MBA Healthcare Management

30 credits

This module will introduce you to key ideas of leadership and relates them specifically to healthcare systems.

You will be introduced to key ideas of contemporary leadership theory as well as practical tools that are capable of being used in a wide variety of contexts. Issues of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will inform thinking across the module – reflecting EDI issues across the staff team and the user base.

Leadership is about achieving organisational success through collaboration and management of organisational resources. As such, sustainability – financial and environmental – are key themes that run through the module.

Leadership is also about personal development in terms of being the most appropriate and influential type of leader – this module also explores diverse types of leaders in different cases/contexts. Healthcare managers have a clear role and responsibility to ensure that issues like employee voice, individual and cultural differences as well as skills development are appropriately and effectively managed.

This module provides a strong basis for healthcare managers to embrace the opportunities and challenges of healthcare management in light of the external factors facing the sector globally. You will explore various theoretical perspectives and assess their usefulness to healthcare contexts in light of the external environment, ethical considerations, sustainable management and an alignment for UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Throughout the module, you will engage in case study analyses, and group discussions to contextualise theoretical concepts. Practical workshops will involve critical analysis of real-life cases to address a range of leadership and managerial problems.

In this way, you will develop commercial awareness and recognise drivers for business success in the health and social care landscape. You will also have the opportunity to explore a range of electronic resources and work with others and communicate your views on key topics in weekly workshops.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery will consit of one, one-hour lecture and a three-hour workshop each week.

Lectures will be developed around the key concepts and theories used in leadership and management perspectives and will use a range of examples and cases from business practice and wider society to demonstrate the application of concepts.

Seminars will focus particularly on the elaboration of specific theoretical approaches with reference to their possible application to healthcare contexts through the selection of relevant cases studies which are likely to arise in organisational, management, and business situations within the healthcare environment. Seminars will also include the discussion of case studies and business/ethical dilemmas.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a critical essay (50%) and a presentation (50%).

30 credits

This module explores concepts and frameworks used in financial decision-making and provides you with the necessary tools and skills to successfully undertake financial performance management in healthcare organisations in both a domestic and international context.

Topics include the healthcare finance context, financial reporting and financial performance assessment in healthcare organisation, long-term financing and capital investment, short-term financial planning and control and operation monitor and control and the role of technology in driving improved financial management and performance.

You will explore operational-level and strategic-level financial performance issues, assess financial decision making in terms of economic, social and environmental factors alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Throughout the module, you will engage in case study analyses, and group discussions to contextualise theoretical concepts and financial techniques. Practical workshops will involve critical analysis of real-life cases to address a range of financial performance management problems in healthcare organisations. In this way, you will develop financial decision-making skills that recognise issues of equity, diversity and inclusion for sustained organisational success. You will also have the chance to collaborate and communicate with others to exchange ideas and thoughts.

You will develop practical expertise in financial performance management to support effective decision-making in healthcare organisations – whether working in a finance-related role or not. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of the techniques used in practice. Through the application of financial performance management tools to real-world scenarios, this module enhances critical thinking, analytical skills, and strategic decision-making, while fostering adaptability and resilience in dynamic healthcare environments.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for this module consists of one, one-hour lecture and one, three-hour workshop per week.

Lectures will cover introducing key concepts and techniques used in financial decision making as mentioned in the indicative course content with examples to demonstrate the application of concepts and techniques.

Workshops will consist of the application and critical evaluation on financial performance management techniques through cases analysis from the perspectives of decision makers,

You will also have 30 minutes of online support.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a multiple-choce test (30%) and a case study report (70%).

30 credits

International arbitration has become the preferred method for resolving cross-border commercial disputes, with over 90% of international commercial contracts containing arbitration clauses.

This module provides comprehensive analysis of international arbitration law, procedure, and practice as distinct from alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Students develop expertise essential for international legal practice, in-house counsel roles, and careers as arbitrators or mediators. The module addresses both commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration, reflecting the diverse landscape of international dispute resolution.

You will develop a sound understanding of the main international legal instruments used to regulate international commercial arbitration, develop a firm substantive and practical understanding of international commercial arbitration; develop written skills, including the clear succinct expression of ideas; and develop research skills and techniques in the field of international commercial arbitration.

You will also be able to develop your skills and abilities in research and enquiry, through e.g. selecting and deploying appropriate research techniques; personal and intellectual autonomy, e.g. developing the ability to independently assess the relevance and importance of primary and secondary sources; communication, e.g. skills in summarising and communicating information and ideas effectively in written form; personal effectiveness, e.g. working constructively as a member of an online community; technical/practical skills, throughout the course, e.g. in articulating, evidencing and sustaining a line of argument, and engaging in a convincing critique of another's arguments.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning will be based on a weekly programme consisting of a two-hour lecture and a two-hour workshop. These will be divided into knowledge acquisition as well as collaborative learning and applied practice.

The lectures will be developed around the key concepts, theories, principles, and mechanism of international commercial arbitration and investment arbitration, procedure, costs, and ethical questions as explained in the indicative course content. They will be confronted with a range of real-world examples and cases from arbitral practice to demonstrate their ability to apply the law accurately.

The seminars will be designed to foster analytical proficiency through a variety of activities, including drafting which is a key skill for the Bar and solicitor profession, discussions, mooting, quizzes, and case studies. This interactive approach will provide a solid foundation for making real-life decisions and encourages group reflection to enhance your understanding and proficiencies of how to integrate conflicting legal sources and build effective and strong arguments to prepare you for legal practice.

You will be expected to use the module resource lists, learning materials, and other Moodle resources for independent studying.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a written advocacy (30%) and a presentation (70%).

30 credits

This module explores the concepts and frameworks integral to strategic decision-making within the healthcare sector, equipping you with the tools and skills necessary to manage and lead organisations in both domestic and international healthcare contexts.

Topics include an analysis of the external healthcare environment and industry dynamics, identifying and leveraging unique organisational resources, core competences, and dynamic capabilities. Many of the classic business tools such as PESTLE and SWOT are included. Additionally, key tools related to business improvement such as benchmarking – including benchmarking against international best practice – and the Balanced Scorecard are evaluated.

Sustainability will be considered as a key requirement driving strategic decision making.

Throughout this module, you will engage in case study analyses and group discussions to apply theoretical concepts within the context of the healthcare industry. Interactive workshops will focus on the critical evaluation of real-world healthcare challenges, enabling you to address a variety of strategic problems specific to this sector.

The impacts of evolving technologies will be considered in depth. These activities will help you to develop an understanding of the complexities of healthcare management, build commercial awareness, and identify key drivers of success in healthcare organisations.

Additionally, you will collaborate with peers, share diverse perspectives, and refine communication skills, preparing you to take a successful career path in the dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape with awareness of the fundamental importance of equity, diversity and inclusion across healthcare.

This module develops analytical skills, strategic decision-making capabilities, critical thinking to evaluate environment, resources, and strategies. By applying tools to a health industry case, you will build practical expertise in strategic management. This application of theory to practice simulates reality and will enable you to bridge between theory and practice and enhance your ‘business readiness’.

The emphasis on critical evaluation ensures you understand not just the application but also the limitations of strategic tools, fostering adaptability and resilience in dynamic business environments.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for this module consists of one, one-hour lecture and one, three-hour workshop per week.

Lectures will be developed around the key concepts and frameworks used in strategic decision-making and as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of examples and cases from healthcare industry to demonstrate the application of concepts.

Seminars will concentrate particularly on the elaboration of specific theoretical approaches with reference to their application through the selection of business cases which are likely to arise in organisational, management, and business situations. Seminars will also include the discussion of case studies and business dilemmas.

You will also have 30 minutes of online support.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a case study report (70%) and a presentation (30%).

60 credits

You will apply your knowledge to a real-world business setting.

You will choose from three career pathways:

1. Consultancy challenge – collaborating with international businesses, NGOs, and community organisations, through a structured consultancy challenge, you will work in teams to tackle real-world business problems. This hands-on experience not only strengthens your professional skill set but also enhances your professional and social capital and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
   
   
2. Research internship - as a research intern, you will undertake a small research project under the supervision of experienced researchers from our Centre for Sustainability and Responsible Management. You will experience projects that are beneficial for a wide range of stakeholders, including local and central governments, businesses and charitable organisations.
   
   
3. Start-up pathway - if you're interested in becoming a entrepreneur, this pathway is specifically designed to support you with developing of a new venture idea.