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Find out moreMSc Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (Part time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Top 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Why the MSc Research and Quality Improvement in Health and Care at UEA?
Turn everyday challenges in health and care into evidence-based improvements that change lives. This flexible MSc helps professionals build the research, quality improvement, and innovation skills needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.
Why choose UEA
- Real-world application: Apply learning to your own practice to drive transformation
- National standards: Study a course aligned to the NIHR Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework (2023) and the NHSE Multi-Professional Research Framework (2023)
- Doctoral study: Choose to complete a doctoral proposal for an accelerated route towards a Professional Doctorate
What is the MSc Research and Quality Improvement in Health and Care?
Imagine designing a study to improve patient outcomes, evaluating workplace services, or exploring innovative and inclusive approaches to health research. On this programme, you’ll apply research methods to real-world challenges, shaping your learning around your professional interests and ambitions.
This MSc is a flexible, part-time, fully online programme for both clinical and non-clinical professionals working in health and social care. Combing theoretical learning with practical application, you'll complete a range of tailored modules in preparation for your final work-based extended project.
You’ll develop confidence in designing, critiquing, and leading research through flexible online modules, bite-sized learning, and interactive discussions led by research-active staff. Alongside expert academics, you'll collaborate with a community of professionals, building networks and skills to support your future career in health and care research.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Research and Quality Improvement in Health and Care, you could launch a career as:
- Director of Research
- Research Training Programme Director
- Clinical Academic / lecturer-practitioner
- Clinical Research Nurse / Clinical Research Practitioner
- Clinician Researcher
Career Support
Opportunities to reflect on your current skills and career goals are embedded throughout the programme. Enabling you to identify and address gaps to build a clear professional trajectory. Learning alongside clinicians, researchers, educators and leaders to build peer networks and professional connections which will support job opportunities, collaboration and career progression. You’ll also benefit from support from Career Central, including guidance on applications, interviews, and career planning.
After the Course
Completing this course can help you progress in your career and open up new opportunities across health and care. You’ll build the skills to improve services, support better outcomes, and contribute to meaningful change in practice. After the MSc, you can graduate with your award or apply to progress to the Professional Doctorate, subject to meeting the required criteria.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you'll build a solid foundation through a carefully designed mix of compulsory and evidence-based practice modules. You'll begin to explore your own research capability within the wider health and care research environment, whilst understanding and applying the concepts and skills of evidence-based practice. Depending on optional module choice you'll either then begin to further explore how to promote the uptake of clinical research findings into routine practice or undertake an analysis of your current research knowledge and investigate ways in which you can become more involved.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Building on the foundations established in the first year of study, year two combines further compulsory modules to develop your research leadership capabilities whilst expanding your knowledge, understanding and ability to apply research methodology. You'll acquire enhanced insight into both qualitative and quantitative research methods and practice to inform a critical approach to the research process, whilst also developing your own ability to lead and facilitate meaningful change and lead research projects.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your third year, you'll complete a work-based extended project. Through peer‑ and academic led support, you'll undertake an evidence review and present a substantial project plan to peers, employers and academic staff, helping to build a strong community of practice and potentially identify an appropriate supervisor for doctoral study.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
The programme is delivered entirely online. You'll learn through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous live online webinars and tutorials, which you're expected to attend. All taught content is led by passionate, research-active academics who bring their expertise directly into the classroom.
In your first year, you'll build foundational research practice knowledge and academic skills through lectures, webinars, and tutorials. You'll also have access to the Learning Enhancement Team and Student Support Services.
In your second year, you'll deepen methodological research knowledge by analysing your own research leadership capabilities, with continued access to academic and wellbeing support.
In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to complete a work-based extended project. You'll continue to receive academic guidance, including dissertation support, to hone your skills, and prepare for your next steps.
Assessment
Assessment is through a range of methods that will develop your analytical research skills. Throughout your degree, you’ll receive regular written and verbal feedback, through formative assessments, helping you build confidence and strengthen your work before summative submission.
In year one, you'll complete a poster presentation, submit templated reports, and either develop a study protocol or a reflective portfolio and associated research practice presentation depending on module choice.
In year two, you'll encounter a further variety of assessments, including a research proposal critique via a pre-recorded presentation and evaluative conversation, and online exams comprising both short and long answers. Again, ongoing feedback will help you grow with increasing confidence.
In your final year, you'll complete various summative tasks that contribute to the overall grade for the module, each stage supporting the next and developing on what has come before; a work-based evidence review, an oral presentation of evidence analysis and a final substantial project proposal. Feedback continues, ensuring you graduate with a strong, transferable skillset and the potential to continue towards professional doctorate studies.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Applicants need to have graduated within the past 5 years - outside of five years may be advised to achieve CPD module first.
Degree Subject
Health and Social care related subjects preferred.
Other subjects may be considered if the applicant meets the additional entry requirements.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to be working in a relevant area of Health and Social care in a management position. This should be demonstrated in your personal statement, CV and reference.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent within the last 5 years.
Applicants need to have graduated within the past 5 years - outside of five years may be advised to achieve CPD module first.
Degree Subject
Health and Social care related subjects preferred.
Other subjects may be considered if the applicant meets the additional entry requirements.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to be working in a relevant area of Health and Social care in a management position. This should be demonstrated in your personal statement, CV and reference.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,205
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International Students: £23,850
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.