The MSc in Medical Leadership is a part-time programme delivered jointly by the RCP and Birkbeck, University of London.
Applications for the 2019–20 academic year are open now and will close on 30 September 2019.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, the sooner you apply the sooner you will receive a decision on your application as we have limited spaces available.
You can only apply for the full MSc. However, if you would like to study a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma you can choose to exit with these interim awards once you have achieved the required credits.
Please contact the support team at postgraduate@rcplondon.ac.uk if you are having difficulties completing the application process.
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) – £5,375
- Postgraduate Diploma (second year of study) – £5,375
- Masters (third year of study) – £5,375.
Fees are subject to confirmation and will be the same for UK and EU students.
How to apply
Applications for the 2019–20 academic year are open now. You can apply via the Birkbeck website. Applications will close on 30 September 2019.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, the sooner you apply the sooner you will receive a decision on your application as we have limited spaces available.