on each module is assessed by one of a number of methods: examination, individual assignment or team assignment and case studies.

Application date

The online application system for the programme is now open.

Course fee

EU applicants
•Year 1: 8,000
•Year 2: 4,500

Non-EU applicants
•Year 1: 16,000
•Year 2: 9,000

You can complete three modules to receive a postgraduate certificate (total fee: 4,150) or you can exit with a postgraduate diploma upon completion of six modules (total fee: 8,300). A stand-alone module option can also be made available (total fee: 1,395) depending on class numbers.

Please note
•The tuition includes all resources, including core textbooks, access to our award-winning online learning portal and access to extensive RCSI-only databases.
•The tuition fee is also inclusive of an NUI fee.
•Fees are payable via instalments or in one lump sum.
•All fees must be paid in full at the beginning of each semester.
•Students with outstanding fees will not be entitled to receive their grades.
•Students with outstanding fees will have VLE and library privileges withdrawn.
•Students with outstanding fees at the end of Year 1 will not have grades brought forward to the Exam Board and will not progress to Year 2.
•Students with outstanding fees at the end of Year 2 will not have their grades brought forward to the exam board and will not graduate.
•We ask that students who are being sponsored or funded by their employer forward us on a funding confirmation letter. This can be sent to leadership@rcsi.ie.

Enrolment and start dates

How to apply
Applications for the MSc in Healthcare Management open in the spring of each year. There is only one intake each year, starting in September.

Please ensure to attach the following supporting documents with your application:
•Passport-sized photograph. Photographs must be recent and of the individual applying for programme.
•Clear copy of a valid passport.
•Copies of your academic transcripts/degree
•100 non-refundable application fee should be paid by cheque, postal order or bank draft.

Please direct any enquiries about online applications to leadership@rcsi.ie.