What you'll learn

This course is delivered through the following eight interlinked taught modules of 15 credits each and a 60 credit dissertation.

Modules

• Leading Change in HealthcareLink opens in a new window
• Quality and Productivity in Health Service SystemsLink opens in a new window
• Epidemiological and Statistical Methods for Quality Improvement*Link opens in a new window
• Introduction to Health EconomicsLink opens in a new window*
• Information for Operational Management in HealthcareLink opens in a new window
• Decision Making for Healthcare Quality ImprovementLink opens in a new window
• Operational Management and Clinical Systems ImprovementLink opens in a new window
• Healthcare Systems RedesignLink opens in a new window

*Delivered at Warwick Medical School

NB: Please note that whilst the module catalogue shows the latest approved version of each module and what is currently being taught (academic year 2024), there may be minor updates to content or learning objectives year on year to reflect the evolving state of knowledge and the requirements of teaching best practise. Any such amends will be updated following the department 'module approvals process' and reflected in the module catalogue before the start of the next academic year in 2025.

Project

Your project is worth 33% of your final grade and supports you in developing your personal research and analytical skills.

Your research will be broadly related to issues of quality and productivity in the healthcare context and will allow you to focus on an aspect of particular interest to you. For example, that may be around healthcare service design, the use of big data and artificial intelligence in healthcare, the use of technology to improve service delivery, or the implementation of innovation in hospital care - the scope is very wide.

We've listed a few specific project examples below to give you a feel for what some students are focusing on this year:

• Modelling and Analysis of Patient Flow in the Emergency Department for Quality Improvement
• Improving Service Design Through the Use of Informatics
• Healthcare Service Design for Quality Improvement
• The Productive Operating Theatre: Exploring Healthcare Staff Perceptions of a Lean Programme to Improve Surgical Efficiency and Productivity
• The Impact of Chronic Disease Self-management on the Healthcare System Using System Dynamics
• Modelling Patient Flow Using Statistical Tools from A&E to Inpatient Wards
• Cost-effective Healthcare Service Design

Learning style and assessment

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two-thirds of your time and effort, and a research component (dissertation) accounting for one-third.

A taught module typically consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, simulations, case studies, group exercises, reflective practices, on-line learning and self-study. Modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction. Module leaders are experts in their fields and are often supported by external speakers from industry or academia who bring real-world perspective into the classroom.

Each module is nominally 150 hours of learning which includes your class attendance, independent study, and assessments. Modules are delivered in a four-week learning block, allowing you to focus on one module at a time and engage deeply with the subject material.

Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written assignments, but assessment can also be in other formats. In addition to the main assessment, you may have assessed presentations, online tests, self-reflection, and a range of other assessment methods during each module.

Your project will be assessed by your Project Supervisor plus an independent assessor. As part of the assessment, you may be required to present your research project and answer questions at a poster session.

Read more information about the course structure.

Entry requirements

In order to meet our academic entry requirement, you should have obtained the minimum of a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.

This MSc in Healthcare Operational Management has been designed to fulfil the specific needs and requirements of graduates interested in a management or leadership role within the complex healthcare service sector. It is suitable for graduates from a broad range of academic disciplines across technical, engineering, scientific, medical, management and social sciences.

Candidates with quantitative backgrounds will find this course especially appealing.

English language

If you are a non-native English speaker, we need to confirm that your English language competency is sufficiently good for you to get the most out of your Master's study. You therefore require you to take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) and submit your results as one of your academic requirements. If you are taking an IELTS test, we require a score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any one component). Please view our web page here Link opens in a new windowfor a full list of accepted tests, together with the grades required.

Tuition fees

For 2025 entry, the tuition fees are as follows:

• Home students: £12,300
• Overseas students: £35,340

If you are successful in receiving an offer, a deposit payment is required in order to secure your place on the course. Please note that sponsored students can apply for a deposit waiver. For further information, please see our tuition fee deposits pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Your remaining tuition fee is then payable at the start of the academic year, or in three instalments. For information about how to pay your tuition fees, please review the University's finance web pagesLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

WMG Excellence Scholarships

At WMG, we invest more than £1.5 million per year into supporting our talented students and creating a diverse and inspiring learning environment.
Our funding opportunities range from the competitive merit-based WMG Excellence Scholarship open to all offer-holders, through to guaranteed bursaries for specific countries and partnership awards with third-party funders.

WMG Excellence Scholarships are merit-based awards, available on a competitive basis. Awards range from £5,000 to £15,000 towards tuition fees.

Applications will be judged on past academic achievement, professional experience, reasons for study, and your vision for the future. View our WMG Excellence Scholarship pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for full details on how to apply for this award.

Additional Scholarship opportunities

You might also be eligible to apply for other scholarships from the University of Warwick, such as the Warwick Taught Masters Scholarship Scheme; as well as awards from external funding bodies, including Chevening Scholarships. For additional funding opportunities and eligibility details, please visit our Funding web pageLink opens in a new window

Careers

Healthcare is a dynamic sector with ever increasing demands worldwide. There is a constant need for experts with the knowledge, skills and expertise to manage and drive innovation, implement change and improve quality and efficiency in healthcare services.

As a graduate of HOM, you will have a broad range of career opportunities open to you within managerial or organisational leadership roles. With additional experience, you can expect to progress into a key executive role in the healthcare sector, which would involve leading and overseeing programmes, service transformation and policy.

Graduates from this course have gone on to positions within Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trusts, Government, Private Healthcare Providers, and Consultancy Firms, in roles including:

• Assistant Performance Analyst
• Associate Consultant - Digital and Smart Analytics
• Chief Strategy Officer: Healthcare and Applied AI
• Health Analytics Manager
• Junior Operations Manager
• Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator Assistant
• Patient Access Specialist
• Programme Director
• Quality Monitor Specialist
• Service Transformation Officer
• Theatre Productivity Administration Manager

How to apply

Application is through the University’s online form and is currently open. The course code for MSc Healthcare Operational Management is P-H1S5

What to include with your application:

• A completed application form and £75 application fee.

• A Personal Statement which can be included in the online application.
• A scan of your transcript (marksheet). If you are still studying, please send us your transcripts to date. NB: if you are made an offer, we will then require you to upload your degree transcripts and certificate in order to clear your conditions.
• English language test result (if applicable) - this can be submitted after you have an offer.
• One reference. If you completed studies less than 2 years ago, this should be an academic reference. If you graduated more than 2 years ago, we will require a professional reference. We contact your referee directly, so please include their valid professional email address on your application form.
• Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

You can read more about the application process, and access a link to the application form, on our how to apply web page.

Application Deadline

Our official application deadline is 2 August 2025, however please note that this course will close early if capacity is reached ahead of that deadline. We strongly recommend you apply as soon as you are ready in order to avoid disappointment.