Programme Specification (Master s Level) This document provides a definitive record of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student may reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. This programme specification is primarily intended as a reference point for academic and support staff involved in delivering the programme and enabling student development and achievement, for its assessment by internal and external examiners, and in subsequent monitoring and review. Programme Information Award Programme Title Programme code Awarding Institution Teaching Institution Faculty Department Mode and Period of Study Cohort Entry Points MSc International Health Management N1EG Imperial College London Imperial College London Imperial College Business School Imperial College Business School 1 calendar year full-time (12 months) Annually in October Relevant QAA Benchmark Statement(s) and/or other external reference points Master s Awards in Business & Management Total Credits ECTS: 90 CATS: 180 FHEQ Level EHEA Level External Accreditor(s) Level 7 - Master s 2 nd cycle AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB International Specification Details Student cohorts covered by specification 2014-15 Responsible Officer Veronica Russell Teaching & Quality Manager Date of introduction of programme 10/2000 Date of programme specification/revision 01/2015 Description of Programme Contents The MSc in International Health Management is a full-time programme of 12 months duration. The programme comprises 15 modules. The focus of the programme is on health with the emphasis on management, together with an international orientation. The programme content reflects the contemporary and relevant management skills necessary for managing in turbulent environments and complex health systems, both in Page 1 of 10
developing and developed countries. In particular the programme will equip the participants with conceptual and practical skills, and enable them to analyse and solve challenging problems. The programme combines academic rigour and practical relevance. There is a careful balance of teaching and learning, individual and group work. Case study methodology and class-based discussions are used to strengthen the conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills of the participants in real situations. In addition, there are regular seminars by external expert speakers. Term one: The first week of term is dedicated to induction. Students are then taught the following general management modules: Accounting, Health Informatics, Marketing, Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management, and Strategic Management. Each of these core modules is assessed by a written examination paper and coursework. Term Two: In the first week of the Spring term, students are examined on the Autumn term modules. Students are then taught the following modules: Health Economics, Management Challenges of Healthcare Organisations, Health Systems Policy and Financing, Managing Change and Innovation in Healthcare, and Contemporary Topics in Healthcare. Once again students are assessed by coursework and written examination. Term Three: In the first week of the Summer term, students are examined on the Spring term modules. Students then undertake modules in Entrepreneurship and Evaluating Evidence for Managerial Decision Making, and participate in the Business Plan Competition. Students also begin preparing for the Healthcare Sector Project this term. Students spend the summer period undertaking the Healthcare Sector Project in July, followed by a 5,000 word Healthcare Report or Personal Career Journey assignment which is submitted in September. Learning Outcomes Educational aims/objectives of the programme The programme aims/objectives are to provide a one-year programme in international healthcare management that will equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and lead healthcare in both public and private domains, or to pursue further academic study (doctoral research). Experienced entrants (typically practitioners) will be prepared to move into management or to accelerate their managerial careers. Students who complete the programme successfully will be able to: Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external context in which they operate and how they are managed; with particular reference to health sector organisations Apply analytical techniques to the decision making processes of health sector organisations and present their analyses in a clear and persuasive manner Demonstrate critical awareness of current issues in the health sector Begin to develop a set of personal development and lifelong learning skills applicable to the international health management environment Programme Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Knowledge and Understanding of: 1. the key drivers for change in the macro-environments of health systems 2. the theory and principles of economics, in particular micro-economics and health economics 3. the techniques of financial and management accounting as a means of examining their relevance to the broader issues of management decision-making and control in the healthcare sector 4. the uses and shortcomings of published financial accounts and a basic understanding of the underlying accounting information Page 2 of 10
5. organisational behaviour and models of organisational change and key people management processes 6. the strategic skills needed to create health organisations, institutions and services that are customerfocused 7. the key principles, theories and tools of modern integrated service management and understand how these differ from previous health theories and practice 8. the role of the change agent to plan and implement successful projects 9. the principles of effective information systems management including an understanding of the role of information and systems in healthcare and an awareness of pertinent technologies and a vision of the future 10. the functions within provider organisations and issues that affect provider performance 11. the core knowledge base including the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relevant to the chosen area of specialisation Acquisition of 1-10 is through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, coursework and examinations. Acquisition of 11 is through the Healthcare Sector Project and Healthcare Report. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to undertake independent research both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Extensive use is made of contemporary case studies and class discussions to complement formal lecture input. To assist in the acquisition of skills 8 and 10, students will be introduced to the models to help managerial decision-making. Assessment of the knowledge base is through a combination of written examinations, assessed coursework, case studies, individual and group reports, presentations and through the Healthcare Sector Project and Healthcare Report. Basic maths and accounting tuition is offered via an on-line interactive modules made available prior to the start of term. Students are tested on the material in these modules during the first week of term. However, passing the tests is not a programme requirement. Skills and other Attributes Intellectual Skills: Students who complete the programme successfully will be able to: 1. integrate, analyse and evaluate new and/or abstract data and situations, using a wide range of appropriate techniques and transform such data and concepts into options and solutions 2. use conceptual, analytical and quantitative skills for decision making within the Health economy Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning methods outlined above. Individual, formative and summative feedback is given to students on all work produced including oral presentations. Frequent reference to research and consultancy findings are made to illustrate the ideas under discussion, but students are also required to analyse case studies on the basis of their experience and the module material. Assessment is through coursework, unseen written examinations, the Healthcare Sector Project and Healthcare Report or Personal Career Journey. Practical Skills: Students who complete the programme successfully will be able to: 1. give professional presentations 2. seek, interpret, present and use data effectively in decision-making 3. produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems 4. use contemporary models and techniques to develop health strategies 5. participate in managerial decision making processes where accounting-based information is an important input 6. manage change and innovation in the workplace 7. map key value creating processes based on customer value, look at issues on partnering, people skills, networking, IT and the new economies of the Internet in order to design, deliver and support a total service system 8. apply traditional management skills to healthcare information system projects Page 3 of 10
9. apply knowledge and skills learnt on the programme to situations in the workplace 10. undertake literature searches 11. use application software for data analysis Practical skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above and in section 11. The Evaluating Evidence for Managerial Decision Making module will introduce students to the basic principles and methods of research which will assist in the acquisition of skill 2. These principles will be applied to specific research needs apparent within current healthcare organisations. To assist students in the acquisition of skill 4, international cases will be used to illustrate health strategies. Inter-country comparisons will also be used to illustrate reform and policy initiatives. To assist students in the acquisition of skills 3, 6, 7 and 9, cases and examples will be used to demonstrate how this is being done in a highly complex, fast-moving world and related back to healthcare services through the use of exercises and discussions, workshops, case studies and hands-on use of technology. Transferable Skills: Students who complete the programme successfully will be able to: 1. communicate effectively in context through oral presentations, computer processing, presentations and written reports 2. critically review evidence including its reliability, validity and significance 3. transfer techniques and solutions from one discipline to another 4. use Information and Communications technology 5. manage resources and time effectively in order to achieve intended goals 6. learn independently with open-mindedness and critical enquiry 7. work effectively as a team member which includes collaboration and formulating effective strategies for achieving goals when working with others 8. understand individual behaviour in teams, team formation and team dynamics 9. clearly identify criteria for success and evaluate his or her own performance against those criteria 10. use IT skills and tools such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Reference Manager Transferable skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. A Return to Study Skills session is offered at the beginning of the programme as part of Induction to assist students with the acquisition of 1, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Skill 5 is developed throughout the programme within a framework of staged coursework deadlines and the split examination system. This skill is also developed through the Healthcare Sector Project. Skills 8 and 9 are developed through assessed group work. Transferable skills are assessed through coursework, presentations, the Healthcare Sector Project and written examinations. Entry Requirements Academic Requirement Additional Requirements English Requirement Normally a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 or equivalent in Medicine, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences Engineering, Informatics or another relevant discipline. Two references are also required. English language test: IELTS level 7 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent). Learning & Teaching Strategy Scheduled Learning & Teaching Methods lectures, practical classes and field work equipment/technique demonstrations (e.g. Page 4 of 10
Bloomberg, Datastream) seminars workshops, case studies group work exercises, formal presentations E-learning & Blended Learning Methods Pre-programme VLE modules On-line discussion forums On-line lecture materials Interactive content including video and module quizzes Project and Placement Learning Methods N/A Assessment Strategy Assessment Methods Academic Feedback Policy Essays Continuous assessments Written Examinations/Tests Multiple Choice Tests Formal Presentations Reports Case Studies Participation The School aims to provide feedback to students on coursework within two weeks and to provide provisional examination grades six weeks from the examination date. With each returned coursework assignment, a written evaluation will be provided. General feedback to the cohort is provided on examination performance. Students will not receive individual examination feedback Students will be provided with an alpha grade. The numerical mark will only be available on completion of the programme and will be released by Registry. Grades received during the year are deemed provisional until confirmed by the External Exam Board. Re-sit Policy Students who fail examinations will be provided with the opportunity to re-sit. Students may choose whether to re-sit failed examinations in the September re-sit period or with the next cohort. Permission to split the re-sit examinations between the re-sit period and the next academic year is at the discretion of the Programme Director. Students who need to re-sit examinations/resubmit their final project/essay/afr will be required to pay a re-sit fee (unless they have had mitigating circumstances accepted to sit as a first attempt). Mitigating Circumstances Policy The Business School follows the College s Mitigating Circumstances Policy and Procedures Programme Structure Full-time Presession Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term Summer Vacation Core Modules 4 5 5 4 Page 5 of 10
Elective Modules Projects 1 Assessment Dates & Deadlines Written Examinations Coursework Assessments Project Deadlines Practical Assessments January and April/ May Continuous September NA Assessment Structure Programme Component ECTS Weighting Autumn Component (5 x Core modules, equally weighted) 27.50 33.3 Spring Component (5 x Core modules, equally weighted) 27.50 33.3 Summer Component (4 x Core modules, equally weighted PLUS 1 x Core Choice module, equally weighted) 35.00 33.3 Total 100 Rules of Progression Not Applicable. This is a full-time one year programme. Marking Scheme All modules are equally weighted. There are three elements: Autumn Term Modules Spring Term Modules Summer Term & Summer Period Modules Pass An aggregate mark of 50 or greater across the programme as a whole An average of 50 or above in each element At least 40 in each examination At least 50 in all modules assessed by coursework only* Merit An aggregate mark of 60 or greater across the programme as a whole An average of 60 or above in each element At least 40 in each examination At least 50 in all modules assessed by coursework only* Distinction An aggregate mark of 70 or greater across the programme as a whole An average of 70 or above in each element At least 40 in each examination At least 50 in all modules assessed by coursework only* Page 6 of 10
* includes Evaluating Evidence for Managerial Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Business Plan Competition, Healthcare Sector Project and Healthcare Report/Personal Career Journey. Marking Schemes for postgraduate taught programmes: The Pass Mark for all postgraduate taught course modules is 50. Students must pass all elements in order to be awarded a degree. Page 7 of 10
Module List Code Title Core/ Elective Year L&T Ind. Study Placement Total Written Exam Coursework Practical FHEQ Level ECTS Induction Core 1 35 0 35 Not assessed BS0491 Finance Primer Core 1 10 15 25 Not assessed BS0490 Accounting Primer Core 1 10 15 25 Not assessed BS1317 Plagiarism Awareness Core 1 10 15 25 Not assessed BS1314 Study Skills Core 1 10 15 25 Not assessed BS0439 Accounting Core 1 32 105.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0435 Health Informatics Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0444 Marketing Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0441 Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 60 40 7 5.5 BS0440 Strategic Management Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0445 Evaluating Evidence for Managerial Decision Making Core 1 20 117.5 137.5 100 7 5.5 BS0448 Contemporary Topics in Healthcare Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0436 Health Economics Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0434 Health Systems, Policy and Financing Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 Page 8 of 10
Module List Code Title Core/ Elective Year L&T Ind. Study Placement Total Written Exam Coursework Practical FHEQ Level ECTS BS0434 Management Challenges of Healthcare Organisations Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0443 Managing Innovation and Change in Healthcare Core 1 22 115.5 137.5 70 30 7 5.5 BS0443 Entrepreneurship Core 1 20 130 150 100 7 6 BS0447 Business Plan Competition Core 1 20 130 150 100 7 6 BS0449 Healthcare Sector Project Core 1 0 237.5 237.5 100 7 9.5 BS0451 Personal Career Journey Core Choice 1 12.5 187.5 200 100 7 8 BS0450 Healthcare Report Core Choice 1 0 200 200 100 7 8 Page 9 of 10
Supporting Information The Programme Handbook is available at: http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/programmes/programme-information/ The Module Handbook is made available to students via the Hub once the module commences. Module descriptions are available in the Programme Handbook (link above). The programme s competency standards documents can be obtained from the Business School s Teaching & Quality Office. The College s entry requirements for postgraduate programmes can be found at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/entryrequirements/graduate The College statement on pastoral care and welfare support is available at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/welfareandadvice Details of Departmental arrangements for pastoral care and welfare support is available in Student Programme Handbooks. The College s Quality & Enhancement Framework is available at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/qualityassurance The programme is consistent with the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area which is available at: http://www.ehea.info/uploads/qualification/qf-ehea-may2005.pdf Indicators of Quality & Standards: Triple accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB International) The Business School is joint first for the percentage of research activity assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent (ie 4* and 3* work combined) in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Independent review of the quality of the educational provision of the Business School by the Higher Education Funding Council of England s Quality Assessment team in 1994 achieving an Excellent grading. The Business School is joint first for the percentage of research activity assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent (ie 4* and 3* work combined) in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Range of prizes awarded by Service and Industry for student achievement on the modules Membership of EFMD, the Association of Business Schools (ABS) and AACSB International Page 10 of 10