Course structure

Our Global Health Leadership MSc is an online course that adopts a blended learning approach. Case study visits will be in person and there will be some face-to-face at the start of the course for induction purposes.

Modules are mainly taught over eight weeks asynchronously online, supported by the presence of a tutor, with the exception of the field visit weeks which are taught in-situ and any assessment that are in-situ. 

Three of the modules include a week long overseas case study visit, the locations of these are to be confirmed. Travel and accommodation for these visits are supported through the course fees and if you wish to upgrade you may do so at your own cost. By studying relevant topics 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 of the case study modules focuses on a particular identified course theme and the assessments are anchored by having a reflective journal to build towards the final independent project. You will be provided with a detailed course plan at the recruitment phase so that they are aware of when those weeks might be. There also needs to be consideration of any preparation for visits in terms of risk assessments and any vaccinations etc. that may be required. 

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 literature review project over the final 4 months of the programme.  

Fully online modules are structured as 6 weeks learning content, 1 week assignment finalisation and 1 week assignment submission. Most are approximately: 

• 26 hours online activities.
• 60 hours reading and private study.
• 64 hours assessment preparation and writing.
• Part of the eligibility/pre-requisites of the course is that there is evidence that the employer supports the study. This course is a full master’s and requires level 7 study. The expectations and time commitment are high because of this.  

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
• Subject specific skills
• Successful students will be able to:
• 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 literature review 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.