Health Care Policy and Management MSc

This programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the evidence, theory, and best practice in health care policy and management. It is also possible to specialise in the one of the following areas:

• Managing Quality and Service Improvement: Focusing on leadership, innovation, and the delivery of high-quality services. 
• Global Development: Exploring international health systems and global challenges.

Course structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode and 48 months in a part-time mode.

• Blend theory and practice: Gain both theoretical frameworks and practical tools to shape health systems in the UK and worldwide. This programme is ideal for senior managers, clinicians, policy makers, and those aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare.
• Career-focused learning: Challenge yourself with an inspiring curriculum that builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to drive change within local, national, and international healthcare organisations
• Expert teaching: Learn from experienced practitioners and world-leading experts who bring ground-breaking research and real-world insights to the classroom.
• Access to excellent facilities: Study at Park House, home of the the Health Services Management Centre, on the Edgbaston campus, with full access to on-site and online support.
• Tailored pathways: Choose to specialise in Managing Quality and Service Improvement or Global Development - or create your own degree with our range of optional modules.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

When selecting optional modules, you can choose any options that interest you or choose to do a specialism that requires a specific combination of modules. These specialisms include:

• Managing Quality and Service Improvement
• Global Development

The following must be taken:

Choose 60 credits from the following modules:

Programme pathways

To be eligible for a named pathway in MSc Health Care Policy and Management (Managing Quality and Service Improvement), you will take ‘Innovation and Implementation Science’ and ‘Quality and Safety’ as an additional core modules.

To be eligible for a named pathway in MSc Health Care Policy and Management (Global Development), you will take ‘Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience’ and ‘Globalisation, International Migration & Citizenship’ as core modules.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.