Discover how the University of Hull’s online MSc in Healthcare Leadership stands out with its global perspective, real-world focus, and practical application as shared by Programme Directors Patrick Marshall and Jane Walker in this in-depth Q&A.

What sets the University of Hull’s online MSc in Healthcare Leadership apart from other MSc programmes?

In this first Q&A of our series, Programme Co-Directors Patrick Marshall and Jayne Walker explain how the course combines global perspectives, real-world application, and a strong focus on practical leadership development.

In this conversation, they share what makes the MSc unique, who it’s designed for, and how it helps students apply their learning directly to their roles – building confidence, capability, and lasting impact in healthcare leadership. 

What makes this MSc different from other healthcare leadership programmes?  

Patrick: We focus on practical applications, not just theory as an abstraction from your day-to-day practice. The course covers the full range of healthcare contexts. We have recruited from the full range of healthcare professionals; doctor consultants and GPs; administrators and managers without clinical experience, as well as nurses, midwives, paramedics, operating department practitioners, and therapists.

We also recruit professionals from social care and professionals from private healthcare contexts.  All of these professionals have been successful on our programme. 

Our participants come from across the world, and often they have different names and titles for the roles they undertake, but we recognise that their contributions to the programme enriches everyone’s understanding of diverse global healthcare systems.  

We aim to harness this diversity and strength by sharing knowledge among programme participants and supporting their practice within their healthcare systems. For most people, that‘ll be the NHS, but we also explore how other systems are funded and policies are developed. 

This is important for people who want to broaden their insights about how things are done in different countries. Our international reach is significant, and it’s an integral part of how we designed the programme.   

We take pride in empowering healthcare professionals to succeed in their practices with patients or service users. We also include colleagues from social care, as our focus encompasses both areas.

This includes professionals managing individual care homes, care-home groups, and other healthcare-allied services. Their multidisciplinary insights enrich the course content and education.  

It’s a vibrant environment for students, and we take pride in our work. While pursuing a master's is challenging, it is immensely rewarding. Our graduates value how the effort they put into their education pays off for them in terms of confidence and networking. 

They return to their roles as more able, empowered leaders; ready to make a difference for their patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system as a whole. 

Jayne: I trained here at the University of Hull and feel very much part of this supportive community. We maintain contact with our students, which was true for me as a student and now as a practitioner and academic.

The University of Hull’s reputation, especially in the Faculty of Health Sciences, is internationally recognised. We deliver our programmes to a gold standard, which is noteworthy. 

What's the balance between theory and practical application on the course?  

Patrick: There’s a fair amount of theory on our course. The most powerful aspect of this happens in the last module, we call capstone. I lead this module, and we ask students to consider a particular topic of their own interest.  

This topic could be something they're concerned about, have a genuine practice interest in, or something they’d like to see change. They get to choose what they want to explore and the only limit is the time they have (about 6 months). But they will be able to investigate the evidence base of their topic through deep investigation and analysis.  

Ultimately our graduates are able to reflect of the evidence they have found and ask themselves, “what does this mean for my leadership and my practice?”.  

And it won't just be based on what they think and feel. It’ll be based on what they know about what the evidence says. They’ll learn how to investigate the published research, and draw sound, reasonable conclusions from it that are authentic to them. Because we know there's a lot of contradictory data out there.  

Leadership brings both joys and challenges. There’s no simple formula; different contexts require unique approaches to people, problems, and patients. The skill lies in navigating these complexities without causing harm to yourself or others, striving to make a difference while also sustaining yourself.  

This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about understanding yourself and managing the demanding role of healthcare leadership in your context. You might aspire to promotions.

Recently, someone emailed us and shared that they’ve become a chief nurse. And while we’d love to take credit for that, it’s their individual achievement; we’ve just helped them get there.  

That individual, now a skilled professional, has been promoted into that post. Colleagues like him benefited from their experiences in this programme, which has genuinely prepared them for senior roles in for example an NHS hospital trust.   

How do students apply course insights to their roles while they study?  

Patrick: The answer to this lies in the programme's design. It's an online format where students continuously provide feedback to each other and their tutors through structured challenges.

While it may seem intimidating because it's delivered online, it's very well-structured. Students have guided practices, including video lectures where concepts are explained, followed by opportunities for clarification with online tutors on a weekly basis.  

Participants engage in discussions, post their thoughts, and consult with tutors. Each academic tutor has different experiences and unique perspectives to bring to the table. 

The tutors help you consolidate your learning, and clarify how to apply insights to the assessments in each module. It’s a busy time, and it rolls along quite quickly, but your education loops back on itself. So all of your previous learning will be reinforced over time. By module five, you'll revisit concepts from module one. You’ll reflect on your growth and the depth of your understanding.  

You'll constantly be challenged to ask yourself, “what am I going to do with this knowledge? How will I demonstrate that for the person reading my final capstone project?”.   

Additionally, the webinars, tutors, peer groups, and discussion boards provide ample networking opportunities. This programme truly enhances real-time practice and the exchange of ideas.  

Find out more about the MSc in Healthcare Leadership 

This Q&A highlights how the University of Hull’s MSc in Healthcare Leadership is designed to help you grow into a confident, capable leader who can make a real impact in your organisation and beyond. With a global outlook, practical learning, and a strong community of support, this programme equips you to lead with insight and purpose. 

Visit the course page to explore the full details on modules, assessments, fees, and how we’ll help you turn your leadership potential into meaningful change: