Master in Health Care Policy & Management

Award: Master in Health Care Policy & Management
Duration: 6–9 Months (Full-Time)
Total Credits: 30–36 (Equivalent to 90 ECTS)

Programme Overview

This intensive programme provides both theoretical frameworks and practical tools for health policy design, analysis, and management in diverse health systems. It bridges the gap between academic research and real-world healthcare practice, helping professionals gain leadership capacity, analytical skills, and strategic insight for improving quality and performance in health organizations across the globe.

 

Programme Aims & Learning Objectives
  1. Develop advanced knowledge of healthcare policy, governance, and service delivery systems.
  2. Equip leaders and policymakers with analytical, strategic, and decision-making tools for modern health systems.
  3. Integrate global and comparative perspectives on health policy, reform, and economic evaluation.
  4. Strengthen capacity for leadership, quality improvement, and sustainable health system change.
Category:

Description

Programme Pathway / Structure

The programme combines core courses (24 credits) with a capstone research project (6–9 credits), completed across two intensive terms.

Code Course Title Credits Content Summary
HCM 701 Health Policy Systems & Reform 3 Frameworks for understanding national and global health systems and policy reform strategies.
HCM 702 Health Economics & Resource Allocation 3 Principles of cost-effectiveness, budgeting, and funding models for health service delivery.
HCM 703 Leadership in Health Management 3 Development of leadership, negotiation, and communication skills for managing health organisations.
HCM 704 Strategic Planning & Quality Improvement in Healthcare 3 Tools and methodologies for quality improvement, service evaluation, and policy implementation.
HCM 705 Health Care Data Analytics & Decision-Making 3 Use of data systems and statistics in performance management and evidence-based decision-making.
HCM 706 Comparative Global Health Policy 3 Analysis of international health policy models, WHO frameworks, and cross-country case studies.
HCM 790 Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3 Methods for qualitative and quantitative policy research; critical appraisal and evaluation.
HCM 799 Master’s Thesis / Applied Policy Project 6–9 Independent applied project addressing a key policy or management issue; written report and oral defense.
Credit Distribution Summary
Component Credits
Core & Elective Modules 21–24
Research Methods 3
Thesis / Applied Project 6–9
Total 30–36
Delivery & Schedule
  • Full-Time Accelerated Mode: 6–9 months (2 academic terms)
  • Format: Blended (on-campus + online hybrid)
  • Learning Methods: Seminars, workshops, policy case studies, and applied research
Term Courses Credits
Term 1 (Months 1–4) HCM 701, HCM 702, HCM 703, HCM 704 12
Term 2 (Months 5–9) HCM 705, HCM 706, HCM 790, HCM 799 (Research Project) 18–24
Entry Requirements
  • Honours Bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0) in Health Sciences, Public Policy, or Management.
  • Applicants with professional experience in healthcare or public administration are encouraged.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90+, or an equivalent proficiency examination.
  • Required documents: Statement of Purpose, Transcripts, Two References, and CV.
Key Features / Advantages
  • Accelerated 6–9 month completion ideal for healthcare professionals and policy practitioners.
  • Combines leadership, economics, and policy management with global case-based learning.
  • Aligned with standards of the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) at the University of Birmingham.
  • Strong applied learning approach bridging research and practice.
  • Suitable for leadership roles in hospitals, health ministries, NGOs, and global health agencies.