Improvement Science MSc

University of West London

Overview

Do you work in the health sector? Is there an aspect of your workplace that you would like to improve but need extra support and training to manage this? Would you like to ensure the changes and improvements are sustained in the longer term?

Our MSc in Improvement Science is a work-based learning course designed for experienced healthcare staff, both in the UK and internationally. It will help you develop your knowledge of the latest methodologies in healthcare and provide training and support so you can make a positive impact within your place of work.

The course is delivered by the Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Northwest London, specialists in improvement science.

Course detail

This course is designed to develop practical research skills and knowledge that you can use in your professional employment role and workplace setting. You will study improvement science methodology and theory as you work so that you can directly put into practice what you learn, as you learn.

The course focuses on:

understanding care from the perspective of patients and carers, through engaging patients and communities with the design and development of care

using rapid-cycle research, improvement methodologies and careful evaluation of clinical and cost effectiveness to bring research more rapidly into practice

adopting an industrial standard of quality in the NHS through applying evidence-based research to support evidence-based practice
increasing staff capacity to bring about change and improvements across professional and organisational boundaries

This is a part-time course and you will generally study three modules a year. These will be spread over the academic year, as we recognise that you will be working full-time alongside studying for this qualification.

Study & career progression

Once you have completed your MSc, you can put your expertise and knowledge into practice. You will have the right skillset to deliver improvements in complex healthcare contexts, including in areas under financial constraints.

Having completed a work-based learning project during your degree you will have first-hand knowledge of how to improve patient care, in line with organisational priorities, and you will have the skills to implement positive change within your own role and encourage colleagues and peers to do likewise.

Professionals with an independent, proactive and problem-solving attitude who have a broad knowledge base are highly sought-after in the workplace and valued by employers.