City

What you'll study

This master's combines leadership theory, service improvement methods and applied research to develop capabilities for leading transformation in complex health and care settings. Teaching typically covers modules in leadership and organisational behaviour, quality improvement and patient safety, health systems and policy, strategic service redesign, and digital and data-enabled care.

The programme emphasises applied learning: students normally complete a research methods module followed by a major applied project, dissertation or capstone that addresses a real organisational improvement challenge. Teaching methods mix seminars, workshops, case studies, project work and input from practising leaders and stakeholders from across the health sector.

• Leadership in health and care – theory, ethics and professional practice
• Quality improvement and patient safety methodologies (e.g. Lean, PDSA, measurement for improvement)
• Health systems, policy and commissioning
• Strategic service redesign and programme management
• Data, digital health and evidence for improvement
• Research methods and applied project/dissertation focused on transformation

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant subject or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Candidates with substantial and recent senior clinical or managerial experience in health or social care may be considered without the standard academic qualification, provided they can show evidence of leadership responsibility and potential for postgraduate study.

Typical applications will include a personal statement outlining leadership experience and development goals, academic transcripts and one or two references, at least one of which should comment on the applicant's professional performance. International applicants must meet English language requirements if their prior study was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of leadership and improvement roles across the NHS, independent healthcare providers, commissioning bodies, social care organisations and health-related consultancy. Common roles include service improvement lead, programme or project manager, clinical or operational director, strategy analyst, and roles within integrated care partnerships.

The programme also suits professionals aiming to progress into senior management or executive leadership roles, or those intending to undertake further research or doctoral study in health services, policy or leadership.

Why study at City

City has a strong reputation for vocationally oriented postgraduate provision in professional and applied fields, with courses designed to bridge theory and practice. The Transforming Leading Healthcare MSc benefits from the university's location in London, offering access to a diverse health economy, guest speakers from practice, and opportunities to work on live organisational projects.

Students also benefit from small-group teaching focused on transferable leadership skills, networks with alumni working across health and care, and a curriculum shaped to meet the practical demands of transformation work in contemporary health systems.