Masters Degrees (Improvement)

Designed to focus on the delivery of sustainable, measurable improvements in quality, the MSc Quality Improvement is suitable for a multi-professional audience. It will enable participants to develop an understanding of the science and art of improvement and its application in their organisation.

To ensure that participants have access to the expertise to support them in the development of their own theoretical and practical knowledge of quality improvement approaches, the programme has been developed in partnership between the University of Dundee and the Tayside Centre for Organisational Effectiveness (TCOE).

The programme is supported by a faculty of academic and experienced improvement and organisational development practitioners from NHS Fife and NHS Tayside. This collective expertise ensures an exceptional student experience.

The multi-professional ethos of quality improvement is reflected in the development and delivery of the programme across the College of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing and the School of Education, Social Work & Community Education.

Why study Quality Improvement at Dundee?

The challenge to deliver safe and effective care whilst maximising the utilisation of resources remains a continuous challenge for all practitioners involved in health care both nationally and internationally. The six dimensions of quality are often referred to as safety, effectiveness, patient-centred, timeliness, efficiency and equity. Our course will explore all of these aspects.

On completion of this programme, you will be equipped to influence and lead quality improvements in practice, making a real difference in your place of work.

What's so good about studying Quality Improvement at Dundee?

Here in Scotland, the NHS Scotland Healthcare Quality Strategy places significant emphasis on the provision of "high quality, person-centred, clinically effective and safe health care services".

The programme utilises professional expertise across the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing and the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education to enable you to develop sound theoretical knowledge regarding the principles and processes of quality improvement.

Participation in the development and planning of the programme has also been greatly assisted by Healthcare Improvement Advisers from Tayside Centre for Organisational Effectiveness and the Quality and Clinical Governance Lead from NHS Fife.

Who should study this course?

The course is aimed at those who are working in a health or social care organisation and who have completed an undergraduate degree.
Students undertaking this programme should be engaged in promoting quality improvement in some capacity across a range of settings.

How you will be taught

Primarily this is a part-time distance learning programme (minimum of three years) enabling participation from national and international students. This programme can be delivered entirely in a distance learning format, depending on choice of modules. All core modules are delivered in distance learning format. Some option modules are delivered in a blended approach for local students. We deliver the online programme using the Blackboard Learning System, the University's virtual learning environment (also referred to as MyDundee). The programme is intended to be interactive and supportive, giving you the opportunity to share ideas, knowledge and experience and to discuss and debate issues. Access to journal articles will be available as part of the resource provided for each module.

What you will study

Module information:
Each module attracts 30 credit points at SCQF level 11:

Quality Improvement in Action: (distance learning)
This module gives the student the opportunity to critically evaluate the theoretical background to the concept of improvement science and to develop critical awareness .of quality improvement principles, approaches and application to service delivery.

Leadership, Change and Organisational Development: (distance learning)
This module introduces students to the concept of leadership for change. It examines key issues in the improvement of service delivery with a focus on effective leadership of services undergoing change. Optional workshops will be available for local participants.

Developing Research and Evaluation Skills: (distance learning)
This module enables the student to develop their knowledge of a variety of research and evaluation approaches and develop a rigorous proposal which they can then implement at dissertation stage.

Option modules:
Students are required to complete an option module from the following portfolio:

Measuring Quality
Coaching in a Systemic Context
Practice Development: Independent Study

(*Candidates will be required to take both of these 15 credit modules to gain the necessary 30 credit points.)

Dissertation (Quality Improvement):
(distance learning)
Students are also required to complete a double-weighted dissertation/project attracting 60 credit points. The dissertation/project provides students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate, under supervision, their academic, organisational and technical skills in the formulation, execution and writing-up of a research project investigating a topic pertaining to quality improvement.

Pathways:
There are three exit points to this programme. Modules required for each are listed below:

Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Improvement (PGCert)
Quality Improvement in Action
Leadership, Change and Organisational Culture.

Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Improvement (PGDip)
Quality Improvement in Action
Leadership, Change and Organisational Culture
Developing Research and Evaluation Skills
One option module (30 credit points)

Masters in Quality Improvement (MSc)
Quality Improvement in Action
Leadership, Change and Organisational Culture
Developing Research and Evaluation Skills
One option module (30 credit points)
Dissertation

How you will be assessed

For 30 credit modules, assessment will normally be via one written piece of work of 4,500 words or equivalent to this
For 15 credit modules, assessment will normally be via one written piece of work of 2,500 words or equivalent to this
At dissertation stage, students are required to complete a 20,000 word study

Careers

This new programme is designed for a wide range of potential participants who are working in a culture of continuous improvement, including health and social care professionals, policy planners and those in managerial roles.

The programme will enable candidates to gain a wider understanding of quality improvement and the many tools and techniques which can be used to continually improve service provision.

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About

The course recognises a need for organisations and their managers to become focused on the integration of quality and continuous improvement and as such, the course has been shaped and designed by leading academics and business leaders using the European Foundation Quality Model (EFQM) Excellence Model as its inspiration.

The European Framework for Quality Management (EFQM, 2013) introduces fundamental concepts of excellence which are practitioner-focused. The framework encourages organisations to strive towards eight concepts of excellence, which can only be achieved by actually doing something about it. As such it is a practical model which helps organisations to realise their potential. All modifications to these eight fundamental concepts of excellence, in addition to the new associated emphases, have been fully reflected in the proposed module content for this revised MSc Business Improvement course.

Students will study a diet of modules which will help them to gain a practical understanding of a variety of business improvement subject areas.

Students first work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Improvement, taking a total of eight modules. Once these have been successfully completed students can then move on to complete the full Master's qualification by completing a Research Methods module and a Business Transformation Project.

The course provides a structure to business improvement which allows students to follow a logical journey. Part 1 of the course introduces students to the “enabler” aspects of business improvement, part 2 of the course focuses on the “results” of business improvement. In semester 3, students are given the opportunity to research a complex business improvement problem in depth via a supervised project.

Modules

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. 

• Financial decision making
• Leadership and change management
• Innovation management
• People development and involvement
• Strategy
• Quality and process management
• Operational excellence
• Business transformation project

Career options

This course is primarily aimed at equipping students with the skills to allow them to improve the operational performance of an organisation. The MSc Business Improvement course can lead individuals into positions focused on business improvement within organisations. There is a demand for these skills in the economy as organisations strive to become more efficient and effective.

Students who have studied on the course over the last few years have had successful careers in organisations such as Bombardier, BE Aerospace, FG Wilson, NI Water and other public sector organisations.

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Our Implementation and Improvement Science MSc programme is a practical and innovative course for graduates with an interest in improving health services and a desire to do it efficiently. The Implementation and Improvement Science MSc programme is delivered by expert scientists working together under the auspices of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) South London.

Key benefits

• Leading researchers and specialists in the field, including implementation and improvement science experts from NIHR CLAHRC South London and King’s Improvement Science (KIS).
• A free two-day Implementation Science Masterclass managed by the CLAHRC South London with international experts in the field.
• Located in the heart of London, across three of King's Thames-side campuses (Waterloo, St Thomas' and Guy's) and the Denmark Hill Campus in South London.
• Lectures will be delivered by experienced multi-disciplinary researchers on contemporary issues in the conduct and utilisation of health, clinical and social care research.
• A thriving research community to join and to participate with active researchers in a range of extra-curricular events, such as reading groups, round-table discussions and workshops.

Description

Implementation Science is the study of methods to support the application of evidence and research findings in healthcare policy and practice. As well as seeking to understand the behaviour of healthcare professionals, managers and policymakers together with service users and carers. The study also examines the impact of decisions on the sustainable uptake, adoption, and spread of evidence-based interventions.

Implementation and Improvement Science looks to determine which improvement strategies offer the greatest benefit in terms of safety, health outcomes and the experience of service users.

The course provides a thorough training that will enable you to develop research skills to support the design and delivery of effective health services. You will have the opportunity to develop, implement and evaluate health interventions working in partnership with health and social care providers to meet vital service needs.

What you will learn?

• How to design, implement and evaluate an implementation or improvement project using different theoretical approaches and designs
• The importance of measurement e.g. how to know if an intervention is making a positive difference, how to measure unintended consequences of an intervention, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of different intervention and implementation strategies
• Research and practical skills that will help you make real and long-lasting improvements in health services – including how to design effective interventions to improve population health.

This research programme offers you the flexibility to study either full or part-time and is made up of optional and required modules totalling 180 credits. If you are studying full-time, you will complete the course in one year, while the part-time study pathway will take two years to complete.

Initially, you will explore the Principles of Implementation and Improvement Science, Measurement and Evaluation for Healthcare Practice as well as issues in the conduct of healthcare research methods. You will then choose a range of optional modules to reflect your academic interests before completing a dissertation worth 60 credits. Your thesis will enable you to draw on your knowledge and research skills with a choice of three options: an analysis of an area of healthcare provision, an empirical study, or a systematic review.

If you are following the part-time study pathway, you will typically complete the required core study modules as well as the optional modules in the first year and the dissertation in the second and final year.

Who should apply?

• Health professionals, researchers and health service managers working in the NHS, voluntary sector or private sector
• Patient and service user activists, or members of a patient organisation
• Staff working in the charity sector who are interested in making health services better
• Social scientists
• Staff working for a commissioning organisation.

Location

The majority of learning for this degree takes place across the four King’s College London campuses, including three Thames-side campuses (Waterloo, St Thomas’ and Guy’s) and the Denmark Hill Campus in South London. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select. 

Course purpose

The course content is suitable for people at the start of their career as well as people who have been working in, or using health services for a longer period of time.

Course format and assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. This can include written assignments such as essays, portfolios and dissertations. In addition, some modules will require you to undertake a presentation as part of the module assessment. A small number of modules are assessed by an exam such as an unseen written examination or a computer based assessment.

Regulating body

King’s College is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Extra information

What is Implementation Science?

Implementation Science is the study of methods to promote the translation of research findings and evidence into healthcare policy and practice. It seeks to understand the behaviour of healthcare professionals, managers and policy makers alongside those of service users and carers and how these behaviours impact the sustainable uptake, adoption, and spread of evidence-based interventions.

The methods investigate and address major blockages (eg social, behavioural, economic, management) that prevent effective implementation of practices that have already been shown to have the capacity to improve healthcare, and systematically measure the impact of these practices on patient outcomes, experience, safety and population health.

Implementation science is closely aligned to improvement science, which seeks to determine which improvement strategies offer most benefit in terms of safety, health outcomes and the experience of service users.

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This route focuses on leadership and learning in the context of school improvement and with reference to practice, policy and theory. The concept of leadership is treated as problematic and examined as it applies to pupils, teachers and support staff as well as those with formal leadership responsibilities. The route is underpinned by the values and principles of "Leadership for Learning: the Cambridge Network" these beliefs include a democratic concept of leadership rather than a hierarchical one, and a view of learning as a shared enterprise crossing the traditional divisions between 'teachers' and 'learners'.

The route is aimed at a wide audience including practitioners studying part-time as well as full time students. It is of relevance and interest to teachers, middle leaders, headteachers/principals, advisers and others as well as to graduate students interested in the area of leadership and school improvement. We draw on participants' experiences, and students pursue their particular interest by undertaking an individual empirical research project.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/ededmpels

Course detail

The overall aims of this specialist route are to enable participants to develop:

- An advanced knowledge and understanding of educational leadership and school improvement
- A set of skills for analysing educational leadership and school improvement issues and practices
- The ability to bring together theoretical perspectives on educational leadership and school improvement and apply an informed critique of their inter-relationship
- The ability to contribute to informed development of policy and practice in educational contexts
- Familiarity with a range of frameworks for understanding pupil, professional and organisational learning

The route content is covered through eight interrelated themes:

1. Leadership for Learning
2. Policy, Structures and Change
3. School Effectiveness and School Improvement
4. Issues and Dilemmas
5. Perspectives on Leadership
6. Perspectives on Learning
7. Schools, Cultures and Communities
8. Education Evaluation

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Educational Leadership and School Improvment route, students are expected to be able to:

- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of literature and concepts relating to educational leadership, school improvement, and learning; 
- show abilities in the critical analysis of educational leadership and school improvement issues and practices; 
- apply knowledge and understanding of educational research to plan and implement enquiry into an issue related to the route; 
- communicate the outcomes of their study and research through extended writing conforming to stipulated academic expectations and conventions.

Format

The course is composed of two key elements: (i) the research methods training course and (ii) the 'Educational Leadership and School Improvement' thematic route. Teaching time is split between both elements, with 32 hours of teaching being provided in research methods and 64 hours in the thematic route. The elements are taught through a mixture of lectures, smaller group seminars and individual supervisions.

Each term, written work is submitted and formative feedback is provided. Informally, feedback will also be provided through regular supervisions (three times a term). At the end of each term, supervisors are required to provide a report on student progress which can be viewed by the student through CGSRS.

Assessment

- Thesis: Up to 20,000 words.
- Essay 1: 6,000-6,500 words.
- Essay 2: 6,000-6,500 words.

Continuing

Students wishing to continue from the MPhil in Education to PhD are required to achieve:

1) an average of 70 across both sections with the thesis counting as double-weighted (eg: (Essay 1 + Essay 2 + thesis + thesis) divided by 4 = 70 or above.

Or
2) a straight mark of 70 or higher for the thesis.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

The Faculty is pleased to say that, in general, education students are successful in most of the funding competitions, and, in a typical year, will host students who have been awarded funding from all of the major funding bodies.

In addition, a number of Colleges have their own scholarships/bursaries, but these will be restricted to College members. Finally, it is important to note that deadlines for scholarships and bursaries are early, so applicants are strongly encouraged to explore funding opportunities as soon as possible - at least a year in advance of the start of the course.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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This route focuses on leadership and learning in the context of school improvement and with reference to practice, policy and theory. The concept of leadership is treated as problematic and examined as it applies to pupils, teachers and support staff as well as those with formal leadership responsibilities. The route is underpinned by the values and principles of "Leadership for Learning: the Cambridge Network" these beliefs include a democratic concept of leadership rather than a hierarchical one, and a view of learning as a shared enterprise crossing the traditional divisions between 'teachers' and 'learners'.

The route is aimed at a wide audience including practitioners studying part-time as well as full time students. It is of relevance and interest to teachers, middle leaders, headteachers/principals, advisers and others as well as to graduate students interested in the area of leadership and school improvement. We draw on participants' experiences, and students pursue their particular interest by undertaking an individual empirical research project.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/ededmeels

Course detail

The overall aims of this specialist route are to enable participants to develop:

- An advanced knowledge and understanding of educational leadership and school improvement
- A set of skills for analysing educational leadership and school improvement issues and practices
- The ability to bring together theoretical perspectives on educational leadership and school improvement and apply an informed critique of their inter-relationship
- The ability to contribute to informed development of policy and practice in educational contexts
- Familiarity with a range of frameworks for understanding pupil, professional and organisational learning

The route content is covered through eight interrelated themes:

1. Leadership for Learning
2. Policy, Structures and Change
3. School Effectiveness and School Improvement
4. Issues and Dilemmas
5. Perspectives on Leadership
6. Perspectives on Learning
7. Schools, Cultures and Communities
8. Education Evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Educational Leadership and School Improvment route, students are expected to be able to:

- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of literature and concepts relating to educational leadership, school improvement, and learning; 
- show abilities in the critical analysis of educational leadership and school improvement issues and practices; 
- apply knowledge and understanding of educational research to plan and implement enquiry into an issue related to the route; 
- communicate the outcomes of their study and research through extended writing conforming to stipulated academic expectations and conventions.

Format

The course is composed of two key elements: (i) the research methods training course and (ii) the 'Educational Leadership and School Improvement' thematic route. Teaching time is split between the two elements, with 32 hours of teaching being given to research methods and 64 hours being given to the subject specific content. The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, smaller group seminars and individual supervisions.

Written feedback is provided on the thesis by two independent assessors. Informally, feedback will also be provided through regular supervisions. Supervisors are required to provide a report on student progress which can be viewed by the student through CGSRS.

Assessment

- Thesis: Up to 20,000 words.
- Essay 1: 6,000-6,500 words.
- Essay 2: 6,000-6,500 words.

Continuing

Students wishing to continue from the MEd in Education to PhD or Ed D are required to achieve:

1) an average of 70 across both sections with the thesis counting as double-weighted (eg: (Essay 1 + Essay 2 + thesis + thesis) divided by 4 = 70 or above.
Or
2) a straight mark of 70 or higher for the thesis.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

The Faculty is pleased to say that, in general, education students are successful in most of the funding competitions, and, in a typical year, will host students who have been awarded funding from all of the major funding bodies.

In addition, a number of Colleges have their own scholarships/bursaries, but these will be restricted to College members. Finally, it is important to note that deadlines for scholarships and bursaries are early, so applicants are strongly encouraged to explore funding opportunities as soon as possible - at least a year in advance of the start of the course.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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This programme is designed for health and social care professionals working to generate healthcare associated infection improvement at (or supported at) a senior practitioner/middle management level. Academics from health and social care related disciplines will also find the postgraduate certificate highly beneficial as it enhances knowledge and develops specialist skills.

About the programme

You will enhance your knowledge and skills in infection control/ healthcare associated infection and quality improvement approaches in health and social care settings. In addition you can apply the knowledge and skills to design and implement a small scale change project, thereby facilitating healthcare associated improvement.

On successful completion of the course, there is the option to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma level of the MSc Advancing Practice programme which offers a range of pathways.

Your learning

The programme comprises three modules; two core and one option (from a possible two):
• Quality Improvement in Healthcare (core module)
• Leading Infection Control Improvement (core module)
• Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Improvement in Practice (option module)
• Independent study (HSCE) (option module)

Our Careers Adviser says

Graduates will be equipped with specialised knowledge and skills to support and facilitate safe and effective practice and improvement of HAI. Enhanced knowledge, skills and awareness of the international, national and local policies underpinning prevention, control and improvement of infection will enable you to make a unique contribution in the promotion and maintenance of best practice within your area of employment.

State-of-the-art facilities

Our campuses are equipped with artificial simulated environments with contemporary healthcare technology, where you’ll learn in a realistic context, to put your knowledge into practice. The unpredictability of patient symptoms are mimicked using sophisticated software in a clinical ward setting, ranging from low to high dependency beds.

Investment in the Domus Initiative – an older adult artificial home environment – provides you with experience in caring for older people and dementia care. In a first for the Scottish university sector, we have established A Community Orientated Resource for Nursing (ACORN) where students can practice within a simulated primary care environment.

Lanarkshire and Paisley campuses also provide midwifery students with excellent learning and teaching environments with facilities and equipment that includes a birthing room with maternal simulator and a birthing pool for simulated water births.

Life-changing research

We work jointly with a range of partners, both nationally and internationally, on our research interests, and this directly informs teaching at UWS – which means that you’ll learn from the experts.

Our programmes are informed by practice and all of our academic staff are members of the School’s Institute of Healthcare Policy and
Practice. Some of our most recent initiatives include –

• the launch of a new resource, ‘Jenny’s Diary’, which will provide an invaluable tool for families and practitioners to help people with a learning disability understand their diagnosis of dementia

• the development of a new ‘Philosophy of Care’ in partnership with Broomfield Court Care Home in Glasgow, which will look at ways of enhancing the culture and care within a care setting

• we have collaborated with Ayrshire Hospice to launch the first University Hospice in Scotland to help improve the lives of people with life-limiting illness, their families, partners and carers across Ayrshire & Arran; and Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock, with it becoming a University Teaching Hospice and launching a two-year research project with the University aimed at revolutionising the way palliative
care is delivered to improve the patient journey

• the launch of Dumfries & Galloway Recovery College – the first of its kind in Scotland – which offers short courses designed to enhance self-belief, identify ambitions and encourage learning

• in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Edinburgh, the mental health team lead research into the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical and academic performance in student nurses

• we are working with the Glasgow Improving Cancer Journey Programme to evaluate this groundbreaking intervention in cancer care in Scotland

• we have launched a new state-of-the-art microbiology lab which will form a research base in the fight against Healthcare Associated Infection

• a collaboration with a number of European partners to develop shared academic and practicebased programmes to prepare family health nurses in Europe

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This course is delivered by the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Northwest London, specialists in improvement science and is designed for experienced qualified healthcare staff, working both in the UK and internationally.

The CLAHRC delivered course focuses on:
• Understanding care from the perspective of patients and carers through engaging patients and members of the community with the design and development of care
• Bringing research more rapidly into everyday practice, utilising rapid-cycle research, improvement methodologies and rigorous evaluation of clinical and cost effectiveness
• Adopting an industrial standard of quality in the NHS through utilising information to drive evidence based implementation and support evidence based practice
• Increasing staff capacity to implement change and improvements across professional and organisational boundarie
As such the course will enable you to meet the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) and Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) agendas, within your organisation.

Course detail

This is a part-time course and you will generally study 3 modules a year. The start dates of the modules will be spread over the academic year to support your achievement, as we recognise you will be working full-time, alongside studying for this award.

Modules

The modules will provide you with the skills, competence and underpinning knowledge to be truly effective in your role and build your capability to apply the latest improvement models and tools to your work:

- The Policy Environment
- Leading and Sustaining Improvement
- Engaging others in Improvement
- 40 credits of option modules focusing on current issues of organisational and/or professional relevance.
- Evidence based Improvement Methods
- Improvement Project.

How to apply

Click the following link for information on how to apply to this course: http://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/postgraduate/how-apply

Scholarships and bursaries

Information about scholarships and bursaries can be found here: http://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/postgraduate/scholarships-and-bursaries

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This course allows you to explore how to make better use of research and innovation to improve ways in which healthcare is organised and delivered for patient benefit.

It is a work-based course, requiring you to identify and implement service improvement projects in your own work context.

The course is designed to focus on key concepts:
• Improvement science concepts
• Evidence-based approaches
• Quality improvement and measurement

Modules
• Personal Learning and Development
• Evidence Based Improvement Science
• Plus optional modules and projects

The MSc includes:
• Work-based enquiry methods for investigating innovations and improvement projects
• Work-based healthcare innovation and improvement projects, varying in size and scope depending on the target award

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This is an innovative Postgraduate Certificate designed for managers and leaders working in the health and social care sector, across wellbeing partnerships and those providing and developing services with communities and patients.

The programme equips leaders and managers with knowledge and skills and helps develop confidence to undertake effective service improvement programmes – leading and co-ordinating systems and service across health, wellbeing and social care settings.

The programme is intended to:
-Develop a critical understanding of the changing strategy and policy context in the health and social care sector
-Provide an opportunity for participants to review their own practice within their organisation and others within the partnership context
-Enable participants to lead service improvement in the health, wellbeing and social care sector
-Provide opportunities for inter-professional and inter-organisational learning

The Certificate will be of particular relevance to those working in the following areas:
-CCGs and other commissioners
-Local Government notably in Public Health and developing services to reduce inequalities
-Provider organisations including voluntary sector
-Co-ordination of networks and partnerships, notably those working within Health and Wellbeing Board structures

Modules

-Leadership and Management Theory and Practice
-Quality and Service Improvement

Learning activities and assessment

The curriculum is organised into two 30-credit modules. One module will be studied each semester. Each module combines theory with application to practice.
-Leadership and Management: Theory and Practice - this module analyses a range of approaches to leadership and management, providing the opportunity for students to develop their own skills
-Quality and Service Improvement - this module covers; service improvement principles and techniques, such as LEAN; quality improvement approaches including how to positively use service feedback and management complaints; effective ways to work in partnerships, networks and with communities

This programme combines study and assessment of theory alongside its application within a work setting.

Study is through a blended learning approach; 4 days attendance on campus for each module (2 blocks of 2 days); a virtual learning environment to support private study; ongoing tutor support.

Assessment of the programme includes practical application of skills and knowledge, demonstrating a theoretical understanding and enabling students to grow in confidence in their role.

Modules studied on the Certificate can go on to contribute to study at Masters level within the Faculty of Health Studies.

Career support and prospects

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

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The MSc in Quality and Patient Safety Improvement is an exciting new collaborative programme. It is hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and also involves the Centre for Health Innovation, Leadership and Learning within the Nottingham University Business School; the Human Factors Research Group in the School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering; and the Trent Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The programme is aimed at postgraduate healthcare professionals and graduate management colleagues who wish to develop greater expertise in quality and patient safety improvement with a strong emphasis on application in practice. This may include clinical staff, professional managers or commissioners involved in design and delivery of primary care, secondary hospital-based care, mental health, community and pre-hospital care services. The programme is also suitable for those interested in education and teaching in this field and associated research, innovation and scholarship. Applications are welcomed from UK and International students.

This programme will link the academic and practical application of quality improvement and human factors science to the complexities and challenges faced by modern health and social care. At its heart, the programme is about understanding the underpinning science and evidence for improvement in quality, safety and effectiveness of patient care. Modules focus on concepts and practicalities of improvement at the level of individual practice, team performance, integrated clinical services, and from organisational and strategic policy perspectives. Specific experience will be developed in the application of tools and techniques to explore problems in practice and support sustainable implementation of innovative solutions. A key feature of the programme is the opportunity to apply science and theory into practice.

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This exciting MSc programme focuses on leadership, change management, evidence-based service innovation and delivery all key to the delivery of high quality health care. The programme is intended for experienced, qualified health care professionals who may work in and across a range of health care settings and in a variety of clinical, managerial and leadership roles.

The course aims to:

• Develop leadership knowledge and skills which can be applied to the delivery of a quality, evidence-based service linked to service user, staff and organisational outcomes
• Develop transformational leaders capable of improving and innovating health and social care delivery in a range of settings
• Develop a critical awareness of self in the leadership of service delivery and innovation
• Enhance critical awareness and reflection on the interfaces between policy, research, commissioning, service and practice
• Enable you to contribute to the advancement of your practice and the service you deliver by your professional development and life-long approach to learning

You have the option to exit after Year 1 with a PgCert Leadership Studies in Health Care and to exit after Year 2 with a PgDip Leadership Studies in Health Care.

The course is delivered one day per week.

Modules

There are two options for this course; a 3 year route and a 4 year route.

Modules for 3 year route:

Year 1
(3 core modules, 20 credits each)

• Research in health and social care
• Strategic leadership in health care
• Innovation for excellence - leading service change

Year 2
(1 core and 2 optional modules, 20 credits each)

Core module:

•Leading continuous quality improvement in health care

Optional modules:

• Mentorship and coaching for leadership
• Leading patient and public engagement in health care
• Professional development through contract learning

Year 3

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Modules for 4 year route:

Year 1
(2 core modules, 20 credits each)

• Research in health and social care
• Innovation for excellence - leading service change

Year 2
(1 core and 1 optional module, 20 credits each)

Core module:

•Strategic leadership in health care

Optional modules:

• Leading patient and public engagement in health care
• Professional development through contract learning

Year 3
(1 core and 1 optional module, 20 credits each)

Core module:
• Leading continuous quality improvement in health care

Optional modules:

• Mentorship and coaching for leadership
• Leading patient and public engagement in health care
• Professional development through contract learning

Year 4

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Professional links

The School of Health and Social Care delivers postgraduate education programmes and applied research linked to practice and workforce innovation and research capacity building. The work undertaken by staff and students is recognised both nationally and internationally.

Employability

With a range of flexible pathways available, our courses and modules are designed to enhance career opportunities by equipping health care professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage change, lead improvement initiatives and become an effective leader.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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This course examines crop improvement through advances in resource use efficiency, crop protection and modern crop improvement and breeding techniques. Focusing upon the understanding of plant to crop systems, and with an emphasis on research training, the course is ideally suited to those wishing to pursue careers in research institutes, plant breeding, agro-industry and advance to higher research degree (PhD) study.

The course consists of a number of taught modules and a major research project.

Specialist facilities for plant work include modern glasshouses and controlled environment growth rooms in which plants and tissue cultures can be raised. The laboratories contain a wide range of modern equipment including ultracentrifuges, apparatus for radioisotope studies, gas liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry. A number of experimental plots containing arable and horticultural crops are available for use by students, particularly in relation to their projects. Crop Science fieldwork is carried out as part of the normal arable rotation on the farm, which is within easy reach of the laboratories.

The School also has a Tropical Crops Research Unit - computer controlled glasshouses are available for research on a range of tropical species.

Links with industry further enhance the course by providing valuable industry knowledge and experience and relating the subject to commercial practice

Scholarships may be available -please see our web-site.
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This MSc takes advantage of our unique expertise in Plant Genetics to provide expert, cutting-edge training in a highly prized discipline. The degree provides an ideal grounding for PhD research or a career in plant breeding and crop improvement with modules including Genetics, Plant Genomics, Plant Molecular Genetics and Statistics for Plant Science.

Your taught modules will be complemented by a six-month laboratory-based research project, giving you the opportunity to work closely with world-leading scientists from the John Innes Centre and our School of Biological Sciences.

The John Innes Centre – based on Norwich Research Park alongside UEA – is one of the world’s leading research institutes in plant genetics and crop improvement, so there are few places in the world where you’ll find a better opportunity to work with such leading authorities and world-class facilities.

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The School Improvement and Educational Leadership programme is designed for those who are aiming to make a difference in schools through leadership that is focused on learning. Leadership in schools takes many forms: through school and departmental leadership teams, but also through collaboration between teachers and schools on specific problems in teaching and learning. You will be part of a research-led community which uses and develops evidence-based practice to identify and share approaches which can be shown to make a difference in particular contexts.

There are three 'M' levels associated with the programme in School Improvement and Educational Leadership.

Masters - 180 credits which are achieved by passing all four core (compulsory) modules, two optional modules and a dissertation (which is worth 60 credits).
Postgraduate Diploma - 120 credits which are achieved by passing all four core (compulsory) modules and two optional modules.
Postgraduate Certificate - 60 credits which are achieved by passing at least two of the core modules and one further optional modules.

About the School of Education

The School of Education has a long-standing reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and research in a wide range of areas of educational practice and policy. It is an international leader in education with a history of top rated research. In the 2016 QS World Rankings, it was ranked 28th in the World and joint 7th in Europe/UK.
The School employs over 100 academic staff who teach more than 2,500 students. It is home to a number of departments and research centres with a history of top rated research and is an international leader in education.
School of Education ranking:
- Ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Tables 2017
- Ranked 10th in the 2017 Complete University Guide
- In Top 3 for HEI provision in the Good Teacher Training Guide
- Ranked 28th in the World in the 2016 QS World Rankings
- Ranked 9th overall for Research in the 2014 REF (with more than 82% of research rated as ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) or ‘world leading’ (4*).
- Rated 'outstanding' in latest Ofsted inspection (2013) for its Teacher Training programmes
- Ranked third for Education in The Times Good University Guide 2017

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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• Designed for managers (and aspiring managers) working within the supply chain, this course gives you a high level strategic awareness of the whole supply chain
• Gain the knowledge to inform and develop supply chain management strategy, and learn and apply relevant systems modelling techniques to supply chain operations
• Learn about relevant modern technology such as RFID and enterprise management systems to see how they can be integrated into your organisation.

The MSc Supply Chain Improvement course givesd you the opportunity to gain new knowledge to help you to develop and improve supply chain operations and logistics functions within an organisation. It is an applied programme for managers working, or aspiring to work, in a supply chain role.

You will acquire an in-depth understanding of current supply chain scenarios and the development of significant systems/process improvement (e.g. warehouse movements, movement of goods) as they relate to the supply chain. You’ll also get the opportunity to focus on specific areas of the supply chain, for example, purchasing and supply, warehousing, transport and logistics.

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