The Postgraduate Diploma in Managing Health and Social Care
DESIGN
The BDC has
an established Postgraduate Diploma Programme, accredited by De Montfort
University Business School. The course is based on the Health and Social
Services Management (HSSM) - open learning materials. The Programme itself
is also designed and delivered using a similar approach to the Managing
Health and Social Care (MHSC) Certificate, i.e. a combination of open learning
materials and workshops.
In total there are six modules and the Programme is spread over 16-18 months, commencing in September and completing the following December/January. Students may also have the opportunity to go on and take a Masters at De Montfort University, Bradford University and the MBA at University of Worcester.
CONTENT OF THE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
The learning materials are those usually associated with Postgraduate Diplomas in management but in addition these have been written for managers in health and social care and many of the case studies and examples are from a health and social care context. The six modules which make up the Postgraduate Diploma are as follows:
Module - Managing Personal and Team Effectiveness
- managing self and developing individual effectiveness
- team working
- recruitment and selection
- training and development
Module - Managing Your Enterprise
- the role of the enterprise manager
- culture
- the epidemiological environment
- understanding the political environment
- managing change
Module - Managing Service Delivery
- quality assurance
- customer focus
- managing systems
- managing projects
- delivering an effective service
Module - Managing Information and Communication
- information in support of care
- presenting and analysing data
- information, decisions and communications
- making information work for you
- developing information and communication systems
Module - Managing Finance
- costs and budgets
- performance management and accountability
- planning for the future
- sources and allocation of funds
Module - Business and Service Planning
- business and service planning in context
- analysing the environment and envisioning the future
- analysing your resources and planning for the future
- marketing in the NHS
WORKSHOPS
There are between 2 - 3 workshops for each module. Within each workshop there will be a combination of structured lectures, syndicates work/exercises and discussions. The workshops aim to give additional support to candidates and to cover areas of identified need, underpinning knowledge and providing assistance with assignments. These workshops will be based around the subject matter contained in the learning materials which underpin this Programme but will also add new and supplementary information.
TUTORS
The workshops are run by experienced Tutors from the BDC and by appropriately experienced and qualified Associates from local and national Universities and practising managers from Trusts and other Health organisations. All of the tutors have delivered Postgraduate Diploma/Master courses and have a wealth of knowledge and experience. The practising managers used on the course have considerable expertise in certain areas, such as Information Technology & Systems and Financial Management.
THE LEARNING MATERIALS
Each participant is provided with a wide range of learning materials. They are designed so that individuals can work through independently at their own pace. There is an open learning pack for each of the six modules. Each pack contains a selection of the following:
- file containing learning materials;
- CD Rom; and
- a 'resource file' containing further reading materials.
The workbook material is very user friendly and practical, providing ample opportunities to apply learning to the workplace.
SUPPORT TO THE INDIVIDUAL
The course materials are designed to be enjoyable and interesting to use but, without a certain level of personal support, not even the best learning materials are certain to sustain your learning over a long period. Therefore, the following support mechanisms exist to help the participant:
- The Tutors, who will conduct various teaching and assessing functions.
- Each participant will be encouraged to select a mentor.
- The line manger should provide general guidance but in particular will need to be involved in the project.
- Participants will have access to tutors between workshops.
- Participants will be encouraged to keep informal contact with fellow students as part of a peer group.
THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY (BDC)
The BDC has had over seventeen years experience in designing, developing and delivering accredited management programmes. The BDC was one of the six original pilot sites for the Health & Social Services Management Diploma launched in 1996. The first programme was co-designed and delivered with the University of Birmingham and from the feedback and evaluation of that Diploma, the BDC has further developed this Postgraduate Diploma and is now accredited by De Montfort University Business School. As a Postgraduate programme, the award carries 60 CAT points at Level 7 (masters).
ASSESSMENT
There are seven assignments set by De Montfort University, varying in length from 2,500 - 5,000 words in length. The final assignment is a substantial piece of work at 5,000 words. Candidates must pass each module in order to gain the award.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENROLMENT
The BDC will require applicants to have had a minimum of two years managerial experience and have obtained some kind of management training experience at an appropriate level and have obtained a Level 7 management development qualification or equivalent professional qualification. Exceptionally, candidates without academic qualification but with experience of appropriate professional administrative or managerial responsibility may be admitted if they are considered capable of benefiting from, and contributing to the programme. All applicants must complete an application and enrolment form before being officially accepted and be required to submit a short paper (700-800 words) supporting their application. In rare cases applicants may be required to have an informal interview.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND MAKING AN APPLICATION
If you are interested and would like to discuss the Postgraduate Diploma Programme and/or require an application form, please do not hesitate to contact Stephen Oliver on (0121) 465 7850 or fax (0121) 465 7857, or write to:
Business Development Consultancy
West Heath Hospital
Rednal Road
West Heath
Birmingham
B38 8HR