Broaden your horizons and study Health Management and Leadership with us. This pioneering programme explores how management, policy and leadership shape health services in the UK today.
You'll develop leadership, management and research skills through engagement with cutting-edge evidence, interdisciplinary theory and real-world practice. Site visits, expert teaching and an independent research project provide practical experience, critical thinking, communication skills and preparation for future leadership roles.
This programme will be taught over a 12-month period, on a full-time basis.
You’ll build a strong foundation in health management, leadership, quality and safety, emergency preparedness and social research. Through theory, case studies and real-world examples, you’ll explore how health systems work and how they can be improved, while developing the research, analytical and ethical skills needed to understand evidence, engage with policy debates and carry out independent research in health and global health settings.
You’ll explore global health systems and policy, innovation, and the role of patients, communities and professionals in improving care. You’ll also broaden your horizons by comparing health systems across countries, examining how policies are developed and implemented, and considering how migration and global change affect health and public services. Using real-world examples, you’ll build the skills to analyse policy, support innovation and contribute to meaningful improvement in health and care systems.
You'll focus on completing your Dissertation.
Want to know more about intercalation? Discover why students choose to intercalate and register your interest to receive more information about our intercalation opportunities at the University of Birmingham.
Our Health Management and Leadership MSci (Intercalated) at Birmingham offers a distinctive, interdisciplinary exploration of how leadership, management and policy shape health services in the UK and globally. You will engage with cutting-edge research, patient perspectives and real-world practice through expert teaching, site visits and an independent research project. Graduating from one of the UK’s pioneering programmes in this field, you will be well prepared to take on future leadership and management roles within healthcare.
Our Health Management and Leadership MSci is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars and interactive classroom discussions. Teaching is enriched through case studies, site visits and engagement with real-world health settings, alongside independent research that develops analytical and professional skills.
This 180-credit programme comprises of five compulsory modules (140 credits) and two optional modules (40 credits).
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.
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 and 3 |
| Health Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Social Research and Analysis Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Global Health Systems and Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Involvement for Improvement | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 40 credits from the following list (one 20 credit module per semester):
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Systems Leadership | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Quality and Safety | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Emergency Preparedness, Response & Resilience | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Innovation and Implementation Science | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Globalisation, International Migration & Citizenship | 20 | Semester 2 |
Associate Professor
Siobhan O'Dwyer is an Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham, specialising in research on the needs and experiences of unpaid carers with a particular focus on suicide and homicide
You must be in year 3 or 4 of your medical degree, or year 2 in your Dental degree.
Applications for this programme will be accepted from students wishing to intercalate after year 3 or 4 of their medical studies, or year 2 for Dental students. Students must have obtained >60% in the second year of MBChB or BDS to be eligible. Applicants will be ranked on their year 2 mark and on their answers to the questions on the application form.
Please note: students who have failed to achieve 60% may still apply, but are required to demonstrate a significant upward academic trajectory or excellence in specific areas related to the proposed intercalation.
We are happy to consider applications for any of the programmes within the Population Sciences and Humanities subjects from students from other institutions. We have a strong track record over recent years in supporting these students and facilitating integration into their new institution.
Applications from students from other universities should be made on our standard application form and must be accompanied by a transcript of marks from your current institution. Should an offer of a place be made to you further admission forms will be sent from the University via our Course Administrator.
We are always happy to discuss our programmes with students from other universities. If you have any queries or wish to discuss the opportunities available to you in Birmingham please contact the PoSH Administration team.
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:
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.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you decide to do a placement year, you will only pay 15% of the agreed tuition fee for that year. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Build a strong foundation for future clinical, managerial and policy-focused careers in healthcare. You will develop the skills to evaluate evidence, shape policy, lead improvement, and address ethical and governance challenges in complex health systems. Upon graduation, you will be ready for leadership roles alongside clinical practice, including clinical director, medical or dental leadership positions, service improvement leads, policy and research roles, and wider careers across the NHS, government, education and international health organisations.
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Our intercalated opportunities offer the chance to take a year out from your existing course to study within another field. This takes place usually between year 2 and year 3 of your programme.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
