This is a bespoke programme for Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. 

All professionals are required to continuously engage in professional development with a feature of this being not only being able to identify and meet learning needs, but to apply the learning to practice and this includes the area of leadership and management. 

This programme has been developed in consultation with employing agencies, former students, service users and carers and also addresses the national strategies for the development of effective leaders and managers for health and social care services. It provides a route to a professional and academic award for participants from diverse occupational backgrounds and is designed to provide you with a firm foundation and preparation for your chosen specialist practice in leadership and management. 

These units can enable you to gain academic / professional credit for the learning and practical work associated with the Dorset HealthCare Leadership Development Pathway.

Level 7 Masters level

Our units are offered at level 7 (Masters- MA) and each unit provides 20 credits which can be used in our CPD Framework in order to build towards a master’s level award, depending on the level and your existing qualifications.   

At this level there is an emphasis on the requirement for an informed and critically considered stance to be apparent on both practice development and theory 

Normally students may enter Level 7 study if they have been awarded: 

• Undergraduate degree (honours or non-honours)
• An equivalent qualification (the learning outcome of which are demonstrably appropriate in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills) equivalent to 120 credits at Level 6. 

If you meet the above criteria, you are eligible to apply for the following level 7 units: 

• EPL 1: Leading Self
• EPL 2: Managing and Leading Organisational Change
• EPL 3: Leading and Managing Teams 

These units can be undertaken as part of the MA Leading and Developing Services programme, or the MA Advanced Practice Programme.  

Successful completion  of the three EPL units would lead to the attainment of a Post-Graduate certificate:  

• PG Cert: 60 credits 

If you then choose to continue onto further study then there is the option of gaining further qualifications:  

• PG Dip: 120 credits  
• MA: 180 credits 

Tutor Input

For each unit the tutor will provide two sessions of input and these will be online.  The first will focus on explaining the unit and the assignment, professional learning / development and Bournemouth University resources; the second will be a small group tutorial and focus on the assignment. The tutor is also available as an academic adviser for formative assessment, advice and support.  

Assessment

The assessment for each unit will focus on the work that you undertake as part of your pathway and for your project. The coursework will normally comprise of a reflective essay outlining the learning gained, how it has impacted practice and how the new found knowledge would be disseminated. The essay will be supplemented with supporting evidence. For EPL 3: students will also be asked to have completed/undertake a 360 degree feedback exercise.  

Fees and funding 

These units are funded by Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust. Please make sure you have secured funding before applying.