Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy Module

Program Overview

---

Overview

This is a module within the

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert Leadership in Health and Social Care

, but can be studied as a standalone module.

The aims of the module are to explore a range of theory alongside practical approaches to leadership in health and social care organisations. It aims to help you gain insight into your own leadership skills and abilities and strengthen areas for development.

Program Outline

What you will study

Module aim:

The module aims to explore a range of different theories and approaches that can be used in strategy and policy development and evaluation. It aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand strategy and policy and to explore and analyse different theories and approaches used to develop, implement and evaluate strategy and policy.

Content:

Theory and models of strategy and policy-making; strategy and the strategy process; strategic business planning; developing and establishing organisational values, vision, mission statements; different levels of strategic planning. Policy and the policy process: theories and models used in policy making and policy analysis. Strategic analysis and tools: the general environment, PEST, SWOT analysis, needs analysis; scenario and horizon planning and stakeholder analysis. The competitive environment: marketing theory and approaches, Porters’ Five Forces Framework, the marketing mix, market segmentation and Boston Matrix. Organisational structures: organisational structures and design and the implications for strategy and policy-making and the implementation of strategy and policy.

---

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the

Careers

website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

---

Career prospects

This module is targeted at aspiring international healthcare professionals who wish to apply for leadership and management positions within health and social care, as well as those already working as allied health professionals, clinical scientists, nurses or doctors.

The module is also suitable for those working in a variety of non-clinical roles, for example, commissioners, quality improvement managers, clinical auditors, risk management, team leaders, social workers, patient advocates, or in the voluntary sector.