Leadership and innovation (degree and masters level)

Enhance your confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation
Leadership and innovation (degree and masters level)

This 20 credit module focuses on developing your existing expertise so that you are able to function effectively in a leadership role, allowing you to explore leadership in practice and enhancing your confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation.

Within the taught component of the module, you will at times be joined by guest key speakers from all sectors, not just health, who will share their valuable knowledge and experiences.

Module code

HEAD355/APP736

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

HEAD355 course details (degree level)

This degree level module will enable you to demonstrate the personal qualities required to work with others, managing finite resources through initiatives supporting quality improvement and innovation. 

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • reflect on the development of your own leadership skills to consider how best to deliver and enhance collaborative working across organisational boundaries and systems
  • apply a systematic approach to recognise and define complex problems, selecting appropriate evaluative techniques to compare and contrast factors influencing innovation and service improvement
  • demonstrate and analyse the theories and application of the involvement of others in service improvement/innovation including patients/service users
  • communicate by and engage in critical debate to inform and support sustainable innovation and practice development
  • appraise theories of organisational culture, leadership and change, and your influence as 'enablers' to service improvement, quality, governance and the service user experience. 

Assessment

You are expected to produce an assignment about a service improvement, initiative, or innovation. This can be about an idea you are considering, one that is under way or one that you have already completed. As part of the assignment you will complete a project proposal or project report.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional - if you require further information please contact the module lead.)

APP736 course details (masters level)

Successful completion of the module will enable you to demonstrate the personal qualities required to work with others and to lead on the management of finite resources through initiatives supporting quality improvement and innovation.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • critically reflect on the development of your own leadership skills and consider how best to enhance collaborative working across organisational boundaries and systems
  • apply a critical analysis of the approach to define complex problems, selecting appropriate techniques and evidence to evaluate factors that influence innovation and service improvement
  • critically analyse current methods for the involvement of others in service improvement/innovation including patients/service users.
  • communicate with and engage in critical debate to inform resource management
  • critically appraise theories of organisational culture, leadership and change, and your influence as 'enablers' to service improvement, quality, governance and the service user experience.
Assessment

The assessment takes the form of a service improvement, initiative, or innovation. This can be about an idea you are considering, one that is under way or one that you have already completed. As part of the assignment you will complete a project proposal or project report.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional - if you require further information please contact the module lead.)

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.

Access to: 

  • application forms 
  • change of name forms
  • pre-course information
  • downloadable guides
  • student card.

Visit our admissions homepage for full details.

Module dates

The degree and masters-level modules are taught together.

31 March, 7, 14, 21 28 April, 5, 12, and 19 May 2020.

(Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change - always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.)

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. 

In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. 

Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

What programme can these modules count towards?

The degree level module can be studied as a standalone professional development module, as a core module towards our BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Advancing Practice course or as an optional module towards some other BSc (Hons) Professional Development pathways.

The masters level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards our MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) programme and some other associated pathways.

It is also the final module for the Advancing Practice short course at degree and masters level.

Please contact the Professional Development Unit for any further information.

Why a leadership and innovation course?

"Effective leadership, innovative ideas and strategies are core to sustaining health services that continually strive to provide safe, high quality, compassionate care to all patients and service users. Leadership qualities and the act of 'leading' is the responsibility of each and every one of us who work in health services; each day we go to work, our actions no matter how large or small at front line or board level have an impact on the care we deliver. This module seeks to provide an understanding of the bigger picture and our own personal responsibility within and across organisations by exploring with other healthcare professionals, the theories, principles, ideas and ideologies that underpin effective leadership and promote innovation in practice."

Advancing Practice short course (degree or masters level)

This short course of 60 credits at degree or masters level is aimed at registered healthcare professionals currently in practice who wish to enhance their knowledge and gain a qualification at the same time.

Entry requirements

Students wishing to undertake these modules as part of a professional development pathway:

  • must be a registered practitioner working in an area of practice that will allow you to meet the module learning outcomes
  • be in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree to study the module at degree level
  • be in possession of previous study at degree level to study the module at masters level.

Masters level - Individuals without a degree may be eligible to apply providing they have appropriate practice-related experience relevant to the programme, please discuss with the Professional Development Unit prior to application.

Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

Funding and fees

Funding

These modules are commissioned by Health Education England (HEE) and you may, therefore, be eligible for funding through your employing trust.

Please contact your Trust’s Educational Co-ordinator who will guide you through the application process.

If you work in the private, independent and voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.

Fees

For those who are self-funding, please see our professional development module fees page.