Global Healthcare Leadership - MSc
Global Healthcare Leadership at Keele provides you with the opportunity to elevate your leadership and management skills to transform healthcare delivery.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Online programme, Part time
Location
- Online
Subject area
- Health and Rehabilitation, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Social work
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
-
International - £24,900 per year.There might be funding opportunities. More details will be published in the near future.
Duration of study
- Part time, 2 years
Why study Global Healthcare Leadership at Keele University?
Course summary
This prestigious course has been developed together with Prof Ian Cumming (OBE), Professor of Global Healthcare at Keele University and former CEO of Health Education England (HEE), which will be delivered in partnership with subject experts from organisations including HEE, the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET), and overseas partner organisations.
Our two year part time programme takes a blended learning approach where you will collaborate with other students as an online community of practice.
The programme provides you with the opportunity to engage with and experience a variety of worldwide healthcare systems through three overseas case study visits. The overall aim is for you to learn from and transpose your leadership and management skills to enhance effective health care delivery within your own organisations and to share good practice.
Applying for Global Healthcare Leadership MSc
Applicants for this programme are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) in the first instance, which will then be reviewed by the programme team. Please see below for the 2025 deadlines (dates to be confirmed) for submitting the EOI and full application:
- Early June - deadline for EOIs
- Late June - notification of EOI outcome and invitation to make formal application to Keele
- July - deadline for formal applications for 1 Sept start
Next steps
In search of a perfect health and healthcare system
"Health workers need to have a global perspective-and by working and learning together with colleagues from other countries they can improve health in the UK, strengthen the UK’s position as a global health leader and help create global public goods. This strategy is good for the UK and good for the world."
Lord Nigel Crisp, Co-chair, All party Parliamentary Group on Global Health (2018).
Course structure
Our Global Health Leadership MSc is an online course that adopts a blended learning approach. Field study visits will be in person and there will be face-to-face induction at the start of the course.
Modules are mainly taught over eight weeks synchronously online, with the exception of the field visit weeks which are delivered in person.
Three of the modules include a week long overseas case study visit, the locations of these are to be confirmed. By studying relevant topics by experts in global health and healthcare delivery and visiting three countries on different continents, you will have an immersive learning experience and be exposed to healthcare delivery models in our partner countries.
Each modules focuses on a particular global healthcare theme and the assessments are anchored by having a reflective essay to build towards the final independent project. You will be provided with a detailed course plan at the recruitment phase so that you are aware of the time and sequence those weeks might be.
The programme design has a range of 15 credit (8 week) modules with exit awards at PG Certificate (60 credits at Level 7) and PG Diploma (120 credits at Level 7). The independent project will be 30 credits over a 16 week period.
Like other postgraduate courses at Keele, modules will be studied sequentially, with an assessment preparation week prior to the submission. You cannot complete the course any quicker than two years and you will complete one module at a time.
The final award of MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership will be attained through the completion of an independent research project over the final 4 months of the programme.
Subject knowledge and understanding
Successful students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the complex nature of global healthcare leadership
- Critically explore worldwide global drivers for change in healthcare systems
- Develop a systematic understanding of health economics, value for money and sustainability in global health leadership
- Critically explore humanitarian response, disaster preparedness and refugee health, adapting to unexpected or changing situations.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare including appraisal of measurement, assessment, and improvement methodologies that contributes to a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement
- Critically appraise concepts of health care system strengthening, in low- and middle-income countries
- Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of global public and population health improvement organisations and digital technologies
- Demonstrate reflexive skills and apply concepts required for contemporary leadership, working within one's own professional boundaries and learning with, from and about others
- Reflect on healthcare systems in different countries, comparing and contrasting, and critically evaluating their effectiveness in diverse contexts and incorporate the perspectives of participants and beneficiaries of healthcare provision
- Develop skills in the synthesis of literature and appraise differing research methodologies required to develop a creative and innovative independent research project to enhance future healthcare delivery.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Module structure
Introduction to Global Public Health and Healthcare (CLM-40152) 15 credits
The exciting programme provides an opportunity for students to engage with and experience a variety of worldwide healthcare systems. You will learn from and transpose your leadership and management skills in enhancing effective health care delivery within yourr own organisations and share good practice. The module takes a blended learning approach and is an introduction to key concepts of global and public health and prepares you to engage in a collaborative online community of practice to learn from, with and about others.
Value for Money, Healthcare Economics and Sustainability (CLM-40158) 15 credits
The module will include a field visit to the University of Pavia, Italy. Transport and accommodation costs will be met within the specified programme fees. Students wishing to upgrade would have the option to do so at their own cost. Expert subject lecturers will support the field visit aspects of the module, allowing you to experience and learn from a variety of health care delivery models. It provides an opportunity to compare and contrast their experiences of health overseas and consider value for money, healthcare economics and sustainability.
Resource Management in Healthcare (CLM-40160) 15 credits
This module has a focus on all aspects of resource management including risk and crisis management. You will take a systems approach to decision making, adapting to unexpected or changing situations in healthcare. The module takes a blended learning approach to meet the needs of students in professional roles and encourages engagement in collaborative practice.
Healthcare system strengthening (Low- and Middle-Income Countries) (CLM-40172) 15 credits
This module includes a UK based field visit with a focus on public health initiatives. Transport and accommodation costs will be met within the specified programme fees. Students wishing to upgrade would have the option to do so at their own cost. Subject lecturers will support the field visit aspects of the programme, allowing you to experience and learn from differing healthcare delivery models. This module allows you to compare and contrast their experiences of UK healthcare and explore healthcare system strengthening in low and middle income countries.
Leading and Complexity (Global Healthcare) (MAN-40279) 15 credits
This module addresses the needs of leaders in today’s dynamic environment. It reviews the origins and history of leadership thinking in order to provide a foundation to understanding contemporary leadership theory. The pivotal role of the leader in the process of understanding and shaping of organisational culture is supported by key leadership tools and skills including: the identification of different types of leadership problems and approaches to solving them; understanding and making sense of change; and the leader's role in power, politics, ethics, diversity and sustainability.
Quality Improvement in Healthcare Settings (CLM-40164) 15 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to evaluate healthcare policy, the role of healthcare regulators in the UK and in other countries. You will explore competencies that enhance the culture of safety within organisations, governance and improvement methodologies that improve patient safety, patient experience and outcomes. The module takes a blended learning approach to meet the needs of students in professional roles and encourages collaborative practice.
Applied Research Methods for Healthcare (NUR-40118) 15 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore the competencies related to evidence informed practice and research skills to develop a project proposal plan. This will be the foundation to support a substantive independent piece of work towards your chosen Masters programme (MSc Global Healthcare Leadership, MSc Nursing, MSc Midwifery). The programme takes a blended learning approach to meet the needs of students in professional roles and encourages collaborative practice and inter-professional learning.
The Global Healthcare Workforce (CLM-40168) 15 credits
The module will include an experiential field visit to India. Transport and accommodation costs will be met within the specified programme fees. Students wishing to upgrade would have the option to do so at your own cost. Expert subject lecturers will support the field visit aspects of the module, allowing you to experience and learn from a variety of global healthcare delivery models. This module will provide students with the opportunity to compare and contrast their experiences of healthcare overseas and develop their understanding of the role of the global healthcare workforce.
Innovation in Public Health and the role of Digital Technologies (CLM-40170) 15 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of public health and primary care, recognising the role of health informatics and digital technologies in improving healthcare; along with the competencies relating to approaches to person centred decision making. The module takes a blended learning approach to meet the needs of students in professional roles and encourages collaborative practice.
Global Governance, Humanitarian Response and Refugee Health (CLM-40162) 15 credits.
The module will include an experiential field visit to Thailand/Myanmar. Transport and accommodation costs will be met within the specified programme fees. Students wishing to upgrade would have the option to do so at their own cost. Expert subject lecturers will support the field trip aspects of the programme, allowing students to experience and learn from a variety of global health care delivery models. This module will provide students with the opportunity to compare and contrast their experiences of healthcare overseas and gain an understanding of global governance, humanitarian responses and refugee health.
Independent Project Global Healthcare Leadership - 'In search of a perfect healthcare system' (CLM-40174) 30 credits.
You will create an independent research report, utilising the theme, 'In search of a perfect healthcare system', making recommendations to inform the provision of health services applying learning from other healthcare systems. The module takes a blended learning approach to meet the needs of students in professional roles.
Next steps
Entry requirements
- Students are typically expected to be working in healthcare settings in or aligned to NHS England, related arm’s length organisations, 3rd sector/charity or HEIs.
- Must be UK based this year.
- Agenda for change Band 6/7/8a or equivalent.
- Aimed at early mid-career professionals.
- Aimed at graduates with a minimum of a first honours degree (normally 2:2 or above) in any subject who are preferably working as a healthcare professional committed to developing a career encompassing global healthcare leadership.
- Should be working in global health or serious about working in global health.
- Support from your employer to attend, study and complete the programme.
- Ability to dedicate the required time to attend and complete the programme, including the required assessments.
- Open to all the above but funding level may depend on meeting criteria.
- Detailed EOI showing rationale for wanting to be considered. Show genuine interest. This should include how it would assist with your current role, your employability, career development. How would you use this programme and qualification within the global health and global healthcare leadership context.
Please note: Admission to the programme will be highly competitive, in view of there being full funding for fees available this year and with places being strictly limited to 18.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical Offer
UK: 2:2 degree in any subject
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
International applicants: This course is part time and only available for students who do not require a visa. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact our admissions team at enquiries@keele.ac.uk
- Students are typically expected to be working in healthcare settings in or aligned to NHS England, related arm’s length organisations, 3rd sector/charity or HEIs.
- Must be UK based this year.
- Agenda for change Band 6/7/8a or equivalent.
- Aimed at early mid-career professionals.
- Aimed at graduates with a minimum of a first honours degree (normally 2:2 or above) in any subject who are preferably working as a healthcare professional committed to developing a career encompassing global healthcare leadership.
- Should be working in global health or serious about working in global health.
- Support from your employer to attend, study and complete the programme.
- Ability to dedicate the required time to attend and complete the programme, including the required assessments.
- Open to all the above but funding level may depend on meeting criteria.
- Detailed EOI showing rationale for wanting to be considered. Show genuine interest. This should include how it would assist with your current role, your employability, career development. How would you use this programme and qualification within the global health and global healthcare leadership context.
Please note: Admission to the programme will be highly competitive, in view of there being full funding for fees available this year and with places being strictly limited to 18.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
There might be funding opportunities. More details will be published in the near future.
Currently this course is only open to home students, but this is subject to change. International students are advised to monitor the website and contact admissions@keele.ac.uk to register an expression of interest in applying, should the opportunity become available.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
The programme supports development of knowledge skills and behaviours required for developing in a range of healthcare environments. You will have access to subject specific experts who can support you in translating your own experiences.
Your final independent project relates to making recommendations in your own arena of practice and progressing your ideas.
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
Modules will largely be delivered synchronously via MS Teams and the Keele Learning Environment (Blackboard Ultra). There will be the social presence of a tutor who will encourage the collaborative practice and competencies related to effective communication, through a community of practice and the digital skills required for a modern healthcare professional.
A range of assessments will foster collegiate working and develop competencies for professionals undertaking the programme. The intention has been to create a range of authentic assessments (using verbal, presentation and written skills) which can generate publishing outputs, digital skills, team working skills and transferability to healthcare improvement in a range of settings.
The MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership will support the development of competencies such as being people-centred, having an adaptive, collaborative and rigorous approach to decision making, proactively managing interactions with others, utilising evidence informed practice and personal conduct relating to ethical conduct, working within competence and scope of practice, and engaging in lifelong and reflective practice. Moreover, you will be equipped with equality, diversity and inclusivity principles, and progressive awareness of decolonising research, practice and learning.
Next steps