The MSc in Medical Leadership is being discontinued after consideration of the needs of the clinical workforce.
The RCP and Birkbeck, University of London have researched and are developing new and innovative short courses suited to modern clinical leaders and their main preoccupations. These will address topics such as organisational change and strategy and leading a diverse workforce and will be starting in Autumn 2021. To register your interest please email postgraduate@rcplondon.ac.uk
Programme overview
This postgraduate master's degree qualification (MSc) is a CPD accredited course, taught at RCP London, which can be completed in 3–5 years. This is a cumulative programme and early exit with a Certificate (after year one) or Diploma (after year two) is possible. There are 12 contact days in both the Certificate level and Diploma level of the course allowing like-minded professionals to network and learn from others’ experiences.
This programme has been designed in line with the medical leadership competency framework to provide a comprehensive coverage of leadership and management, focusing on the needs of senior clinicians, balancing academic rigour and workplace-based application in recognised healthcare environments.
The overall aim is to provide participants with a firm foundation to go on to attain senior levels of management within the field of health. Such as clinical directors, medical directors or chief executives.
The RCP has access to some of today’s most eminent leaders in healthcare who collaborate with the teaching staff to deliver real-life case studies and guest speaker sessions. These case studies are presented throughout the modules, by postgraduate deans, medical directors and hospital chief executives, putting the academic content into a clinical context.
In addition, guest speakers talk honestly about a current or recent issue in their roles, and promote discussion and awareness of the real problems in medical leadership. Allowing for insight into their personal career paths and leadership experiences.
Guest speakers
One of the hallmarks of this programme is its interactive sessions with some of today’s most eminent leaders in healthcare. Real-life case studies are presented throughout the modules, putting the academic content into a clinical context. This is an exclusive opportunity for students, and one which sets this master’s programme apart from others.
Entry requirements
The MSc in Medical Leadership is open to fully qualified medical doctors practising within any specialty, with a minimum of 1–2 years of higher specialist training (StR 3–4) or equivalent.
It is important that the application form includes details of the applicant's roles, responsibilities and interest in medical leadership.
International applicants
Individuals who are nationals of a country from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland will be required to obtain a short-term study visa when coming to the UK for study periods. Depending on your nationality you can apply for this visa either upon entry to the UK, or in advance at the British embassy / high commission in your country of residence.
To ensure that Birkbeck meets Home Office requirements, please note the following:
- Students are able to enter the UK via an eGate – students should NOT do this, but instead should request an entry stamp from an immigration officer. Students entering without a stamp may not be able to study.
For any questions about this, please see Birkbeck’s website, or contact the International Student Administration team at Birkbeck on +44 (0)20 3926 3100 or isa@bbk.ac.uk.
Fees 2019–20
Programme fees are paid to Birkbeck, who offer students flexible arrangements to make payments in instalments:
- Postgraduate Certificate (first year of study) – £5,550
- Postgraduate Diploma (second year of study) – £5,550
- Masters (third year of study) – £5,550.
Fees are subject to confirmation and will be the same for UK and EU students.
How to apply
Due to the impact of COVID-19, Birkbeck, University of London and the Royal College of Physicians have agreed there will not be an intake for the 2020/21 academic year as we are recognising the unprecedented pressures for our prospective students. We are now further developing and adapting the programme to encapsulate recent developments and also move to a more blended mode of delivery. The MSc in Medical Leadership will be accepting applications for the 2021/22 academic year and to register your interest please email postgraduate@rcplondon.ac.uk
The Diploma and Masters level of the programme for existing cohorts will continue in 2020/21. Doctors wishing to convert university credits for prior learning to enter at the Diploma level are still eligible for the 2020/21 academic entry. For further information please visit the Birkbeck page on http://www.bbk.ac.uk/linkinglondon/resources/apel-credit-resources/pub_May2010_A%20Users%20Guide%20to%20Credit%20for%20Prior%20Learning%20through%20APCL%20and%20APEL_MB-1.pdf