Health Policy
Postgraduate Certificate
Duration: 10/11 months part-time
(standalone course)
Postgraduate Diploma
Duration: 22-23 months part-time
(including PG Cert)
Master’s degree
Duration: 25 months part-time
(including PG Cert and PG Dip)
Overview
Our courses in Health Policy offer you the chance to learn about important aspects of health policy from leading international academics and practitioners.
Through intensive blocks of teaching coupled with personal study, you will acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy. We will introduce you to both quantitative and qualitative research techniques that will enable you to carry out original studies.
You will also develop the ability to critique existing and emerging health policy on the basis of evidence and knowledge.
In addition, you will gain a comparative perspective that enables you to consider the challenges affecting different regions and countries, as well as alternative potential responses to them. You will also have the opportunity to network with international peers.
The courses are aimed at those already working in the health sector. You will acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of health policy, with a view to improving the quality of such policy, both within the USA and internationally.
Our MSc in Health Policy is delivered by the Institute of Global Health Innovation.
Study programme
We offer the following qualifications in Health Policy, which are available as a pathway that build to an MSc or as standalone qualifications:
- PG Cert Health Policy (Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health)
11 months (30 ECTS)
- PG Cert Health Policy (Leading Innovative Change)
10 months (30 ECTS)
- PG Dip Health Policy
21 months in total (based on completion of the two PG Certs) (60 ECTS)
- MSc Health Policy
23 months in total (based on completion of the PG Diploma + a 12-month research project) (90 ECTS)
Postgraduate Certificate
If you apply to the PG Cert initially, you have a choice of two streams:
- Leading Innovative Change
- Policy Theory, Economics and Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma
Completion of both PG Certificate streams results in the automatic award of the PG Diploma in Health Policy.
Alternatively, you have the option to complete just one of the streams and exit with a standalone PG Certificate in your chosen stream title.
Master of Science (MSc)
The Master’s-level degree consists of a 12-month research project. Successful completion of this project, in addition to the PG Certificate and PG Diploma content, will result in the award of the MSc in Health Policy.
Is this programme for you?
The taught modules cover health systems and policy in developing countries, health economics and how healthcare is financed, health and society, innovation, measuring performance, service delivery, the ageing society and leadership.
Additionally, you complete a research dissertation during your second year of the MSc in an aspect of Health Policy that will advance best practice in your chosen area.
Structure
Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.
Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.
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You take all of the modules below.
- Health Systems and Policy
- Health Economics for Health Policy
- Financing Healthcare
- Public Health
You will take 4 modules in total, of which 2 are core and the others are chosen from the below lists.
Core modules
- Innovation in Healthcare
- Health Service Delivery
You will take 4 modules in total, of which 2 are core and the others are chosen from the below lists.
Core modules
- Innovation in Healthcare
- Health Service Delivery
Optional modules
You will choose 1 module from each of the 2 groups below.
Group 1
- Measuring and Improving Performance in Healthcare
- Communicating Health Policy
Group 2
- Leadership in Healthcare
- Ageing and Society
You will choose 1 module from each of the 2 groups below.
Group 1
- Measuring and Improving Performance in Healthcare
- Communicating Health Policy
Group 2
- Leadership in Healthcare
- Ageing and Society
You can continue on to the MSc course, where you will complete a 12 month research project.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- 1-1 supervision meetings (MSc only)
- Group discussions
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical workshops
- Site visits
Assessment methods
- Essays
- Independent project (MSc only)
- Presentations
- Research project report
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree and at least two years’ healthcare experience.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
How to apply
You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.
We will start reviewing applications in December and will invite successful candidates to interview in the new year.
We will schedule interviews on a rolling basis. Please note that there is not a set application deadline for the MSc Genomic Medicine course but we strongly encourage candidates to apply before 1 July.
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Choosing your course
This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- PG Diploma (PG Dip)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.
Making an application
All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.