Leadership in Health and Social Care

For module start dates, view the 2023-24 Module Calendar (.docx)

Leadership in contemporary health and social care contexts is challenging. It requires a complex set of skills from managing change and uncertainty, to supporting colleagues. This module is designed for all health or social care professionals currently in practice who are interested in learning more about leadership.

The module creates a space for you to engage in current leadership and followership discourse, critique the inherent anomalies of current theories, models and practice whilst developing an understanding of what contributes to innovative, effective and compassionate leadership within your own field.

You will learn in a dynamic, multi-professional environment on our Colchester Campus as well as engaging independent learning activities online. Through reflection you will explore the relevance of your new knowledge to your current context ensuring that your learning is directly relevant to your professional practice.

The module fits well within our MSc Leadership in Health and Care or in our Senior Leadership apprenticeship (PG Dip Leadership in Health and Care) pathway.

Learning outcomes

After the module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key concepts of leadership by critically analysing how these have been applied to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding in the current context.
• Prepare and evaluate a leadership case study within their setting, providing exploration of the rationale for the approach taken.
• Analyse communication strategies to support the leadership and development of services.

What our participants say

"This module helped me analyse my own leadership skills and how effective or ineffective they can be."

"Linked to practice."

"It was good –we had time to debate and bring our own experience."

"It was thought stimulating."

Students should be working in a current health or social care role.

Module Outline

This module is run over three study days or workshops plus half day workshop on the assignment. In addition students participate in online reading and discussions. One to one tutorials are available from the Module Lead for assignment preparation.

Topics covered include:

• Current theories and practice on leadership and followership, –including current NHS and social care models of distributed, transformational, engaged, patient and servant leadership.
• Leading for change in the evolving landscapes of heath and social care.
• Reflective practice in leadership including self-assessment of leadership.
• The role of followers in leadership–team profiling and assessment.
• How leadership is enacted in their professional context–students interview a leader in their organisation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

3000 word critical reflective commentary with associated supporting material.

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

We have guidance on making your application and the forms to download on our how to apply page.