Healthcare Management with Industrial Placement
Do you aspire to be a strong, solution-focused leader in the healthcare industry? Put theory into practice and gain crucial experience with our Industrial Placement course option.
Accreditation
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Do you aspire to be a strong, solution-focused leader in the healthcare industry? Put theory into practice and gain crucial experience with our Industrial Placement course option.
Contemporary Healthcare Management faces enormous challenges and requires leaders that provide effective management and oversight of healthcare organisations. The healthcare managers of tomorrow not only need to provide strong leadership, they need to consider healthcare globally, with a focus on a holistic approach, inclusivity, sustainability and communication. Through a focus on these key issues, and a strong data-driven approach, our MSc Healthcare Management students are ready to step into the sector and effect change in the places they want to see it.
Our CMI-accredited MSc Healthcare Management course is taught by international experts and enables you to get to grips with strategy and leadership alongside the study of healthcare. You’ll learn about corporate strategy and performance measurement, finance and accounting, marketing management and leadership. You will also gain a detailed insight into key topics such as global sustainability in healthcare, managing integrated healthcare systems and providing an inclusive service. You will end your Master's with a detailed report with the support of a dedicated expert supervisor, a strong basis to kickstart your career.
Our Healthcare Management programme is designed to work for both current healthcare professionals looking to get ahead in their career, or those wanting to switch lanes and jump into a new field. Graduates typically find work across many realms of the NHS and private healthcare institutions. They also go on to work in general management and consultancy both overseas and in the UK in a wide range of companies and organisations. Our global approach and CMI accreditation means you can take your expertise into any area of the world you want, effect change, and embrace a successful, global career.
Taking a 12-month industrial placement allows you to gain work experience in the UK or overseas as part of your Master's. While the placements are self-sought, the School offers support through extra-curricular engagement with our dedicated placements team. Opting for this course with a placement takes the length of your course to up to two years.
Watch our Postgraduate Placements video here.
Kent Business School is among the top 1% of ‘triple crown’ business schools worldwide following its European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
The ‘Triple Crown’ involves awards by the three leading business school accreditation organisations – EQUIS, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and The Association of MBAs (AMBA).
At KBS we want to support your success. Transform your idea into a business through the Business Start-Up Journey with ASPIRE.
Our Triple Accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA places us in the top 1% of Business Schools globally.
Employability is at our core. You'll receive dedicated support to kickstart your career through our teaching and careers support up to 3 years after graduation.
You’ll be part of a supportive, diverse community at our Medway campus, just 40 minutes from London. Expand your network and make global connections.
Our academics are industry experts who have hands on experience with everything they teach. Your course is informed by real world expertise.
As part of your application to study at Kent, you will need to submit a portfolio. See further guidance regarding portfolio requirements.
A minimum of a second-class UK degree, or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in a variety of subject areas is accepted for entry into this course.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
In Stage 1 you will take all 10 compulsory modules, these modules have been careful developed to deepen your understanding and make rapid progress in healthcare management.
Examine recent developments in marketing and communication thinking and market strategy development. You'll acquire a theoretical foundation through the lectures and discussions on marketing management concepts and frameworks. You'll explore the process of marketing decision-making and strategy development, while developing the ability to apply marketing theory to a wide range of real world business settings.
Managing change is one of the key skills required in today's constantly changing business environment. So, why are some organisations easily receptive to change while others are not? And why are some organisations more successful than others despite having similar conditions?
You'll take a critical perspective to comprehend managing change and leadership in the change process. We’ll cover organisational change at different levels from individuals and teams to a whole organisation, exploring change at the sectoral and societal level. You’ll gain an appreciation of managing change at different levels through designing and applying the change implementation programme for business.
Accounting is the language of business. We'll give you a solid foundation in the essential aspects of accounting and financial management, whether you have no experience or limited prior experience of business. You'll get an introduction to the key areas of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management with a focus on issues of particular relevance to managers in health care management.
You’ll gain the skills needed to draw up financial statements, explore how to read and analyse financial statements, prepare financial plans, perform variance analysis, and understand the uses of financial information in decision-making. Finally, you’ll explore how accounting and financial management information is used in capital investment decision-making for businesses and society.
You’ll draw on and enhance graduate attributes of planning, communication, literacy and analysis, while developing your confidence and expanding your intellectual ability through constructing arguments. Finally, you’ll research, synthesise and apply financial knowledge to real and practical examples, understanding the role and importance of accounting and financial management within the general business context.
Develop your consultancy skills by working on a real client project. By addressing a real-life business challenge, you'll learn how to research solutions, overcome barriers, manage expectations and foster productive working relationships. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of how to manage consultancy projects using the consultancy cycle to provide meaningful and impactful advice to clients.
You'll gain and develop consultancy skills you can use within your current employment, as well as aid the transition into the business consulting profession, internal consultancy positions within organisations, and senior management roles.
In recent years, relatively new multinational corporations have reached market capitalisation exceeding US$ trillions and yet many firms that have operated for centuries have gone bust.
How organisations adapt to new environments and manage their internal business processes -that either leads to competitive advantage or corporate failure - is the role of corporate strategy and performance measurement. You'll become immersed in the role of strategic management and its connections to the key functions within a successful business. These include strategy development, implementation and strategic control.
You'll learn business critical skills and carry out strategic analyses using tools for strategic decision-making in real life contexts, to deliver success and drive growth for business.
'Do your research' is a phrase we are all familiar with. But how can we trust the sources we draw on? In an information-rich environment, how can you ensure that the research you do stands out from other sources of knowledge and is seen as trustworthy and valuable?
You'll build understanding of who you are as a researcher and the type of research that is valued in both academic and professional settings. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to build a research project from an idea into a mature investigation that can make a novel contribution to broader research debates. Study how to craft research questions, build a sample of respondents, work with databases, design data collection tools, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of data and communicate your results to the wider world.
Learn how to use an array of research tools to create world-leading research and become known as an innovative and dynamic researcher driving growth and positive change.
Managing uncertainty in the organisation of healthcare draws upon key managerial insights into the management of risk and uncertainty in contemporary systems of healthcare, with a specific emphasis on management of healthcare service delivery and organisation. The module begins with an introduction to general management principles of risk and uncertainty. Subsequently the module explores the nature of risk and uncertainty in the context of healthcare, in which notions of safety are paramount and the costs and visibility of organisational failures are high. The module further explores the impact upon decision making of increasingly complex systems of healthcare through different organisational forms (bureaucracy, market, network) and at different levels (policy, organisation, profession). The module considers values such as efficiency and effectiveness, and the role of knowledge and domain (e.g. health economics and implementation science in attempting to rationalise professional and managerial decision-making). The module concludes with an examination of new technologies and their impact upon risk, safety and uncertainty in healthcare.
The module will commence by considering two questions 'How can patients be part of an interdisciplinary team?' and ‘How can an interdisciplinary team be managed?’ thereby enabling students to think in terms of inclusion of the patient and reflecting upon the possible advantages and disadvantages of this approach. Students will then be introduced to the main history, challenges, and factors influencing collaboration and partnership between patients and professionals, and various practices of interpersonal collaboration practices. Subsequent weeks will cover topics on role clarification, negotiation and conflict resolution.
The module will focus on exploring how health systems need to adapt to changing health needs and maintain financial sustainability. Students will be introduced to a range of concepts relevant to developing sustainable health systems. This will encompass the way health systems are funded, how care delivery is organised to meet the needs of patients and how managers will need to respond to changing systems and organisational demands.
The aim of this module is to explore system changes, integrated care models, and system architecture as they relate to health care. The focus will be primarily on health systems in high income countries. In many high income countries, including the UK and Canada, health systems are facing the challenge of adapting to new approaches to healthcare that focus on the organisation and management of health services in primary and community settings to meet changing health needs. These organisations tend to be smaller, often networked or federated groups, have flatter organisational structures and are developing new ways of working, coping with more complex delivery settings and the need to adopt more collaborative and integrated ways of working between organisations.
In Stage 2 you will complete a Management Consultancy report. This is a fantastic example of your skills, knowledge and insight to show employers after you graduate.
Your industrial placement consists of two modules: Industrial Placement Experience (BUSN9172) and Industrial Placement Report (BUSN9176). The Experience module is assessed as pass/fail only and the Report module is graded on a percentage scale. The chance to gain real industry experience as part of your MSc course gives you a real edge in the job market and boosts your career options.
Your management consultancy report gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your academic knowledge and skills within a research project of rigorous critical analysis upon a specific management topic in depth. You'll identify, design and produce a chosen project outline with explicit terms of reference, structure and action plan. It will develop your intellectual ability and employment potential through critical analysis and applied conceptual thinking by undertaking an in-depth investigation into a specific area of interest relevant to the programme of study and your own interests.
You'll engage with conceptual understandings and problem solving, vocational application and practice, demonstration of a comprehensive literature review, critical thinking and analysis, strategic development and management practice, as well as, self-reflection. Your project should be underpinned by a survey of relevant literature and include a planned element of primary and/or secondary research.
You'll learn to analyse data and apply both theoretical and practical arguments of appropriate critical depth and consistency for a Master's Management Consultancy Project. Your critical analysis will lead to conclusions that provide an appropriate response to the stated aims and objectives of the project – ideally with recommendations for future growth, research and development.
As a Kent Business School Master's student, you'll have the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a real impact in business. Your 12 month placement is your chance to put these skills into practice. This key opportunity to be involved in real business is ideal for developing your skills and gaining crucial experience and credibility within the workplace. By the end of your placement, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to make a real difference in business and beyond.
Students will spend a period of time working in an industrial or organisational setting, applying and enhancing the skills and techniques they have learned on the programme. Work will be carried out under the direction of a placement supervisor. This support will include ensuring that the work they are expected to do within the placement company/organisation meets the learning outcomes of the module.
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
Classroom-based learning is supported by the latest online technologies and learning platforms.
Your progress on this course is assessed by a variety of means, including:
This course embeds employability into our teaching, learning, and assessment practices. We work with employers and industry partners in order provide all of our students with exceptional career development support and opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive in their future careers.
From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our lively and active postgraduate community is brought about in part by our strong research culture and by the close community between our staff and students. Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books and embed their research in their teaching.
Students have regular contact with their course and module conveners with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide helpful and constructive feedback on submitted work. Also, all students on our postgraduate courses take part in our ‘Ambition in Motion’ programme – a set of supportive workshops which ensure that students are progressing through their learning journeys smoothly.
You can also get involved with extra-curricular academic and social activities with guest lectures, talks and workshops organised by our academic staff, research centres and the ASPIRE team.
Our Medway campus is full of history and offers a unique experience to our students. We have recently moved to the Pembroke site, our new Medway home. This move puts Kent Business School at the heart of the Medway Campus, a former Royal Naval base combining historic and new buildings. You can find the Drill Hall Library, the Deep End where Kent Union at Medway are based and the Oasis lounge right on campus.
Off campus, there is lots to do in the historic town of Rochester and nearby Chatham, with cinemas, theatres and good shopping. London is just 40 minutes away by fast train.
Kent Business School has close links with: Universität Innsbruck; Beijing Normal University - Bay Area International Business School; ESSEC Business School; Neoma Business School; Rennes Business School; EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht; Freie Universität Berlin; City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Baptist University; University of Hong Kong; Institut Teknologi Bandung (The Bandung Institute of Technology); Università Carlo Cattaneo in Castellanza; Università degli Studi di Bologna; Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence); IE Madrid; Stockholm University.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Our world-class academics influence management strategies and practices world-wide through our outstanding research projects and direct involvements with industry. We address some of the biggest challenges of our time such as sustainability and responsible leadership to drive progress and create better business globally.
At its core, our research strategy is about delivering a sustainable tomorrow - a theme that Kent Business School embodies in all areas. We want to answer the big questions - How can innovation that enables sustainable long-term economic growth be created and supported? How can sustainable business practices improve environmental and social conditions? These are the problems we are here to solve.
We are global leaders advancing knowledge through constant collaboration and promotion of innovative research. We collaborate with local, national and international business, but we don't stop there. We have forged partnerships with other academic institutions and organisations such as the NHS. This wider focus allows us to advance towards our goal of a sustainable tomorrow.
Research Departments
Department of Accounting and Finance – The Department enjoys a significant international presence and reputation in several fields, including critical accounting, accounting history, sustainability accounting, corporate finance, banking and options pricing and performance.
Department for Analytics, Operations and Systems – The Department offers world class education and conducts internationally leading research in operational research, data analytics, operations management, information systems and sustainability.
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business – The Department brings together experts in the areas of three key management disciplines promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research as well as cross interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Department of Leadership and Management – The Department is a cross-disciplinary community dedicated to tackling complex business and societal challenges. Our teaching and innovative research encompasses the economic, psychological, social, political, and technological contexts in which organisations operate worldwide.
Research centres
The Centre for Logistics and Sustainability Analytics – The Centre helps companies to address a wide range of transport, logistics, and supply chain problems with sustainability considerations.
The Centre for Productivity and Workplace Performance – The Centre contributes to the evidence base for competitiveness, environmental growth, regional productivity, technology and innovation.
The Centre for Quantitative Finance – Providing quantitative analysis of issues in the financial markets for businesses and policymakers.
Dynamic Publishing
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Corporate Finance, British Journal of Management, Organizations and Society, European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Financial Accountability & Management, Journal of Banking and Finance, Management Science, Transportation Science, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, British Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Research Policy, European Journal of Operational Research, European Journal of Marketing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, International Marketing Review.
I found the MSc Healthcare Management course at Kent and saw it had good credentials. Kent seemed like a great place for international students too.
From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our careers and employability support at Kent Business School is designed to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, when you study with us you can expect:
Additionally, the Postgraduate Employability Edge programme, available to postgraduate students at Kent Business School takes place from Welcome Week until the end of your studies and is designed to enhance your career prospects further.
Our Healthcare Management graduates find work across many realms of the NHS and private healthcare institutions. They also go on to work in general management and consultancy both overseas and in the UK in a wide range of companies and organisations.
This course is accredited by The Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Chartered Body for Management and Leadership. The CMI is the only organisation that can award Chartered Manager status, the highest accolade for managers and leaders.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
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