Faculty of Medical Science MSc Healthcare Management for Army Majors with ICSC(L) Frequently Asked Questions 0
Contents Page 1 Introduction 2 2 Who is the qualification for? 3 3 Why Anglia Ruskin University 3 4 What is Work Based Learning? 3 5 What are the entry requirements? 3 6 How will the course be taught? 4 7 How will my progress be assessed? 4 8 Will I have to attend the University campus? 4 9 How long will the course take? 4 10 How is the course structured? 4 11 How much work will I have to do? 5 12 What IT equipment and skills will I need? 5 13 What other skills will I need? 6 14 How will students support each other on the course? 6 15 What support will I get from the university? 6 16 What books are needed 6 17 What can I do if I am posted abroad whilst studying the course? 6 18 What are the course fees? 7 19 How would I fund my studies? 7 20 What happens after I complete the course? 7 21 How do I apply? 8 22 What happens after I apply? 8 23 How can I get more information? 9 1
1. Introduction The MSc Healthcare Management is a nationally recognised qualification. It is transferable and applicable to other careers in healthcare and NHS (outside of Armed Forces). In addition to currently serving Army personnel, this course is also valuable to those who may be transitioning outside of the forces. The ever rising challenges of patient expectations, combined with the changing parameters associated with healthcare, necessitates the development of today s multi-professional healthcare workforce. The MSc Healthcare Management: Provides the skills to manage and lead effectively in complex, dynamic and interprofessional/ multidisciplinary settings Develops you both personally and professionally ensuring you have the tools you need to support future development to achieve your potential for career progression Develops analytical skills in assessing your role in Health and Social Care using an evidence based approach Advances your knowledge of recent health and social care policy developments and consider the current and future health and social care needs of clients, to ensure that the views of service users and carers are fully represented in the management of care processes Develops a critical awareness of the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and learn to operate in a collaborative way as an effective leader of the team Enables you to acquire the ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge of the healthcare environment within which you are employed, and apply managerial and leadership principles to solve practical problems Opportunity to explore, learn with and from other students, reflecting upon challenges and opportunities in a constructive way, deepening your awareness of your own and others Management style This qualification helps you: Achieve an internationally recognised university qualification Gain formal recognition for the level at which you are working Enhance career development opportunities Prepare you for civilian life Spend minimum time away from work Adds value in your workplace whilst training Access to the university s services Graduation ceremony at university campus Anglia Ruskin University has worked closely with Army Medical Services Sponsors to recognise and accredit military training against the MSc Healthcare Management. This Frequently Asked Questions document contains information about the course, why we developed it, what you will be studying on the course, how you will be studying, the benefits to yourself and to your organisation, and also the ways in which we will support you in your studies. We hope you find it useful. Callum Cartledge Degrees at Work Anglia Ruskin University 2
2. Who is the qualification for? This course is aimed at health and social care practitioners who wish to develop managerial and leadership roles in their respective fields. We have developed a specially accredited pathway Majors who having completed the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land) are keen to build on postgraduate level study. 3. Why Anglia Ruskin University? Anglia Ruskin University is based in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough. It is one of the foremost work based learning universities in the Eastern Region, and indeed in the UK. Working with clients as diverse as NHS, RAF Army, Barclays, Specsavers, and Harrods, we have an established reputation for developing and delivering bespoke degree level training for employees of both individual organisations and entire work sectors. Anglia Ruskin University believes that higher education should inspire people to develop the professional skills that will enable them and their organisations to stand out in today s increasingly competitive world and is proud to have developed this unique provision for Army Medics. With over 9,000 Health students, the University is the largest provider of health, social care and education courses across the East of England. We offer a comprehensive range of locally, nationally and internationally recognised courses, delivered by teams of experienced academic staff who all have relevant teaching and professional experience. Our vision is to promote excellence in health, social care and education to deliver an inspiring practice and research based learning portfolio and to develop and lead world-class translational research. Our courses lead to relevant careers with over 95% of our graduates finding full-time employment or further study, six months after graduating. 4. What is Work Based Learning? Work Based Learning is a process of applying knowledge that focuses on people s day-to-day work responsibilities. The MSc Healthcare Management will be taught through Work Based Learning, which means that you will be learning about issues directly relevant to your job and investigating themes within your role with the Army Medical Services and the health and social care workplace in general. 5. What are the Entry Requirements? Applicants should normally have a good first degree or equivalent and have Leadership and Management experience. As a currently serving Major provided you have an undergraduate degree and have successfully completed the ICSC (L), you have exemption of 60 postgraduate credits, or the equivalent of two modules from MSc Healthcare Management. Accreditation may also be possible against previous versions of ICSC(L). If study at undergraduate level is not evidenced, then the successful completion of a study skills course* covering research methodology, design and process prior to the start of the Major Project module is compulsory. * a non -credit bearing online course delivered by ARU. There is no charge for this course. 3
6. How will the course be taught? The course will be delivered entirely via online distance learning using the university s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Tutorial support is available on a one to one basis throughout the course via email, telephone and the VLE. Feedback from previous students has indicated that internet access may be difficult on postings. Please inform your course leader, module tutor and your distance learning facilitator at the earliest if this is the case. We can arrange to send you the study materials in attachment form in advance so you can download and print them in order to continue your studies during posting. 7. How will my progress be assessed? The methods of teaching, learning and assessment are dependent upon the strategies within individual modules.you will be assessed on a module-by-module basis. Assessments have been designed to directly showcase the skills you use at work. Students are able to contextualise their assignments to meet their specific professional and personal needs; this impacts positively on their practice and facilitates their personal development. Assessments will comprise a mix of reflective learning, written reports, portfolios, projects, essays. Also online debate, discussion and sharing of ideas and peer reviews. There are no examinations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to send draft course work to your module tutor for formative feedback to help develop your final submission. Please note that deadlines for submission of assignments are strictly enforced at the University. For this reason we emphasise the importance that our work based distance learning students manage their time carefully. 8. Will I have to attend the University s campus? There is no requirement to attend the campus because all course materials are available online. The development of an online community is a flexible and exciting way to learn, to share practice and enhance generic and transferable skills. 9. How long will the course take? This course can be studied just over 1 year and three months on a part time basis. We offer the part time route, as opposed to the full time mode of study in order to help you efficiently balance work and study priorities. 10. How is the course structured? We offer two starting points in the year one in January and another in September. The modules are covered in the following order for the January 2015 start: Year 1 ADVANCING PROFESSIONAL DECISION MAKING (30 credits) This module is exempt for those who have completed ICSC(L). ORGANISATIONAL TRANSFORMATION IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (30 credits) This module is exempt for those who have completed ICSC(L). 4
Year 2 RESEARCH STUDIES (30 credits) This module is designed to provide you with a critical overview of the main methodologies and designs applied to research within health and social care, professional practice, regulation and policy. It provides you with an opportunity to explore the theoretical dilemmas that underlie the process of inquiry and its relationship to practice. The module will provide a framework within which to select, evaluate and justify the research methods chosen for your research project. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP (30 credits) Businesses, whether private, public or third sector, operate in a world facing a range of urgent global issues. This module examines the fitness of business and individuals to tackle such issues, based on the Global Leadership model developed by lecturers at this university. Our module consists of four elements: effective decision making, adoption of a global approach, creation of a new business paradigm and a contemporary mission. It also considers the related concept of misleadership, which looks at how leaders have often failed to achieve the optimum outcomes for those they lead. Leaders predominantly create context and this module will explore the skills required to successfully mould and develop the context in a chaotic environment. Year 3 (one trimester only) MAJOR PROJECT (60 credits) The major project is of central importance to the Masters award. You will be expected to bring together aspects of learning from the course and previous experience as well as using the learning as the basis for planning, conducting and writing a research or work-based project 11. How much work will I have to do? Your course will be based around your work and so some of your learning will take place during your normal work duties. There will also be the need to commit private time for studying. Everyone approaches work differently and some people will take more time than others. However it is estimated that on average you will need to spend the equivalent of two to three evenings in the week and half a day at the weekend on your studies. Anglia Ruskin University staff will offer guidance and support throughout your academic work. 12. What IT equipment and skills will I need? You will be required to access online learning materials during the course. For this you will need access to a standard PC linked to the internet, preferably a Broadband connection and Microsoft Office software such as Word and Excel or similar Windows compatible applications. You will need to have a basic familiarity with using the internet, using email, word processing and spreadsheet applications. Anglia Ruskin University s Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE) can be accessed via PCs or Macs. In practice we find most desktop computers and laptops are compatible with our systems. However technologies do vary, so some students find access easier at home, some easier at work, for some it makes little difference. We are happy to answer your questions about IT and certainly encourage you to raise questions you may have well in advance of commencing your studies. Feedback from previous students has indicated that internet access may be difficult on postings. Please inform your course leader, module tutor and your distance learning facilitator at the earliest if this is the case. We can arrange to send you the study materials in attachment form in advance so you can download and print them in order to continue your studies during posting. 5
13. What other skills will I need? There are no other special skills needed other than a belief in what you can achieve and a willingness to learn. Working for a MSc degree is a big commitment, so you will also need to be motivated and well organised. 14. How will the students support each other through the course? We believe success on the course will be enhanced through bringing the students together to create a supportive community of learners. The structure of the course has been designed to encourage active participation and mutual support in order to build a community of learners and enable students to maximise the learning opportunities across the group. Anglia Ruskin University s Virtual Learning Environment provides an excellent platform for doing this through its discussion boards, wikis and other participative mechanisms. 15. What support will I get from the university? While you will need to take full responsibility for your own studies, you will have plenty of support. This includes: 1. One to one academic tutor support 2. One to one personal tutor support 3. Distance Learning Facilitators 4. Student Advisers 5. University IT helpdesk 6. Personal Development Planning (PDP) 7. Support in the workplace You will also have access to a number of university resources and facilities such as the digital Library, Chaplaincy, Counselling Service, Students Union and the Careers Service. 16. What books are needed? Students will be expected to read extracts from a variety of sources such as books, journal articles, reports etc. Most of these will be freely available online through Anglia Ruskin University Library, although in some instances they may want to purchase a key course textbook. Many learning resources are available in electronic format. You will be advised of any recommended books well in advance and tutors will point you towards relevant sources of information throughout the course. You may also wish to access the libraries facilities at DMS Whittington. 17. What can I do if I am posted abroad whilst studying the course? Feedback from previous students has indicated that it may be difficult to continue to study whilst on posting, owing to factors such as internet access and available time. We recognise that this may disadvantage your studies, therefore we offer provision to defer your studies until you are back from posting. It is really important that you maintain regular contact with the course team throughout your studies, and if you learn that you are going to be posted overseas during your study of the course, you need to contact the course leader and/or your distance learning facilitator as soon as possible to seek support and advice as required. 6
18. What are the course fees? The course fees are 6250. However as Majors are exempt from 60 credits of this course (out of a total of 180), fees are prorataed at 4167. This will be invoiced in two annual stages as follows: Phase 1: 2083 Phase 2: 2084 Please note that these fees only apply to September 2015. 19. How would I fund my studies? You could consider utilising your Enhanced Learning Credits. Please speak to your Learning Adviser to find out more about this process. The information you may need to provide for a funding application is as follows: Name of Course: MSc in Healthcare Management Starting Date: 21 September 2015 Apply by dates : 31 July 2015 Delivery : Fully online, Part time ELCAS Provider Code: 1007 Fees:: Phase 1 2083 and Phase 2 2084 Note: All fee information is valid for January 2015 intake In order to help us with invoicing please send us a copy of your Course Authorisation Note (CAN Form). Please send this to Learning Development Services Administrator Anglia Ruskin University East Road (SGH 308) Cambridge CB1 1PT For any questions relating to invoicing and CAN forms please contact at ldsfees@anglia.ac.uk or ring 0845 196 6707. Payment by instalment options may be available, subject to meeting the required criteria. For further information on payment by instalments and student loans please contact us on 0845 196 6707 or email degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk. 20. What happens when I complete the course? You will be invited to a Graduation Ceremony, one you successfully complete the course. You will also be able to use the letters MSc after your name. 7
21. How do I apply? If you are interested to apply please contact you Learning Advisor at the earliest. If you are eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits, you will also need to complete a request for funding through ELCAS. Please see Q19 for more information on application for funding. We have an online application process for this course. Please follow these steps to apply. Please click on or copy and paste this link on your website browser : https://evision.anglia.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=dltt HSCMPDLP&code2=0011 Enter your user name, create your password and proceed with the online application form In order for us to process your application form quickly it is critical that you help us with the following 1. Supply evidence of your qualifications. This would include ICSC(L) certificates plus certificates of any other courses you may have completed outside of the Army such as ILM, CMI or Open University programmes. If you have completed training within the service that is equivalent to or are legacy versions of ICSC(L) please indicate these. 2. Please include the email address of the referees then this will be progressed immediately Please scan and email these copies of your qualification evidence as attachments to Louise Walmsley Admissions Officer Email: louise.walmsley@anglia.ac.uk Alternatively you may also fax the documents FAO Louise Walmsley Fax Number: 0845 196 5943 If you have any problems with the application process or need assistance on anything else please contact us on 0845 196 6707. 22. What happens after I apply? Provided you meet the university s eligibility criteria and your application is complete and all the supporting documents and reference received, these are the first stages involved: Receipt of application form and all documents/ references Applicant receives a conditional letter of offer from the university University/admissions tutors will verify documents and references A final conditional offer received by student along with registration guidelines and the What to Expect leaflet A welcome email from the tutor together with the online Prepare for Success As per entry requirements you may be required to complete a study skills course covering research methodology, design and process (delivered by ARU) prior to start of the course. 8
23. How can I get more information? Please refer to our dedicated microsite www.anglia.ac.uk/icscl or the course flyer. Call the Degrees at Work Team on 0845 196 5992 or email degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk. Please refer to the course flyer. 9