Postgraduate open day: Saturday 10 February 2024
Join our on-campus open day this February to talk to students and lecturers and find out how and when to apply.
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QS World University Rankings (2023)
Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2024
The MSc in Innovation and Improvement Science is designed for applicants working in a healthcare context with the scope to undertake innovation and improvement projects.
This work-based course allows you to explore how to make better use of research and innovation to improve ways in which healthcare is organised and delivered for the benefit of patients.
The course is designed to focus on key concepts:
The MSc also includes:
Students may also make a claim (Accreditation of Prior Learning) to gain credits for exemption from some modules.
The course structure is outlined below, including core modules and some example optional modules. This programme is extremely flexible to suit your needs. For a full list of the optional modules available, see: short courses and modules.
This programme will take 3 -5 years to complete.
We are recruiting now for start dates throughout the year. For more information or to apply please make an enquiry to the CETAD team.
A first degree or equivalent professional qualification.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
This module is mandatory and integral to your Postgraduate Certificate Programme. It initiates your programme by facilitating activities to raise self-awareness about your strengths, development needs and the skills and knowledge you need to for your personal and professional development. This enables you to negotiate a programme of study that best fits your personal and professional development needs, with the support of a learning mentor who will support you during the length of your programme of study.
Further to designing and negotiating your programme, this module will shadow your learning journey through to completion. The module’s main purpose is to facilitate your ‘learning about learning’ and develop this critical lifelong and work-based skill. This should bring confidence to critically evaluate and challenge ideas, have a voice to make a case and communicate complex ideas to different audiences.
You will normally start this module at the beginning of your Postgraduate Certificate Programme. The module course usually lasts 12 months as it runs alongside your taught courses in the Postgraduate Certificate. There is a face-to-face workshop at the start of the module and then the module learning consists of online self-study, online group mentoring, personal mentoring, reflection activities, and completion of a learning portfolio.
You will be assessed at the end of the module through submission of a learning portfolio that represents the progress of your learning from the beginning to the end of this module. You will be assessed against the module learning outcomes, including evidence of learning with and from others on the modules that comprise your programme.
You will need to be in work (paid or unpaid) in a role which enables you to meet the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
By the end of the course, you will have developed
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. This is a core course for students enrolled on the Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation and Improvement Science (exemption may be given via APL).
There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
March
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
The project syllabus will be largely determined by the focus and nature of your project and will be agreed between you and your mentor-facilitator. You will be guided, supported and encouraged to take a proactive role in designing your own learning. It is likely this learning will be located in the following areas:
Effective collaborations and successful team working are key features of successful organisations. This course will develop your critical understanding of the features of ‘high-performing teams’ and your skills working as a team leader or member.
You will explore key concepts, models and theories of team roles and dynamics and relate these to your own experience. You will evaluate frameworks for assessing and developing team performance and consider their usefulness and applicability to your own practice.
We will explore with you the answers to some key questions:
You will evaluate ideas, relate them to your situation and develop practical strategies you can adopt at work.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
Creative thinking is the ability to imagine or invent something new and is a powerful skill in the work context spanning the spectrum of 'brilliant ideas' to 'better ways of doing things'. It can be closely linked to problem-solving. This course will help you develop your abilities and support you to develop a creative, innovative culture in your team.
You will examine concepts and models used to stimulate creative thinking and frameworks for problem-solving and assess their applicability and usefulness to your work. For example, you might look at the work of experts such as Edward de Bono and evaluate ideas such as ‘left and right brain thinking’, ‘six thinking hats’ and a ‘solution focus rather than a problem focus’.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence, all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
February
November
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
On completion of the course, you will have developed your understanding of a range of approaches to leading others through times of change. You will have developed your ability to understanding how to engage and influence others and how to take into account different individual’s responses to change. This learning will enhance your own capacity to lead and manage people through change.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
On completion of the course, you will understand different perceptions of effective leadership and management and be able to examine the effectiveness of leadership and management in the context of your own organisation. You will be able to devise a strategy for your own personal leadership development to help you to address the current challenges of your role.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
A key feature of a work-based learning programme is the requirement to learn from and for your work context. Work-based projects are purposeful work activities focusing on the real demands of your job. Engaging in a substantial work-based project provides opportunities for you to investigate, plan, develop, implement, review and learn from experience.
The final stage of a master's qualification requires you to engage in a substantial work-based, investigative project.
This 60-credit project will be of sufficient complexity and timescale to allow you to:
Before embarking on a 60-credit project, you will complete a project proposal and ethics statement. Your mentor will provide you with formative feedback on your proposal before you submit your final version to the University Project Approval Committee.
A 60-credit project will typically take around 6-9 months to complete. You can study for your project entirely online; there are no mandatory attendance days. You will be supported with your study in the following ways:
Typically, a 60-credit project module will involve around 600 learning hours; this includes time spent on tutorials, self-study, reflection, learning and application at work, as well as completing activities and assessments.
The aim of the assessment is for you to demonstrate how you have delivered a substantive work-based project, which includes practitioner enquiry, implementation and review. There will usually be several parts to the assessment in line with the timeline of the project, from proposal through to evaluation and critical reflection. Typically, this will be compiled into a project report with an executive summary and your reflections. As an indication, the total word count is around 12000 words or equivalent.
Entry to this module is through enrolment on a postgraduate diploma or master's course.
This module is a key part of how we support you in customising your postgraduate programme.
You will:
You will also negotiate timescales, target award and award title to construct an achievable programme that meets both your career aspirations and the requirements for success at postgraduate level.
The module lasts approximately 10 weeks and includes one introductory workshop/webinar, followed by online study, tutorials with your mentor, application of your learning in your workplace, and the completion of assessment tasks.
This module assessment is in two parts: a negotiated development plan, and a supporting rationale.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows scope to apply your learning in practice. This is a core module for all Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's Degrees and is not available as a free-standing short course.
This course takes you through the process of analysing drivers for change in your own organisation. It will develop your critical understanding of the external and internal factors that influence the need for change in your organisation and your skills in working with the complexity and uncertainty of change.
We will explore the change agenda in your local context and start to question and challenge existing organisational capacity to respond to these.
On completing the course, you will have learned to identify the key internal and external drivers for change within your organisation. You will be able to analyse how change is affecting your organisation and understand how change impacts you and your role.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+ model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
Increasingly, organisations see the benefits of mentoring and coaching as a way to develop individuals in line with organisational objectives. Line managers and trainers can use mentoring and coaching skills as a way to support and develop staff.
This course is suitable for anyone wishing to gain personal knowledge, understanding and skills of mentoring and coaching with a view to applying these skills to their practice. It is also appropriate for managers and others who wish to consider whether this approach is appropriate for introduction into their organisations.
You will develop your understanding of well-researched approaches, techniques and frameworks and develop your mentoring and coaching skills. We will explore key principles and processes such as confidentiality, values and ethics and support you to consider them in your practice.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence, all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
Upon completion of the course, you will have developed an understanding of best practices in terms of managing staff performance and will have developed a range of skills to enhance your ability to lead and manage staff routinely. You will have increased your understanding of the behaviours and motivation of others, explored a range of tactics to engage staff and improved your own ability to manage staff performance.
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically, you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or a portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid), which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
The ability to influence others and negotiate with those of opposing views is common in many situations, such as communicating with customers, clients, stakeholders, work colleagues, and even friends and family!
This course will give you an understanding of the key principles of negotiation and influence, which can be of great benefit, together with the opportunity to learn and practise effective strategies used by successful negotiators. Topics covered include:
The course usually lasts approximately 10 weeks.
The delivery of this module is through our online+model for distance learning consisting of online learning, self-study, reflection, discussion and sharing learning with and from others, application of learning to your organisational context and the completion of assessment tasks. There is also the opportunity for students who value face-to-face workshops to attend optional themed workshops.
At the end of the course, you will undertake an assessment. This is an applied work-based assessment rather than a theory-based essay. This means that typically you will be required to apply what you have learnt to your context at work, evaluating concepts for their applicability and usefulness.
The assessment format may be a reflective account, a project report, a presentation or portfolio of evidence; all being the equivalent of 2000 words in length.
You will need to be in a work role (paid or unpaid) which allows you the scope to put the concepts learned into practice. There are no formal qualification requirements for entry; we assess suitability on each individual application.
N.B. CETAD reserves the right to cancel or move the course to a later date if the number of students registered for the advertised course is not sufficient.
Home and International: £500
Find more information on course fees and start dates for executive education programmes.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Join our on-campus open day this February to talk to students and lecturers and find out how and when to apply.
Book my placeThe information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.