Critical approaches to leadership and management in health and social services

Enhance your expertise and practice in leadership and management within health and social services.

Key facts

Module codeAPSPG07
Start date 16 Sep 2025
Duration12 weeks
Days on campus3
Time commitment400 hours of study
Credit value SCQF 40 credits
SCQF level Level 11
Fees Home: £2,111, RUK: £2,111, International: £4,578
Mode of study part time
Delivery blended

Overview

The Leadership and Management module is for health and social services managers in Scotland who are keen to pursue their professional development and to develop the capabilities required to be an enabling leader and an effective manager.

You will explore:

leadership and management theory in the context of health and social services;
the issue of balancing competing operational and strategic priorities.

Flexible learning

This short course forms part of the MSc Applied Professional Studies.

Entrance requirements

A Bachelor or Honours degree is required. Applicants without a first degree will be considered provided they can demonstrate an ability to study at degree level. Relevant work experience is required for all Applied Professional Studies pathways. If you’re an international student and applying with a Tier 4 student visa, we unfortunately can’t accept your application for this course as it falls into the category of being part-time, delivered online or a distance learning course.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Funding

This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments.

Additional costs

There is an additional fee of around £144 for IDI (Leadership Styles feedback) on the Leadership and Management module.

Objectives

After successful completion of this module, you'll be able to:

evaluate a range of perspectives on management and leadership in health and social services;
identify the strengths and weaknesses of your personal leadership style and utilise this knowledge to enhance effectiveness;
critically analyse your management practice including what difference this makes to the lives of people using services;
examine how organisational and professional cultures impact on direct practice;
develop and critically evaluate strategies for managing change in teams and organisations;
appraise the contribution of best value, performance management and quality improvement to your area of work.

Structure and content

The module is structured around direct teaching, seminar discussion, small group activities and self-directed learning. Throughout, you will be expected to work together with peers to debate practice dilemmas and challenges and to bring relevant examples from your work context and management experience where appropriate. You will explore your own leadership style in context and what your goals may be for the future in relation to this.