DBA - PhD in Healthcare Management | Metropolitan School of Business & Management UK

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DBA - PhD in Healthcare Management

The Rushford DBA in Healthcare Management is a comprehensive program that provides students with high-level knowledge, research, and analytical skills. These skills can be applied by business students, managers, practitioners, and leaders to solve the most complex business problems. Unlike master-level programs, the DBA program emphasizes the application of theory to real-world business challenges. Students undergo a transformative learning process that enhances their research skills, enabling them to view business situations differently, with a focus on applying research methods to find solutions that lead to organizational efficiency, growth, and long-term sustainability.

The MSBM DBA in Healthcare Management is a 180 ECTS credits doctoral program that offers flexibility while maintaining a rigorous curriculum, all accessible online. The program allows students to choose their pace and duration based on their pathway (Coursework vs Research). Most students complete the program and obtain their qualification within three years of enrollment. The research pathway can lead to obtaining the qualification in less than three years.

This program emphasizes applied research in Healthcare Management, enabling executives, managers, and practitioners to use their newly acquired skills in real-time business situations. Students will gain a high level of proficiency in various aspects of business and Healthcare Management through coursework. The program also focuses on enhancing students' research skills, writing skills, presentation skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, and change management skills.

After finishing the program, students will have the following competencies:

Apply research techniques to examine business scenarios and tackle business issues
Perform primary and secondary research to comprehend business challenges
Use extensive knowledge of business and healthcare management principles and practices to anticipate outcomes
Master business communication skills
Express intricate ideas, strategies, plans, and tactics in a clear and efficient way
Attain a high level of proficiency in producing relevant reports that employ data collection, cleaning, interpretation, and data visualization to captivate readers
Participate in academic and professional research undertakings that could result in publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Develop advanced expertise in using robust research methodologies, study design, and implementation of studies to generate a thesis at the program's end, as required for the granting of the doctoral degree.

Accreditation

All MSBM courses are accredited by the relevant partners and awarding bodies. Please refer to MSBM accreditation in about us for more details.

Entry Requirements

Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in Business and Management
Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over five years of managerial and/or business experience
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over eight years of managerial and/or business experience

English Language Proficiency:

Our programs are conducted in the English language. As such, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting one of the following test scores during the application process:

IELTS Overall: 5.5
TOEFL (iBT: 58+; PBT: 490+; CBT: 167+)
TOEIC Overall: 555+
PTE Overall: 50+
Duolingo Overall: 90+

English Proficiency Waivers:

The English proficiency test is not required for the following candidates:
– Native English Speakers, OR;
– Applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. High School Diploma or IB), OR;
– Applicants having completed their undergraduate or graduate studies in English, OR;
– 2 years of work experience in an organization where English is the primary language of communication.

Course Modules

This module provides the most critical information about the study course and assignment submission.

Navigating the MSBM Study Portal

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Course Structure and Guidelines

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VIDEO - How to Avoid Plagiarism in Your Writing

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Harvard Referencing Style Guide

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How to Summarise - Assignment Guide

Downloadable material to advance your understanding of this module.
Summarising, Paraphrasing, Quotation for your Assignment

Downloadable material to advance your understanding of this module.

This module will equip students with the qualitative and quantitative principles to undertake research at the doctorate level. The research principles will include a review of theoretical principles informed by Research Philosophy and Research Approach along with empirical research principles involving Research Strategy, Data Collection Method and Data Analysis Method. Additionally, students will be equipped to make appropriate judgements based on ethical practices during the PhD research.

Research Philosophies and Principles
VIDEO - Overview of the Research Onion

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Selecting a Research Topic
Searching and Reviewing Literature
VIDEO - How to write a Literature Review

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Developing conceptual Framework

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
PDF - How to create a Conceptual Framework

Downloadable material to advance your understanding of this module.
Research Strategy and Design
Research Methods I

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Research Methods II

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
PDF - How Observation is Used As a Research Method

Downloadable material to advance your understanding of this module.
Research Methods: Data Analysis

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Research Proposal and Writing Up
Research Ethics

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
QUIZ - Advanced Business Research Methods

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Health and Social Care Management focuses on the effective planning, organization, and delivery of healthcare and social services. The module covers key areas such as resource management, quality assurance, and operational efficiency in care settings. It emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance, ethical decision-making, and patient-centered care. Learners explore strategies for managing teams, budgets, and projects while addressing challenges like workforce dynamics and service demand. Practical applications and case studies prepare learners to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable management practices.

Understanding Health and Social Care Environment - N

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Health and Social Care Organisations - N

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Managing Health and Social Care Strategies - N

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Strategies for the Promotion of Health and Social Care - N
UK Healthcare Regulations and Policies - N
International Healthcare Policy Issues - N
Health and Social Care Management

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The course presents conceptual frameworks and models which will assist students to analyze competitive situations and strategic dilemmas and gaining insight into strategic management. This course will provide a synthesis of previous course materials within the business programmes. Lectures are supplemented with case studies.

Concepts in Strategy Evaluation
Understanding the Strategy Formulation
Concepts in Implementing Strategies
Business Analysis Case Studies
Understanding Business Analysis
Strategic Management and Business Analysis

Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz. Read each question carefully and choose the response that you feel is correct.

Health and Social Care Leadership focuses on equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead effectively in healthcare and social care settings. The module explores leadership theories, styles, and practices tailored to complex, multi-disciplinary environments. It emphasizes strategic planning, change management, and decision-making in diverse and dynamic care contexts. Learners analyze ethical considerations, policy frameworks, and stakeholder engagement strategies to improve outcomes. Case studies and practical exercises enhance leadership competencies for addressing real-world challenges in health and social care.

Leadership Concepts in Health & Social Care - N
The Role of Motivation in Health and Social Care - N
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation - N
Reward Management in Health and Social Care - N
Learning and Job Designing in Health and Social Care - N
Managing Teams in Health and Social Care - N
Communication and Delegation in Health and Social Care - N
Health and Social Care Leadership

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Theoretical statements of individual and group behaviour in organizations will be examined in this course. Student presentations and discussions will include detailed treatments of organization design, change, and reorganization, as well as inter-organizational relationships.

Understanding Leadership Processes

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Understanding Organisational Structure

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Dynamics of Teams and Groups in an Organisation

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Organisational Context and Contemporary Organisational Behaviour

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Dynamics of Individual Behaviour in an Organisation

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Organizational Behaviour

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The course aims at helping PhD candidates develop an appreciation for the intellectual growth of business as a discipline. Students will have an opportunity to view the historical growth of the field from an economic to a behaviourally-based discipline. By studying multiple articles on each topic, students will gain an understanding of the way academic knowledge is developed as well as being exposed to contemporary social science methods.

The Development and Complexity of the Organisation Theory
Advanced Discussion on Rational and Natural Theorists
Marketing as a science, advance marketing theory, and philosophical thoughts
Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches in Finance
Current Research Perspective In Business Theory
Advanced Business Theory

Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz. Read each question carefully and choose the response that you feel is correct.

This module captures the essence of research in advanced theory and practice of business management that include areas such as Analysis of modern management theories, Development of organizations, Dynamics of organizational behaviour and relationship to effective administration in addition to the Models of communication, motivation, and leadership.

Exploring the Legacy of Pioneering Management Thinkers
A Historical and Theoretical Overview of Management and Social Responsibility
Advanced Critical Theory, Critical Management Studies, and Critical Realism

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Advanced Theoretical Foundation of Organizational Behaviour and Change Management

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Advanced Theory of Quality Management

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Advanced Management

Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz. Read each question carefully and choose the response that you feel is correct.

Here, in this segment, you will produce an academic standard research report. This segment will last nominally for two years.

Workshops

Workshops are conducted through live webinars for online students.

Weekly write-up webinars and monthly supervisor meetings will be held to offer better coordination between the student and the supervisor and achieve optimal professionalism in writing the research report.

Visa Requirements

There is no Visa requirement for this programme.

After finishing the program, students will have the following competencies:

Apply research techniques to examine business scenarios and tackle business issues
Perform primary and secondary research to comprehend business challenges
Use extensive knowledge of business and healthcare management principles and practices to anticipate outcomes
Master business communication skills
Express intricate ideas, strategies, plans, and tactics in a clear and efficient way
Attain a high level of proficiency in producing relevant reports that employ data collection, cleaning, interpretation, and data visualization to captivate readers
Participate in academic and professional research undertakings that could result in publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Develop advanced expertise in using robust research methodologies, study design, and implementation of studies to generate a thesis at the program's end, as required for the granting of the doctoral degree.

The course is delivered in two segments.

Segment 1 consists of Seven modules, each one with an assignment and Segment 2 consists of a RESEARCH REPORT(paper)

Segment 1:

Modules: You will be awarded a level 8 Diploma for the completion of the coursework of the following modules.

ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS:

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE LEADERSHIP:

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS:

The course presents conceptual frameworks and models which will assist students in analyzing competitive situations and strategic dilemmas and gaining insight into strategic management. This course will synthesise previous course materials within the business programmes. Lectures are supplemented with case studies.

ADVANCED BUSINESS THEORIES:

The course aims at helping PhD candidates develop an appreciation for the intellectual growth of business as a discipline. Students will have an opportunity to view the historical growth of the field from an economic to a behaviourally-based discipline. By studying multiple articles on each topic, students will gain an understanding of the way academic knowledge is developed, as well as be exposed to contemporary social science methods.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE MANAGEMENT:

ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR:

ADVANCED MANAGEMENT:

Segment 2 - RESEARCH/THESIS:

Here, you will produce an academic standard research report in this segment. This segment will last nominally for one-two year. Your specialization depends on the topic you will select for the research.