MSc Health Care Policy and Management

Program Overview

The MSc in Health Care Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of healthcare systems, policy-making, and organizational management. The program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the complexities of healthcare delivery, management, and policy-making at both national and international levels. Students will explore a range of issues, including health policy, global healthcare systems, health economics, leadership in healthcare, and management strategies. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical analytical skills, a deep understanding of healthcare governance, and the ability to implement change and drive improvements in healthcare settings. The program concludes with a dissertation where students can conduct original research in an area of their interest, further deepening their expertise in healthcare policy and management.

Curriculum: The MSc in Health Care Policy and Management offers a balanced curriculum that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare management. Core modules include topics such as Health Policy and Global Healthcare Systems, Health Economics and Finance, Leadership and Management in Healthcare, Healthcare Quality and Safety, and Strategic Management in Health Care. These modules provide students with a thorough understanding of the frameworks and strategies used to improve healthcare systems, optimize resources, and implement policies that ensure effective and efficient healthcare delivery. In addition to the core modules, students can select from a variety of optional modules to tailor their studies to their career goals, including topics like Public Health, Health Informatics, and Health Law. The program’s curriculum also emphasizes practical skills in project management, organizational behavior, and data analysis, ensuring that students are well-prepared to take on managerial roles in healthcare organizations.

Research Focus: The MSc in Health Care Policy and Management is deeply grounded in research, with a focus on the latest developments in healthcare policy, management practices, and innovations in healthcare systems. The University of Birmingham is known for its research excellence, particularly in the areas of healthcare economics, policy development, and public health. Students will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research projects within the university's renowned Institute of Applied Health Research. Research themes include the evaluation of healthcare policies, the impact of digital health technologies, the economic evaluation of healthcare interventions, and the development of healthcare management strategies in different global contexts. Students are encouraged to apply research methods to real-world problems, exploring the link between theory and practice in the healthcare policy domain.

Industry Engagement: The MSc in Health Care Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham provides significant industry engagement opportunities, ensuring that students are well-connected to the healthcare sector. The university has strong links with healthcare organizations, including NHS trusts, international health organizations, policy think tanks, and health consultancies, giving students opportunities to gain practical experience and insights from industry leaders. The program includes opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects with healthcare providers and policymakers, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Additionally, the university hosts regular guest lectures, seminars, and workshops, featuring experts from the healthcare sector, offering students a chance to network, stay informed about industry trends, and gain practical advice from professionals working in health policy and management.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Health Care Policy and Management takes a global perspective on healthcare issues, examining how health systems across the world function and the challenges they face. The program encourages students to analyze healthcare policies in different global contexts, considering the political, economic, and cultural factors that shape healthcare delivery in diverse regions. Topics such as global health inequalities, international health policy frameworks, universal health coverage, and the role of international health organizations like the World Health Organization are explored in depth. By studying healthcare systems in both developed and developing countries, students gain a nuanced understanding of the global healthcare landscape and are prepared to contribute to the development of healthcare policies that address the needs of diverse populations. The global outlook of the program ensures that students are well-prepared to work in international healthcare organizations, governmental bodies, or NGOs, tackling global health challenges and contributing to the improvement of healthcare systems worldwide.