Overview
Top reasons to study with us
-
70
70th for Business and Management in the world
QS World University Rankings (2023)
-
85
85th for Business and Economics in the World
Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2022)
-
Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2024
The Postgraduate Certificate 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:
- Improvement science concepts
- Evidence-based approaches
- Quality improvement and measurement
Students may also make a claim (Accreditation of Prior Learning) to gain credits for exemption from some modules.
The Postgraduate Certificate focuses on the development of key underpinning knowledge and skills. There are progression routes to Postgraduate Diploma and Master's with increased emphasis on bespoke learning related to the delivery of innovation and improvement projects and you can choose from a range of optional modules in line with your specific needs.
Course Content
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.
Course duration
This programme will take 1-3 academic years to complete
Start dates
We are recruiting now for start dates throughout the year. For more information or to apply please make an enquiry to the CETAD team.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
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.
English Language Requirements
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.
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Core
-
Personal Learning and Development
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.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
You will need to be in work (paid or unpaid) in a role which enables you to meet the requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate.
Start dates
-
January
-
April
-
September
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
-
Understanding Improvement Methods and Techniques
Overview
- History and development of Quality Improvement Science
- Models and techniques for Quality Improvement and Improvement Science
- Policy and context of Quality Improvement in health care
- Organisational readiness for Quality Improvement
By the end of the course you will have developed
- A critical understanding of the role of improvement science in a health care context
- Knowledge and understanding of key models related to Quality and Improvement Science
- An understanding about the improvement practices in relation to your own organisational role and context.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry Requirements
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 who are 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.
Start dates
-
March
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
Work-based Improvement and Innovation Project
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:
- Knowledge creation - identifying potential enquiry approaches suitable for work-based projects that deliver impact
- Developing critical cognitive skills for questioning and challenging existing organisational ideas and practices
- Developing clarity and consistency in communicating with a range of organisational and academic audiences.
- Exploring social and ethical challenges in changing organisational contexts
Optional
-
Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
-
Overview
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 to develop your own abilities and also 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’.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Start dates
-
February
-
November
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
-
-
Developing Emotional Intelligence
Overview
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to be aware of one's own and other people's emotions, to differentiate between different emotions and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour. There are different perspectives on EI, including the work of Daniel Goleman who has linked it to self-awareness, self-management and the development of approaches for leading and working with others, for example developing insight and empathy.
In this course you will explore and critique the concept of EI as well as evaluating different models in terms of their validity and effectiveness. You will explore how you can apply emotional intelligence in your workplace; to yourself and in analysing and understanding others, increasing your ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions. We will also critically analyse the applicability of EI to areas such as job performance, leadership, team effectiveness and cultural awareness.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Start dates
-
May
-
October
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
-
Introduction to Mentoring & Coaching
-
Overview
Increasingly, organisations see the benefits of mentoring and coaching as a way to develop individuals in line with organisational objectives. Mentoring and coaching skills can be used by line managers and trainers 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.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Start dates
-
May
-
November
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
-
-
Leading Others Through Change
Overview
- Leadership in times of change
- Transitional to Transformational leadership
- Appreciative leadership
- Stakeholder analysis
- Supporting staff in embracing change
- Capacity building to cope with uncertainty
- Achieving sustainable change
- Dealing with resistance to change
- Emotional Intelligence - self and social awareness
- Influencing skills
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.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Start dates
- June
- October
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
Planning and Controlling Projects
Overview
The course is aimed at anyone who wishes to develop Project Management skills and focuses on
- Using tools such as Gant Charts, network diagram and critical path analysis to schedule and mentor progress
- Managing project responsibility
- Managing project risk
- Closing down a project and evaluating success
On completion of this course you will have developed an understanding of how to identify and manage the risks associated with a project, how to break the work down into manageable steps and how to develop a realistic timeframe for its completion, effective closure and post project appraisal.
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Start dates
-
March
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
-
Understanding Organisation Development
Overview
This course sets the scene to understand the context and agenda for organisation development.
- What is Organisation Development, history, perspectives, definitions
- Theory and practice of Organisation Development
- Organisation Development and its links to: Business Strategy; HR Strategy; Systems thinking; Organisation learning
- Models for understanding your own organisation
- Developing organisation practice
- The role of Organisation Development Practitioner - limits and possibilities
Duration, attendance and delivery
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.
Assessment
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.
Entry requirements
This is a core course for students who are enrolled on the Postgraduate Certificate in Organisation Development (exemption may be given via APL).
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.
Dates
- November
- March
N.B. CETAD reserve 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.
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.
Fees and Funding
Fees for 2024/25 | Per 10 credit module |
---|---|
UK & International | £500 |
MSc/MA = 180 credits
PGDip = 120 credits
PGCert = 60 credits
Find more information on course fees and start dates for executive education programmes.
-
Additional costs
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.
College fees
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.
For students starting in 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
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.
-
Application fees and tuition fee deposits
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.
-
Fees in subsequent years
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.
-
Management and Business
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives MSc
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives PGCert
- Advanced Leadership Perspectives PGDip
- Business Administration MBA
- Business Administration (Executive) MBA
- Business Analytics MSc
- Cyber Security Executive MBA MBA
- Digital Business, Innovation and Management MSc
- Human Resource Management MSc
- Human Resources and Consulting MA
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science MSc
- Innovation and Improvement Science PgDip
- International Business and Strategy MSc
- International Masters Program for Managers No Qual (PGT)
- Leadership and Management PgCert
- Leadership and Management (Health Care) PgCert
- Leadership Practice MSc
- Leadership Practice PgDip
- Leadership Practice (Apprenticeship Pathway) PgDip
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
- Management MSc
- Management (Entrepreneurship and Strategy) PhD
- Management (Organisation, Work and Technology) PhD
- Management Science MRes
- Management Science PhD
- Management Science PhD (Integrated)
- Medical Leadership MSc
- Medical Leadership PgDip
- Medical Leadership PgCert
- Organisation, Work and Technology MRes
- Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
- Professional Development PGCert
- Professional Practice MA
- Professional Practice MSc
- Professional Practice PgCert
- Professional Practice PgDip
- Project Management MSc
- Strategy MSc
- Theory and Practice of Management PhD
- Theory and Practice of Management (IDPM) PhD
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 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.
Our Students’ Charter
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.