Leadership and Management in Health PgCert/PgDip/MSc top-up/MSc (Distance Learning)

Why choose this course?

This course is ideal for experienced practitioners (five years plus) who are keen to broaden their leadership perspective and learn business focused skills to enhance their impact and pursue their career ambitions.

This course is taught entirely online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world, fitting around your personal and professional commitments.

Online sessions take place two days a month. You will study the management of people, budgets, information, marketing and quality, and organisational change. You will be able to immediately apply the skills you learn to your workplace.

For the MSc, students will receive training in management research methods and will be able to conduct supervised research into a topic of their choice.

Ranked as one of the best health management masters courses in the world, and number two in the UK*, the programme offers both academic rigour and the practical skills to apply what you have learned to the workplace. On this course you will work with the latest research and learn modelling and theories that you can use to analyse and improve your organisation straight away.

For all course enquiries, please contact Graham Walker.

"This course is closely aligned with the changes that are taking place within the health service and what is being demanded in the workplace." Graham Walker, Course Director.

*Eduniversal global ranking 2024

Apply for this course
Mode Duration Attendance Start date
MSc/PgDip part time 2–4 years 2 days online per month plus supported independent learning September 2025
MSc/PgCert top-up part time 2–4 years 2 days online per month plus supported independent learning September 2025
MSc/PgDip part time 2–4 years 2 days online per month plus supported independent learning September 2025
MSc/PgCert top-up part time 1–2 years 2 days online per month plus supported independent learning September 2025
Main Location Kingston Hill
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course has been ranked number 2 in the UK, and in the top 70 globally by the Eduniversal masters ranking 2024.
  • Study with staff who all have experience within the healthcare sector, on a course that applies to public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK and internationally.
  • Students are from a wide range of clinical and administrative backgrounds which makes for valuable sharing of different perspectives.
  • Free car parking at Kingston Hill campus is available for students of this course. The campus can also be easily accessed by public transport. Halls accommodation is just a walk away from the classrooms.

Kingston Business School Accreditations

Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 5% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.

Find out more about our accreditations
AACSB Accredited logo

Specialist careers support

You will take part in an Assessment Centre Experience, providing the opportunity to experience the pathway to employment with tailored feedback to help develop your employability skills for the world of graduate employment.

  • Develop your understanding of the jobs market, including current trends and opportunities, different recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles
  • Receive personalised feedback reports to help you to improve and progress
  • Access additional webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice
Specialist careers support

At Kingston Business School we lead

The Department of Management at Kingston Business School

The Department of Management offers a broad range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering all areas of business, from human resources and finance, to marketing, logistics and management.

Our programmes are developed in consultation with industry practitioners and alumni to ensure that your studies are future-facing and enable you to thrive, whether your ambition is to start your own company or become a senior leader in a global organisation.

Qualification

The programme you will follow depends on which qualification you want to pursue – choose from:

  • MSc – Masters degree – minimum 2 years
  • MSc top-up – Masters top-up – minimum 1 year
  • PgDip – Postgraduate Diploma – minimum 2 years
  • PgCert – Postgraduate Certificate – minimum 1 year

Teaching hours

Teaching takes place on Thursdays and Fridays once a month during term time. Students usually take two modules per term. You will study at Kingston Hill for a total of three days per 15-credit module and six days per 30-credit module. The rest of the course is taught through guided independent study. Students are supported remotely by the course academics throughout their chosen programme.

What you will study

You will start with an induction programme that introduces you to the modules, aims of the course and helps you plan your study around your professional commitments. You will then move on to the course material for your chosen qualification:

MSc

MSc top-up

PgDip

PgCert

You will complete 180 credits across a minimum of 2 years, comprising seven core modules.

Core modules

Leading People and Organisational Change in Health

30 credits

This module aims to integrate theory and practice of leadership, management and organisational behaviour, towards understanding of the individual, group and organisational factors that underpin organisational effectiveness in healthcare services in a context of accelerated change. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the characteristics of successful organisations, group dynamics and individual high performers within the context of health. In addition, the module discusses the internal, external and political triggers for change in healthcare. Students will learn to evaluate how receptive an organisational context is to change and to critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of different models and tools for organisational change.

Strategic Health Management and Governance in Context

15 credits

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of strategic health management and governance in organisational, political, and socio-economic contexts. It will help students to develop an ability to analyse critically developments in healthcare management in the UK and other countries. Topics include evolution of health care management, new public management; marketisation and private sector involvement; decentralisation policy formulation and implementation; governance and inter-organisational collaboration, systems typology and methods of assessment, organisational and social influences, clinicians in management.

Managing Health Services for Quality

15 credits

This module aims to introduce the basic concepts of service operations management applicable to the health and social care environment. It will provide the methodology for the planning and control of resources within the health and social care environment and allow students to investigate various means of quality measurement and control and their suitability in ensuring the delivery of an appropriate and consistent service in line with the expectations of the service user.

Aspects of Financial Resource Management in Health

30 credits

This module seeks to examine the key issues which influence decision-making in what is often a 'cash limited' environment. The module reviews health service finance from two contrasting perspectives.

Firstly from a 'top down' viewpoint, in terms of the Source/s and Flow of Healthcare Funding that reviews how funding is allocated across healthcare organisations and how it is then dispersed within organisations.

Secondly, and in contrast, Health Economics for Policy Decisions then reviews how clinicians and other managers who hold budgetary responsibility should constantly review the degree to which allocated funding is being spent appropriately in order to drive clinical quality, value for money and health gain.

Managing Information in Health

15 credits

This module develops student ability to understand and use information as a strategic resource in supporting the delivery of health and social care services. It covers the changing role of information and communications technology (ICT) in the light of structural changes in the NHS and social care; and the enabling role of Information Technology (IT) in facilitating communication and collaboration among professionals and patients in the health and social care sectors.

Health Services Marketing

15 credits

This module explores the evidence base for, and measures the effectiveness of, the range of approaches available within the private sector which can be used to leverage improvements in public health service design and delivery. Topics include service and marketing aspects of: patient choice (choose and book), service user engagement, stakeholder involvement, service quality (fitness for purpose), service re-engineering (organisational turn-around), payment by results, demand management, marketing and differentiation / relationship management (stakeholder / professional), and relationship management (consumer / end-user). Students will also learn how to understand and balance both user and stakeholder expectations and perceptions in the effective management of service delivery.

Research Methods and Dissertation

60 credits

This is a core module for students studying at master's level. The module introduces students to the role that research methods play in developing discipline knowledge, and in providing the knowledge that underpins evidence-based practice. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate research articles and other documents from a methodological perspective. They will develop the skills to conduct high quality research. Core factual material and learning resources will be provided electronically via Canvas. Classroom sessions will take the form of workshops where possible, and will cover topics such as reviewing research literature systematically; research design; qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and data analysis techniques; writing up and presenting research. For the dissertation, each student will have a personal supervisor who will provide guidance on planning and conducting the research, and on writing it up.

To complete the MSc top-up, you take the 60-credit Research Methods and Dissertation module.

Core module

Research Methods and Dissertation

60 credits

This is a core module for students studying at master's level. The module introduces students to the role that research methods play in developing discipline knowledge, and in providing the knowledge that underpins evidence-based practice. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate research articles and other documents from a methodological perspective. They will develop the skills to conduct high quality research. Core factual material and learning resources will be provided electronically via Canvas. Classroom sessions will take the form of workshops where possible, and will cover topics such as reviewing research literature systematically; research design; qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and data analysis techniques; writing up and presenting research. For the dissertation, each student will have a personal supervisor who will provide guidance on planning and conducting the research, and on writing it up.

The minimum requirement for a PgDip is 120 credits. This is gained by completing Year 1 of the programme (comprising one 30-credit module and two 15-credit modules) and completing the second year of the programme (comprising one 30-credit module and two 15-credit modules).

Students who complete the PgDip successfully can convert this to an MSc by completing the MSc top-up.

Core modules

Leading People and Organisational Change in Health

30 credits

This module aims to integrate theory and practice of leadership, management and organisational behaviour, towards understanding of the individual, group and organisational factors that underpin organisational effectiveness in healthcare services in a context of accelerated change. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the characteristics of successful organisations, group dynamics and individual high performers within the context of health. In addition, the module discusses the internal, external and political triggers for change in healthcare. Students will learn to evaluate how receptive an organisational context is to change and to critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of different models and tools for organisational change.

Strategic Health Management and Governance in Context

15 credits

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of strategic health management and governance in organisational, political, and socio-economic contexts. It will help students to develop an ability to analyse critically developments in healthcare management in the UK and other countries. Topics include evolution of health care management, new public management; marketisation and private sector involvement; decentralisation policy formulation and implementation; governance and inter-organisational collaboration, systems typology and methods of assessment, organisational and social influences, clinicians in management.

Managing Health Services for Quality

15 credits

This module introduces the basic concepts of service operations management applicable to the health and social care environment. You will cover:

  • methodologies for the planning and control of resources within the health and social care environment; and
  • means of quality measurement and control and their suitability in ensuring the delivery of an appropriate and consistent service in line with the expectations of the service user.

Topics include:

  • investigation of different planning and control strategies and evaluation of their impact upon the scheduling and control of resources and facilities;
  • measuring customer satisfaction (bridging the link between expectations and perceptions, the Servqual model, a review of the role of quasi independent bodies such as the Picker Institute, Doctor Foster Intelligence); and
  • evaluation of quality programmes specific to the health and social care environment (for example, Chris Wilson's model, RCN DySSy, Social Care Quality models).
Aspects of Financial Resource Management in Health

30 credits

This module seeks to examine the key issues which influence decision-making in what is often a 'cash limited' environment. The module reviews health service finance from two contrasting perspectives.

Firstly from a 'top down' viewpoint, in terms of the Source/s and Flow of Healthcare Funding that reviews how funding is allocated across healthcare organisations and how it is then dispersed within organisations.

Secondly, and in contrast, Health Economics for Policy Decisions then reviews how clinicians and other managers who hold budgetary responsibility should constantly review the degree to which allocated funding is being spent appropriately in order to drive clinical quality, value for money and health gain.

Managing Information in Health

15 credits

This module develops student ability to understand and use information as a strategic resource in supporting the delivery of health and social care services. It covers the changing role of information and communications technology (ICT) in the light of structural changes in the NHS and social care; and the enabling role of Information Technology (IT) in facilitating communication and collaboration among professionals and patients in the health and social care sectors.

Health Services Marketing

15 credits

This module explores the evidence base for, and measures the effectiveness of, the range of approaches available within the private sector which can be used to leverage improvements in public health service design and delivery. Topics include service and marketing aspects of: patient choice (choose and book), service user engagement, stakeholder involvement, service quality (fitness for purpose), service re-engineering (organisational turn-around), payment by results, demand management, marketing and differentiation / relationship management (stakeholder / professional), and relationship management (consumer / end-user). Students will also learn how to understand and balance both user and stakeholder expectations and perceptions in the effective management of service delivery.

The minimum requirement for a Postgraduate Certificate is 60 credits, gained by completing Year 1 of the programme, comprising one 30-credit module and two 15-credit modules.

Core modules

Leading People and Organisational Change in Health

30 credits

This module aims to integrate theory and practice of leadership, management and organisational behaviour, towards understanding of the individual, group and organisational factors that underpin organisational effectiveness in healthcare services in a context of accelerated change. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the characteristics of successful organisations, group dynamics and individual high performers within the context of health. In addition, the module discusses the internal, external and political triggers for change in healthcare. Students will learn to evaluate how receptive an organisational context is to change and to critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of different models and tools for organisational change.

Strategic Health Management and Governance in Context

15 credits

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of strategic health management and governance in organisational, political, and socio-economic contexts. It will help students to develop an ability to analyse critically developments in healthcare management in the UK and other countries. Topics include evolution of health care management, new public management; marketisation and private sector involvement; decentralisation policy formulation and implementation; governance and inter-organisational collaboration, systems typology and methods of assessment, organisational and social influences, clinicians in management.

Managing Health Services for Quality

15 credits

This module introduces the basic concepts of service operations management applicable to the health and social care environment. You will cover:

  • methodologies for the planning and control of resources within the health and social care environment; and
  • means of quality measurement and control and their suitability in ensuring the delivery of an appropriate and consistent service in line with the expectations of the service user.

Topics include:

  • investigation of different planning and control strategies and evaluation of their impact upon the scheduling and control of resources and facilities;
  • measuring customer satisfaction (bridging the link between expectations and perceptions, the Servqual model, a review of the role of quasi independent bodies such as the Picker Institute, Doctor Foster Intelligence); and
  • evaluation of quality programmes specific to the health and social care environment (for example, Chris Wilson's model, RCN DySSy, Social Care Quality models).

What our students say

I strongly recommend the MSc to those who intend to further their education in this field. My professional background is within intensive care nursing, and I have worked in both the NHS and private sectors in London. I have furthered my career as a clinical duty manager in private healthcare.

As part of my professional and personal development, I searched for part-time studies that would fit around my full-time job. I was delighted this course offers an impressive curriculum for part-time studies. The knowledge, skills, behaviour and experience I have learnt have helped me with my day-to-day role. I am very impressed with the series of lectures which were very interactive.

All the lecturers, especially the course director Mr Graham Walker, are approachable, accommodating, helpful and supportive. Having this MSc will open up even more opportunities for career progression in the future.

Ferdinand Angelito Batoon – Clinical Nurse Manager (Duty Manager), London Bridge Hospital / Private Care at Guy's, HCA International

I chose the MSc because I wanted to develop my management skills. I love the blended learning aspect - the discussion boards are great - and the lecturers are very supportive, particularly during my assignments. I'd really recommend this course.

Tawanda Chirisa – Clinical team leader, Huntercombe Roehampton Hospital

I've learnt a lot in a very short space of time; we've covered a huge variety of topics. I'm the youngest on the course, at 23 years old, and intend to use my new found knowledge to move into a managerial position. I'm a recent graduate, so haven't found studying too hard.

Osmaan Saed – Clinical Database Analyst, Johnson & Johnson

What this course offers

This Leadership and Management in Health course aims to:

  • Help you develop leadership competencies and skills in the healthcare sector.
  • Equip you with the knowledge and skills required to either enter professional practice of health management, or continue to a higher level professionally.
  • Offer flexible, modular learning which can be taken as a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters (MSc).
  • Give you access to a wealth of information in lectures, journals, e-learning forums, seminars, the library, online lectures and discussion groups.
  • Provide a critical understanding of the body of academic knowledge relevant to leadership and management and its application in practice.
  • Expand your professional knowledge by facilitating discussion with other practising professionals from different organisations and sectors.
  • Gives you an opportunity to research a specific area of healthcare management with practical application to your current workplace by means of a masters-level dissertation.

"Students act as their own resource in that you have a tremendous breadth of both education and practical experience... Students also act as a resource to each other and they can actually stimulate others to go on and do things that they felt maybe were beyond their scope." Graham Walker, Course Director

What our graduates say

The Leadership and Management in Health MSc has given me confidence in my abilities in management in the health sector, and developed my critical thinking, strategic thinking and writing skills. These skills have supported me in my day-to-day working activities and allowed me to think ‘outside the box', which I may not have done prior to the course. The course taught me that personal reflection is important in both my personal and professional life.

The programme has been the most challenging thing I have ever done; however has also been the most rewarding. I cannot thank Kingston University or my fellow classmates enough for the fantastic experience. I definitely recommend this MSc programme to anyone who wishes to advance their skills and career in healthcare leadership and management.

Robyn Jenkins, partnership manager – south west London at Macmillan Cancer Support

This course is a great insight into all aspects of managing healthcare and has benefited me in my role leading a multidisciplinary team. By the end of the two years (which flies by) I learnt lots and put into practice everything from budget planning to improving organisational culture.

The tutors are very knowledgeable and approachable, with varying teaching styles which adds to the student experience. The added bonus of this course is fellow students – their camaraderie, wealth of experience and varied professional backgrounds supports your own learning and development.

I would recommend this course to any health professional who has a desire to learn more about how the cogs are turned in healthcare.

Victoria Meyrick, specialist physiotherapist and clinical lead of integrated respiratory team, King's College Hospital

Graduate vote of thanks

Entry requirements

Typical offer

We value work experience as highly as academic qualifications when selecting students for this course. We look for candidates who can not only support each other throughout the programme, but also contribute to the kind of lively classroom discussions that enhance and cement learning.

PgCert/PgDip/MSc programme

Entry to this programme is assessed on either academic attainment or work experience. You will need:

  • a good honours degree from a UK university (or an equivalent qualification from a recognised international higher education provider) in a relevant discipline. This is usually health or social sciences, though other qualifications at honours degree level are acceptable; or
  • at least four years' work experience in middle or senior management, including participation in appropriate training events; and
  • candidates need to demonstrate their motivation and ability to work at postgraduate level: they must be well prepared, disciplined and able to manage their time and workload effectively.

MSc top-up programme

Candidates must have a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management in Health (a level 7 qualification worth 120 credits).

Advanced standing admission

Advanced standing can be given for relevant educational or professional achievements. The Kingston University procedures for the assessment of prior learning (APL) and prior experiential learning (APEL) will be applied.

International

Please note: most students from countries outside the European Union/European Economic Area and classified as overseas fee paying, are not eligible to apply for part-time courses due to UK student visa regulations. For information on exceptions please visit the UKCISA website or email our CAS and Visa Compliance team.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirement, which is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0. Make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we consider.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from recognised majority-English-speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country-specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services. 

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

  • 13% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

MSc

PgDip

PgCert

MSc (top up)

MSc
  • Coursework: 100%
PgDip
  • Coursework: 100%
PgCert
  • Coursework: 100%
MSc (top up)
  • Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice and the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes therefore you may be taught alongside students who are on these courses within the Business School.

Who teaches this course?

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on this course. The team includes by a mixture of highly qualified academics and healthcare practitioners with experience in the healthcare sector. The following group of staff members are currently involved in the delivery of different elements of this course. This pool is subject to change at any time within the academic year.

Mr Graham Walker

Course director

Professor Giampiero Favato

Dr Evangelia Fragouli

Dr Stephen Gourlay

Dr Winnifred Groves

Sanjeev Gupta

Dr Smirti Kutaula

Visiting practitioners

A range of guest practitioners will also contribute to sessions on this course. They will provide insight and specialist knowledge whilst making connections and links to real-life experience within industry. The following experts have appeared on this course recently:

  • Gema Borrego, Senior Project Manager EMEA, Becton & Dickinson
  • Charlotte English, Senior Improvement Lead, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Daniel Woodruffe, Chief Information Officer, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
  • Jenny Platt, Service Improvement Manager, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust
  • Charlotte Amison, Project Manager, Contact a Family
  • Kristina Holding, Owner and Sports Rehabilitation Therapist, Fitworx

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

Home 2025/26

  • MSc part time £6,270
  • MSc top-up part time £4,740
  • PGCert part time £3,900
  • PGDip part time £3,900

International 2025/26

  • MSc part time £9,880
  • MSc top-up part time £7,160
  • PGCert part time £6,300
  • PGDip part time £6,300

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc part time £5,995
  • MSc top-up part time £4,350
  • PGCert part time £3,820
  • PGDip part time £3,820

International 2024/25

  • MSc part time £9,500
  • MSc top-up part time £6,860
  • PGCert part time £6,070
  • PGDip part time £6,070

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs not covered by tuition fees. Students will need to consider these costs when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees. However, we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Eduniversal best masters winner 2024

This course has been rated as one of the best health management masters courses worldwide.

It was ranked 65 in the world by the Eduniversal masters ranking 2024, placing the programme second in the UK.

Eduniversal ranks masters programmes from more than a thousand business schools and universities. Key criteria include: the reputation of the programmes with human resources managers, career prospects, salaries and details of first jobs. The rankings also look at the results of a satisfaction survey of recent graduates.

After you graduate

Recent graduates work for NHS trusts in roles such as service improvement and efficiency managers, senior managers, physiotherapy inpatient operational leads and as corporate strategists for St Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada.

Kingston Business School: who do you want to be?

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.