The MSc Leading Transformation in Health and Social Care course was developed in response to an NHS skills-shortage and is designed for healthcare professionals looking for their next career step or those looking for a change in career direction.
There is an increase in demand for high quality strategic service planning skills across the health and social care systems. As the population is growing and aging, there is a strain on our existing services and greater emphasis is being placed on planning, estates, workforce, finances and use of technologies. This course will develop the appropriate workforce to support this planning process and ensure health boards have the capacity to undertake significant transformational change.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in January 2025, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Year 1
You will study current policy, the integration agenda, data analytics in relation to service delivery, theories and principles of leadership and how to plan, implement and evaluate change within an organisation.
You will learn how to source and critically assess a range of financial information and adopt techniques to support analysis and decision-making.
Year 2
You will develop an understanding of the processes involved in planning and implementing building and estate projects in the health and social care sectors and the management of facilities.
You will also study strategic management in a range of contexts, innovations and new service delivery models, technology use and workforce needs.
Year 3
In your final year you will reflect on learning to date and identify an aspect of your service/environment that would benefit from redesign. Consequently you will take part in the Capstone Project, undertaking and reporting on a proposal that directly relates to your work.
RGU Talk
Listen to our latest podcast which we discusses what's happening within healthcare at the moment that has led to a skills gap within the NHS.
Student stories
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Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information. Modules are delivered with involvement from the NHS so you can be confident the skills you’re learning are highly desirable in the sector.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
The course is delivered via a variety of methods. Online activities include discussions, independent learning activities and group tutorials/workshops via the virtual classroom (Blackboard Collaborate). This approach allows you to participate in a range of synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (participating at a time suitable to the learner) learning activities.
Activity Summary
Students are expected to spend 12-16 hours studying during each week of a module. In practice, this may be spent over various activities, including:
- Seminars - 12 students per group, 2 hours per week
- Independent Study - 10 hours per week
- Other - 12 students per group, online discussion forums - 2 hours per week
How long is a Leading Transformation in Health and Social Care course?
The Leading Transformation in Health and Social Care MSc can be successfully completed part-time in 3 years.
Independent Study
Self-study time is an important part of your success. You will be considered to have strong organisation and self-direction skills.
As this course is mainly delivered online you will engage in the virtual classroom in real-time but should also engage with learning materials and independently contribute to on-line discussions.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Expert staff from across the different university schools will contribute to the different modules as appropriate. In addition we will be drawing on experts across the NHS to provide key note sessions and to provide tutorial support in modules. These will be people experienced in strategic service planning so you will be able to learn from their experiences.
Assessment
Assessments will be structured to allow students to demonstrate their learning while using a range of professional skills.
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 2 reports
Year 2
- 2 reports
- 1 oral assessment
Year 3
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
There is not a placement on this course. Experienced external experts in strategic service planning are speakers throughout the modules, so you will be able to learn from their experience in practice.
Job Prospects
This course has been designed in collaboration with employers to ensure that the course is kept up-to-date and in line with current practice and the demands of the workplace.
What is needed to study MSc Leading Transformation in Health and Social Care?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in relevant subject
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3210 |
Year 2 | £3210 | |
Year 3 | £2130 |
Rest of UK Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3210 |
Year 2 | £3210 | |
Year 3 | £2130 |
International Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4970 |
Year 2 | £4970 | |
Year 3 | £3320 |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3110 |
Year 2 | £3110 | |
Year 3 | £2080 |
Rest of UK Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3110 |
Year 2 | £3110 | |
Year 3 | £2080 |
EU Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £3110 |
Year 2 | £3110 | |
Year 3 | £2080 |
International Students
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4830 |
Year 2 | £4830 | |
Year 3 | £3210 |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Twelve scholarships to the value of 50% of course fees are available to MSc Leading Transformation in Health and Social Care students whom are employed by the NHS or a Health and Social Care Partnership in Scotland.
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.