MSc Health Policy and Management

Completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, the MSc in Health Policy and Management equips learners with essential knowledge, skills and tools for understanding, researching and working in complex and changing health and social care systems and services nationally and internationally. From reforming and managing health systems, to implementing organisational, technological and digital innovations to improve population health and reduce inequalities, course participants acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of major health system challenges and developments - and how to address them.

The MSc in Health Policy and Management is taught through an interdisciplinary curriculum underpinned by the principle of evidence-informed policy and practice, with high levels of student participation and peer-learning. This unique MSc is suitable for professionals (e.g. medicine, nursing, allied health professions, management, public administration) and health and social sciences graduates. Participants learn and develop core competencies across subjects including population health management, health policy, health economics, comparative systems, integrated care, and managing people and change. Central to all is translating and implementing research evidence and knowledge for policy and practice, which is threaded throughout the modules as well as being a specific module.

Course participants progress by learning with a core multidisciplinary health and social sciences academic team based in Trinity College Dublin that have an established and highly regarded track record in health policy, economics, systems and management. Course participants also engage with and learn from leading policymakers and senior health system managers across public and private sectors through guest lectures. As part of this vibrant community of practice, course participants will expand their knowledge and network through participation at seminars, conferences and other events organised at the Centre for Health Policy and Management and the Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin.

After graduating from the MSc in Health Policy & Management, you will:

• Have developed an advanced understanding of health and social care systems, policies and services management for enhancing population health and quality of care.
• Have acquired critical skills for collecting, appraising, organising and analysing data and evidence to inform the improvement and reform of health and social care systems, policies and services management in Ireland and internationally. 
• Be able to combine applied systems and translational approaches to improve health outcomes through applied evidence-informed policy, practice and system management. 

All participants complete 7 compulsory taught modules, as well as the Research Methods and Dissertation module leading to the completion of an MSc Dissertation (dissertation of 12,000 words). Taught modules are delivered in a blended format, combining on-campus and on-line modes of delivery. In addition to formal class-contact time, self-directed study is a major component of the course and students are encouraged to set aside self-directed study time each week, e.g. each hour of lectures equates to approximately five hours of self-directed study time.

The MSc Dissertation places emphasis on both the scientific aspects of the subject, and its translational potential into policy, practice and/or service management. You will design, conduct and report original research that demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding of a defined topic applicable to the MSc programme of study.

This postgraduate degree can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, or completed over two part-time years (45 ECTS of taught modules in year 1, plus 15 ECTS taught modules and 30 ECTS MSc dissertation in Year 2).

You can find detailed module descriptions, learning outcomes and assessment formats in the following links:

• Population Health Management (10ECTS)
• Health Policy (10ECTS)
• Comparative Health Systems (5 ECTS)
• Health Economics (5ECTS)
• Knowledge Translation & Implementation (10ECTS)
• Managing People and Change (10ECTS)
• Integrated Care Systems (10ECTS)
• Research Methods & Dissertation (30ECTS)

Course Admission Requirements
Applicants will need to:

• Hold at least a 2.1 honours undergraduate degree or above*
• From an Irish university or equivalent result from a university in another country;
• In a related professional or academic discipline (e.g. medicine, nursing, allied health professions, management, social sciences or health sciences among others).
• Demonstrate evidence of professional or/and academic experience.

Occasionally short-listed candidates may be invited for an interview; or to also complete and pass a pre-defined assignment in order to facilitate the decision-making process for the final place offers. 

*Potential candidates with Irish nursing qualifications dating before 2002 might be exempt from this otherwise strict entry requirement of a Undergraduate degree. Other candidates with non-degree qualifications due to the grading structure of their disciplines are advised to contact the Course Director/MSc Administrator.

For applicants who do not have the required minimum academic entry requirements, but have demonstrable and substantial prior learning, please contact the Course Director. Trinity’s current policy on Recognition of Prior Learning is available here. 

The maximum number of students is 25. The programme will be delivered subject to the minimum number of 8 applicants being reached.

Application Procedure
Applicants should apply online here, selecting either the full-time or the part-time route to completion. 

In addition to the online application form, candidates are also required to upload the following documents:

• Personal statement setting out your interest in health policy and management, why you wish to participate in the course, prior professional or/and academic experience in health policy and management, and your career aspirations (max 500 words)
• Curriculum Vitae outlining academic achievements, relevant work/volunteer experience, awards etc (max 4 pages)
• Two signed references (one should be in a position to comment on your academic ability)
• Copy of passport photo page
• Official transcripts of degree results and photocopies of qualifications
• Letter of funding (where applicable)
• Documents in support of EU fee paying status (for applicants from the European Union), if applicable

It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure all of these documents are uploaded onto your online application.

IMPORTANT: Please note that your application cannot be considered until you have submitted all of the required supplementary forms.

Applications will be reviewed and offers will be made on a rolling basis. If there are no additional places available, you will be placed on a waiting list in case any places become available.

An online application processing fee of €55 is payable by debit or credit card at the time of application.  Please note that the online application processing fee is non-refundable.

Additional Entry Requirements for Trinity College Dublin
Applicants who do not have English as their first language, and/or whose primary degree was delivered in a language other than English, require supporting documents that confirm a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent score on another standardised test.

Further details on entry requirements for international students, including by country are available on the Study Trinity website or from the Graduate Studies Office.

Up-to-date information about course fees can be found at the Academic Registry.

For further information on the programme please contact the MSc Course Director, Dr Carlos Bruen, Centre for Health Policy & Management, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Course Email: bruenc1@tcd.ie