Leadership in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning) MSc

Attendance mode

Entry year

Duration: 1 year; 3 years; 1 year; 3 years
Start date: September; September; September; September
Location: Distance Learning; Distance Learning; Distance Learning; Distance Learning

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Suitable for UK and internationalUK and internationalUK and internationalUK and international applications.

Overview

The MSc Leadership in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning) is designed for professionals who aspire to lead and manage effectively within today’s complex, pressurised health and care systems.

Delivered entirely online, the programme provides a strong foundation in leadership, people management, policy and strategy, and change management, with a clear focus on real world application.

A key strength of the programme is its authenticity; teaching is delivered by a team with extensive lived experience of leading and managing across health and social care settings. This ensures learning is grounded in current practice realities and system pressures. You will consistently value the credibility this brings and the relevance of theory to your own professional challenges.

The programme attracts learners from a wide range of clinical and non clinical backgrounds, creating rich, multi professional learning environments. This diversity enhances discussion, broadens perspectives and reflects the collaborative nature of modern health and social care leadership.

All modules adopt an applied learning approach. You are encouraged to identify real problems or opportunities from your own workplace and use leadership and management theory to develop evidence based solutions. This ensures that learning has immediate impact, while also building a toolkit that supports career progression into more senior roles.

Flexibility is central to the programme’s design. Distance learning allows you to access teaching materials at a time and pace that fits around work and personal commitments. Regular live online sessions, discussion boards and direct access to the module team provide a strong sense of academic community and support.

You will graduate from the programme equipped to lead with confidence, work across professional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to service improvement and system transformation.

The MSc Leadership in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning) is designed for professionals who aspire to lead and manage effectively within today’s complex, pressurised health and care systems.

Delivered entirely online, the programme provides a strong foundation in leadership, people management, policy and strategy, and change management, with a clear focus on real world application.

A key strength of the programme is its authenticity; teaching is delivered by a team with extensive lived experience of leading and managing across health and social care settings. This ensures learning is grounded in current practice realities and system pressures. You will consistently value the credibility this brings and the relevance of theory to your own professional challenges.

The programme attracts learners from a wide range of clinical and non clinical backgrounds, creating rich, multi professional learning environments. This diversity enhances discussion, broadens perspectives and reflects the collaborative nature of modern health and social care leadership.

All modules adopt an applied learning approach. You are encouraged to identify real problems or opportunities from your own workplace and use leadership and management theory to develop evidence based solutions. This ensures that learning has immediate impact, while also building a toolkit that supports career progression into more senior roles.

Flexibility is central to the programme’s design. Distance learning allows you to access teaching materials at a time and pace that fits around work and personal commitments. Regular live online sessions, discussion boards and direct access to the module team provide a strong sense of academic community and support.

You will graduate from the programme equipped to lead with confidence, work across professional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to service improvement and system transformation.

The MSc Leadership in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning) is designed for professionals who aspire to lead and manage effectively within today’s complex, pressurised health and care systems.

Delivered entirely online, the programme provides a strong foundation in leadership, people management, policy and strategy, and change management, with a clear focus on real world application.

A key strength of the programme is its authenticity; teaching is delivered by a team with extensive lived experience of leading and managing across health and social care settings. This ensures learning is grounded in current practice realities and system pressures. You will consistently value the credibility this brings and the relevance of theory to your own professional challenges.

The programme attracts learners from a wide range of clinical and non clinical backgrounds, creating rich, multi professional learning environments. This diversity enhances discussion, broadens perspectives and reflects the collaborative nature of modern health and social care leadership.

All modules adopt an applied learning approach. You are encouraged to identify real problems or opportunities from your own workplace and use leadership and management theory to develop evidence based solutions. This ensures that learning has immediate impact, while also building a toolkit that supports career progression into more senior roles.

Flexibility is central to the programme’s design. Distance learning allows you to access teaching materials at a time and pace that fits around work and personal commitments. Regular live online sessions, discussion boards and direct access to the module team provide a strong sense of academic community and support.

You will graduate from the programme equipped to lead with confidence, work across professional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to service improvement and system transformation.

The MSc Leadership in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning) is designed for professionals who aspire to lead and manage effectively within today’s complex, pressurised health and care systems.

Delivered entirely online, the programme provides a strong foundation in leadership, people management, policy and strategy, and change management, with a clear focus on real world application.

A key strength of the programme is its authenticity; teaching is delivered by a team with extensive lived experience of leading and managing across health and social care settings. This ensures learning is grounded in current practice realities and system pressures. You will consistently value the credibility this brings and the relevance of theory to your own professional challenges.

The programme attracts learners from a wide range of clinical and non clinical backgrounds, creating rich, multi professional learning environments. This diversity enhances discussion, broadens perspectives and reflects the collaborative nature of modern health and social care leadership.

All modules adopt an applied learning approach. You are encouraged to identify real problems or opportunities from your own workplace and use leadership and management theory to develop evidence based solutions. This ensures that learning has immediate impact, while also building a toolkit that supports career progression into more senior roles.

Flexibility is central to the programme’s design. Distance learning allows you to access teaching materials at a time and pace that fits around work and personal commitments. Regular live online sessions, discussion boards and direct access to the module team provide a strong sense of academic community and support.

You will graduate from the programme equipped to lead with confidence, work across professional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to service improvement and system transformation.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students. An important factor in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of your potential to benefit from your studies and your ability to succeed on this particular programme.

Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience:

You will hold a first degree at 2:2 or above, or acceptable professional qualification
You need to have significant and relevant experience, which would typically be at least two years of experience in the health and social care sector

Application is based on submission of an online application form, CV and interview, if required, to discuss the content and expectations of the programme.

Applications are also welcome from students with non-standard qualifications but with significant relevant experience. However, applications with non-standard qualifications would be considered individually and additional selection activities would apply.

The University welcomes applications from all potential students. An important factor in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of your potential to benefit from your studies and your ability to succeed on this particular programme.

Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience:

You will hold a first degree at 2:2 or above, or acceptable professional qualification
You need to have significant and relevant experience, which would typically be at least two years of experience in the health and social care sector

Application is based on submission of an online application form, CV and interview, if required, to discuss the content and expectations of the programme.

Applications are also welcome from students with non-standard qualifications but with significant relevant experience. However, applications with non-standard qualifications would be considered individually and additional selection activities would apply.

The University welcomes applications from all potential students. An important factor in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of your potential to benefit from your studies and your ability to succeed on this particular programme.

Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience:

You will hold a first degree at 2:2 or above, or acceptable professional qualification
You need to have significant and relevant experience, which would typically be at least two years of experience in the health and social care sector

Application is based on submission of an online application form, CV and interview, if required, to discuss the content and expectations of the programme.

Applications are also welcome from students with non-standard qualifications but with significant relevant experience. However, applications with non-standard qualifications would be considered individually and additional selection activities would apply.

The University welcomes applications from all potential students. An important factor in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of your potential to benefit from your studies and your ability to succeed on this particular programme.

Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience:

You will hold a first degree at 2:2 or above, or acceptable professional qualification
You need to have significant and relevant experience, which would typically be at least two years of experience in the health and social care sector

Application is based on submission of an online application form, CV and interview, if required, to discuss the content and expectations of the programme.

Applications are also welcome from students with non-standard qualifications but with significant relevant experience. However, applications with non-standard qualifications would be considered individually and additional selection activities would apply.

Additional entry requirements: Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with no subtest less than 5.5.

Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.

Additional entry requirements: Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with no subtest less than 5.5.

Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.

Additional entry requirements: Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with no subtest less than 5.5.

Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.

Additional entry requirements: Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with no subtest less than 5.5.

Recognised English qualification, for example, GCSE English grade A-C.

Your learning journey

All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Core

On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.

On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.

On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.

On completing this module, you will be able to:

* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.

* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.

* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.

Extended Literature Review (Distance Learning)

To enable students to: Gain knowledge and understanding of a range of methods appropriate to undertaking an extended literature review; Undertake an in-depth extended literature review addressing a management problem or opportunity; To produce leaders/managers who can use an evidence-based approach to address management problems and opportunities.

All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Core

On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.

On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.

On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.

On completing this module, you will be able to:

* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.

* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.

* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.

Extended Literature Review (Distance Learning)

To enable students to: Gain knowledge and understanding of a range of methods appropriate to undertaking an extended literature review; Undertake an in-depth extended literature review addressing a management problem or opportunity; To produce leaders/managers who can use an evidence-based approach to address management problems and opportunities.

All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Core

On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.

On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.

On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.

On completing this module, you will be able to:

* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.

* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.

* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.

Extended Literature Review (Distance Learning)

To enable students to: Gain knowledge and understanding of a range of methods appropriate to undertaking an extended literature review; Undertake an in-depth extended literature review addressing a management problem or opportunity; To produce leaders/managers who can use an evidence-based approach to address management problems and opportunities.

All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.

First year

Core

On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.

On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.

On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.

On completing this module, you will be able to:

* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.

* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.

* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.

Extended Literature Review (Distance Learning)

To enable students to: Gain knowledge and understanding of a range of methods appropriate to undertaking an extended literature review; Undertake an in-depth extended literature review addressing a management problem or opportunity; To produce leaders/managers who can use an evidence-based approach to address management problems and opportunities.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching is delivered through an entirely online learning model designed to support working professionals.

You can access recorded lectures, guided reading, interactive learning activities and online resources through the virtual learning environment, allowing flexibility around work and personal commitments.

Learning is supported by regular live online sessions via Microsoft Teams.

These sessions provide opportunities for discussion, clarification, group activities and engagement with module leaders and peers. Interactive discussion boards replicate the experience of on‑campus debate, encouraging reflection, collaboration and shared learning across professional groups.

Assessment is deliberately designed to be authentic, applied and inclusive.

Rather than relying on traditional examinations, you are assessed through written assignments, presentations and posters that reflect real leadership and management activity. In each module, you identify a genuine problem or opportunity from your own workplace and use relevant theory, evidence and frameworks to analyse and propose solutions.

This approach ensures assessments meet Master’s‑level academic standards while remaining relevant to the workplace.

It also helps you to develop high‑level skills in critical analysis, evidence‑based decision‑making and professional communication, capabilities essential for leadership and management roles in health and social care.

The programme concludes with a dissertation in the form of an extended literature review, enabling you to explore a strategic issue relevant to your practice and make evidence‑informed recommendations for service improvement.

Full details of module learning outcomes, teaching hours and assessment requirements are available in the Programme Specification.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching is delivered through an entirely online learning model designed to support working professionals.

You can access recorded lectures, guided reading, interactive learning activities and online resources through the virtual learning environment, allowing flexibility around work and personal commitments.

Learning is supported by regular live online sessions via Microsoft Teams.

These sessions provide opportunities for discussion, clarification, group activities and engagement with module leaders and peers. Interactive discussion boards replicate the experience of on‑campus debate, encouraging reflection, collaboration and shared learning across professional groups.

Assessment is deliberately designed to be authentic, applied and inclusive.

Rather than relying on traditional examinations, you are assessed through written assignments, presentations and posters that reflect real leadership and management activity. In each module, you identify a genuine problem or opportunity from your own workplace and use relevant theory, evidence and frameworks to analyse and propose solutions.

This approach ensures assessments meet Master’s‑level academic standards while remaining relevant to the workplace.

It also helps you to develop high‑level skills in critical analysis, evidence‑based decision‑making and professional communication, capabilities essential for leadership and management roles in health and social care.

The programme concludes with a dissertation in the form of an extended literature review, enabling you to explore a strategic issue relevant to your practice and make evidence‑informed recommendations for service improvement.

Full details of module learning outcomes, teaching hours and assessment requirements are available in the Programme Specification.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching is delivered through an entirely online learning model designed to support working professionals.

You can access recorded lectures, guided reading, interactive learning activities and online resources through the virtual learning environment, allowing flexibility around work and personal commitments.

Learning is supported by regular live online sessions via Microsoft Teams.

These sessions provide opportunities for discussion, clarification, group activities and engagement with module leaders and peers. Interactive discussion boards replicate the experience of on‑campus debate, encouraging reflection, collaboration and shared learning across professional groups.

Assessment is deliberately designed to be authentic, applied and inclusive.

Rather than relying on traditional examinations, you are assessed through written assignments, presentations and posters that reflect real leadership and management activity. In each module, you identify a genuine problem or opportunity from your own workplace and use relevant theory, evidence and frameworks to analyse and propose solutions.

This approach ensures assessments meet Master’s‑level academic standards while remaining relevant to the workplace.

It also helps you to develop high‑level skills in critical analysis, evidence‑based decision‑making and professional communication, capabilities essential for leadership and management roles in health and social care.

The programme concludes with a dissertation in the form of an extended literature review, enabling you to explore a strategic issue relevant to your practice and make evidence‑informed recommendations for service improvement.

Full details of module learning outcomes, teaching hours and assessment requirements are available in the Programme Specification.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching is delivered through an entirely online learning model designed to support working professionals.

You can access recorded lectures, guided reading, interactive learning activities and online resources through the virtual learning environment, allowing flexibility around work and personal commitments.

Learning is supported by regular live online sessions via Microsoft Teams.

These sessions provide opportunities for discussion, clarification, group activities and engagement with module leaders and peers. Interactive discussion boards replicate the experience of on‑campus debate, encouraging reflection, collaboration and shared learning across professional groups.

Assessment is deliberately designed to be authentic, applied and inclusive.

Rather than relying on traditional examinations, you are assessed through written assignments, presentations and posters that reflect real leadership and management activity. In each module, you identify a genuine problem or opportunity from your own workplace and use relevant theory, evidence and frameworks to analyse and propose solutions.

This approach ensures assessments meet Master’s‑level academic standards while remaining relevant to the workplace.

It also helps you to develop high‑level skills in critical analysis, evidence‑based decision‑making and professional communication, capabilities essential for leadership and management roles in health and social care.

The programme concludes with a dissertation in the form of an extended literature review, enabling you to explore a strategic issue relevant to your practice and make evidence‑informed recommendations for service improvement.

Full details of module learning outcomes, teaching hours and assessment requirements are available in the Programme Specification.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

Home: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon
International: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon

Tuition fee

Home: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon
International: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon

Tuition fee

£8,340 per year.

Tuition fee

£3,852 per 60 credits - students usually study 60 credits per year.

*Please note that fees will usually increase by 2.5% each year, so in 27/28, your fees will be £3,948 per 60 credits.

Additional course costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding your studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

Graduates are well positioned for progression into middle, senior and strategic leadership roles across the health and social care sector.

Alumni from MSc Leadership in Health and Social Care programmes at the University of Bradford have progressed into roles such as:

service manager
clinical lead
quality improvement lead
commissioning manager
policy advisor
senior operational leader

within the NHS, local authorities, third sector organisations and independent providers.

There is strong national demand for high‑quality leadership and management capability across health and social care.

Leadership and management development is inconsistently embedded within the health and social care sector; organisations need better‑prepared leaders, at all levels, to improve quality, productivity and staff experience.

Skills gaps frequently identified include leading change, managing people, working across organisational boundaries and applying strategy and policy in practice; all of which are addressed within this programme.

Beyond immediate promotion, the programme supports long‑term career resilience. Its applied focus equips graduates with transferable leadership, and management skills, valued across the health and social care sector, supporting progression as services continue to evolve and leadership standards and expectations grow.

Career opportunities

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 section.

Support for your studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions. We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment. In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

Got a question?

Make an enquiry about this course, and sign up for news updates about studying at Bradford.

Terms and conditions of study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.