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.
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. You can view previous projects here.
