This course is for anyone working in health and social care with a leadership or management role, or those aspiring to become a leader or manager in their organisation.  

Module Summary

This module is designed to equip health and social care professionals with the critical skills necessary for successful management and leadership within the health and social care sector. Functioning as a 'mini-MBA’, this module offers an exploration into key areas such as people management, strategic marketing and communication, finance, and strategic leadership. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, the module aims to prepare students for the complex challenges of health and social care leadership, enabling them to drive effective change and innovation. Participants will gain the insights and tools needed to navigate the business, management and strategic leadership aspects of health and social care.

Content

The course will utilise recorded/online lectures which can be studied at your own pace in weeks 1 to 6. Week 7 is an in-person seminar weekend (3-days) featuring workshops and discussion forums to put theory into practice. The seminar weekend will also provide opportunities to network with fellow students and develop evidence for the portfolio assignment.

The following topics will be covered:  

• People management
  • Introduction to leadership theories
  • Models of effective people management
  • Enhancing organisational effectiveness

• Strategic Leadership
  • Analysis of leadership styles
  • The role of innovation in strategic leadership
  • Developing change management and organisational strategies

• Strategic Marketing and Communication
  • Review of marketing frameworks
  • Strategic communication techniques
  • Case studies on effective marketing and communication

• Financial Decision Making
  • Tools for financial analysis
  • Strategic financial planning
  • Influencing organisational decisions with financial insights

Teaching

This course is delivered in a flexible, blended learning format.

The course will utilise recorded/online lectures which can be studied at your own pace in weeks 1 to 6. Week 7 is an in-person seminar weekend (3-days).

In-person weekends are delivered on the High Wycombe campus and include lunch and refreshments.

Term 2 Cohort

Online content/recorded lectures - 12th Jan - 20th Mar 2026

• Accessed at your own pace via the virtual learning platform.

In-person seminar weekend (3 days) - 13th, 14th, 15th Feb 2026 

Assignment submission: w/c 16th Mar 2025

Term 3 Cohort

Online content/recorded lectures - 13th Apr - 19th Jun 2026

• Accessed at your own pace via the virtual learning platform.

In-person seminar weekend (3 days) - 15th, 16th, 17th May 2026 

Assignment submission: w/c 15th Jun 2026

Term 4 Cohort

Online content/recorded lectures - 6th Jul - 11th Sept 2026

• Accessed at your own pace via the virtual learning platform.

In-person seminar weekend (3 days) - 7th, 8th, 9th Aug 2026 

Assignment submission: w/c 7th Sept 2026

Assessment

20-credit module / Level 7

Portfolio of evidence and set exercises to include:

• Reflective account
• Curriculum vitae
• Presentation/elevator pitch
• Short report/board paper

Faculty

The module lead is Professor Will Broughton.  The course is facilitated by BNU staff, guest lecturers and external experts.