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Course overview
The Health Care Policy and Management course at HSMC bridges the traditional divide between academic study and the worlds of health care policy and practice, in the UK and overseas.
There are two pathways on this course: MSc Health Care Policy and Management and MSc in Health Care Policy and Management specialising in managing quality and service improvement.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode and 48 months in a part-time mode.
Siobhan O'Dwyer
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
Why study a masters degree in Health Care Policy and Management?
The MSc Health Care Policy and Management provides both theoretical frameworks and practical tools that can be applied to health systems in the UK and overseas, designed for senior managers, clinicians and policy makers working in or with health care organisations, or with an interest in developing their careers in this direction.
- A challenging and inspiring programme, equipping health and social care practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence for career and organisational development.
- Experienced Faculty: Taught by experienced practitioners and experts, ensuring high-quality education and practical insights.
- Access to excellent facilities: taught at Park House in the Health Services Management Centre (a short walk from the centre of campus), you will be equipped with on-site and online support.
Course delivery
You will be required to complete 180 credits: each module is worth 20 credits and is normally assessed through one 'in-module' assessment and one reflective essay. The MSc dissertation is 10,000 words and worth 60 credits. It is a personally chosen and managed research project, undertaken over the duration of the programme with formal research training incorporated.
Module information
Each module is worth 20 credits and is normally assessed through one 'in-module' assessment and one reflective essay. The MSc dissertation is 10,000 words and worth 60 credits. It is a personally chosen and managed research project, undertaken over the duration of the programme with formal research training incorporated.
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.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Health Service Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health and Health Care Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Participation, Involvement and Engagement | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose 60 credits from the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation and Improvement | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Leadership and Change | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Quality and Safety | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Strategic Planning | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- Good Honours degree (upper second-class or above)
However, extensive appropriate career experience may be taken into account if you are able to demonstrate ability to successfully work at Masters level.
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £14,250
Full-time
- £7,125
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Career opportunities
This programme is designed for senior managers, clinicians and policy makers who are already working in or with health care organisations, or who have an interest in developing their careers in this direction.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have 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.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
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.