Principles and Foundations of Integrated Care
Postgraduate
MSc
Advancing Integrated Care
School of Health and Society
Attendance
Part-time
Part-time
Course
19 month
28 month
Next enrolment
September 2023
In a nutshell
The MSc in Advancing Integrated Care has been designed to provide a progressive pathway of master's level study for staff working in health, social care or in the voluntary, community and faith sector with an interest in Integrated Care.
The Advancing Integrated Care Masters has been specifically designed to enable you to develop complex high-level skills within this area. The programme will support you to lead integrated services that improve the quality of care and enhance outcomes for people, professionals, organisations and the wider community.
Integrated Care is developing into the preferred model of health and social care nationally and internationally. As the demographic and epidemiological foundations of populations change. If the person and community-centred aspirations of modern health and social care systems are to be realised then, the clinical and organisational leadership in these organisations needs to radically evolve and transform. This programme embeds leadership in all modules to provide the opportunity to critically appraise and develop the skills to design, and delivery and lead services regionally, nationally and internationally.
This programme offers two exciting pathways (Practitioner and Leadership) that support the development of a workforce that can deliver services that enable people to have access to health and social care which is coordinated around people's needs and is safe, effective, efficient and responsive to need throughout a personal life course.
The course and each pathway within it adopt an integrated and blended approach to teaching and learning, that reflects the reality of health and social care setting and communities.
You will:
- develop a critical awareness of current problems and new insights in integrated care informed by academic research, practice and policy
- develop advanced leadership skills to design, implement, critically evaluate integrated services and deliver care in-line with the principles of integrated care
- develop skills and knowledge in dealing with complex issues relating to integrated care systematically and creatively and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
All about the course
The MSc Advancing Integrated Care has two pathways (Practitioner and Leadership) which are jointly taught in trimester one and trimester two, followed by a specialist pathway module taught in trimester three. This approach enables the learning environment to reflect an integrated approach, support interprofessional learning, and challenge traditional silo professional thinking.
Leadership pathway - Leadership in Integrated Systems
The Leadership pathway is aimed at professionals from any background – both clinical and non-clinical - working within a health or social care organisations (or wider related organisations) who wish to develop their knowledge in leading integrated care and person-centred care. The programme is aimed at the development of those occupying leadership or management roles, or who wish to move into such roles, and who are interested in leading integrated care
Integrated care systems (ICSs) establish a more collaborative way of working and joined-up care for patients and their local populations.
The design of the Leadership pathway enables you to develop leadership skills and knowledge, to lead within the complex and unpredictable contemporary health and social care systems. Students completing the programme will be provided the opportunity to develop a deep systematic knowledge within the field of integrated care. Students will be able to critically appraise theoretical and methodological approaches and gain the skills to develop, appraise and apply new models of integrated care organisationally and systems-wide.
The curriculum reflects the changing nature of the health and social care systems the development of systems approaches, interprofessional and multiorganisational working. The leadership pathway covers critical appraisal of the context of integrated care, leadership practice, emotional intelligence, influencing across systems and developing leadership styles.
Practitioner pathway
The design of the Practitioner pathway enables participants to practice within the complex and unpredictable contemporary health and social care systems. Students completing the programme will be provided with the opportunity to develop a deep systematic knowledge within the field of integrated care and its application within the local setting. Students will be able to critically appraise theoretical and methodological approaches and gain the skills to develop, appraise and apply new models of integrated care within their field of practice and across service delivery.
The curriculum reflects the changing nature of the health and social care systems the development of systems approaches, interprofessional and multiorganisational working, enabling students to advance their skills in working in partnership with other agencies, including social services, commissioners, charities, and a range of non-traditional providers. The partnership pathway covers critical appraisal of the context of integrated care and its application to setting. There are a range of optional modules (including independent prescribing, where appropriate) to support practitioners tailor their programme to their specific needs
The modules will be specifically designed by academics with direct experience of working within a relevant setting and will advance the skills of the practitioners who work with people across their life course within primary care and community setting. The pathway will focus on AHP, Social care and pharmacy. With a specific focus on case management, interprofessional working and leadership, and new modules of health and social care
The Practitioner pathway is aimed at Allied Health Professions, nurses, pharmacists and a range of professional working across health and social care. The pathways have been specifically designed to support the development of a range of practitioners working across primary care and the community to increase leadership and advance the development of integrated health and social care systems.
You can choose to follow the Practitioner pathway with Non-medical Prescribing (V300) qualification included, or without as detail in the module section below.
Core modules
This module aims to support you to critically evaluate theories and strategies in integrated care and public health and then apply these theories into practice. You will have the opportunity to develop a local case study to explore the social, political, and historical factors shaping local, national, and international health care provision. The module will also enable the exploration of how integrated care is being applied within professional disciplines and the wider health and social care system.
You will be encouraged to explore your own professional perspective, but also work with colleagues from a range of disciplines to gain an understanding of how integrated is affecting practice and service delivery.
Developing Healthy Communities and Integrated Practice
Demand for health and social care has been rising consistently over the last few decades and there is now a realisation that there needs to be a much greater emphasis on prevention, self-care, and social care. This module explores co-morbidity and management of complex conditions at an individual, organisational and system level, giving students the opportunity to develop systems improvement using a quality improvement approach.
Dissertation - Advancing Integrated Care
An opportunity to explore a topic in-depth as discussed and agreed with your academic supervisor.
Leadership pathway
Leading, Developing and Designing Integrated Systems
Completing the Leading, Developing and Designing Integrated Systems module will enhance your skills in leading in systems at an individual, team and organisational level. This module focuses on development and advancement of co-production and co-design techniques to support leadership.
During this module you will learn to critically evaluate theories and strategies of leadership and co-production, to develop advanced level knowledge, skills, and behaviours to lead on patient and/or service improvements within your healthcare organisation.
You will have the opportunity to engage in activities and mentoring to critically evaluate self and others and critically reflect on techniques required to provide leadership in co-production and co-design of care.
You will be encouraged to critically appraise your qualities as a leader and their impact in the development of healthy communities, including preventive, self-care and asset-based approaches to health and social care. Exploring how to use co-production and co-design in complex conditions management at a patient, family, and community level.
Compassionate Digital Integrated Care
The use of technology is increasing all the time and is now a key tool in the delivery of health and social care. This module explores not only the technology in use, but importantly how it can be applied compassionately to enhance delivery of care and support prevention, independent living and self-care. This module provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop critical skills for analysis, synthesis, and discussion of research and policy in the use of technology in practice.
After gaining an understanding of the evidence base you will have the opportunity to identify appropriate methods for dealing with complex and ethical issues pertaining to the delivery and management of compassionate person-centred care through digital health solutions (including digital consultation and assessment/ Artificial Intelligence / health monitoring). Finally, you will identify and critically assess how technology can support and enhance the health outcomes of individuals through integrated approaches, relating these approaches to your own practice.
Single Module Compassionate Digital Integrated Care (15 Credits, Level 7) | University of Salford
Quality Improvement in Integrated Care
In this module you will focus on the development and advancement of skills in evaluation and research in practice within an organisational setting.
The overall aim of this module is to demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of managing quality across integrated services including – Evaluation, Audit, Research, and developing an evidence base in community, primary and integrated care.
Students will have the opportunity to practically apply quality improvement techniques through activities, critical evaluation of self and others, and critically reflect on techniques for evaluation of quality improvement.
The 'Me' in Leadership
Enables you to develop personally and professionally in the knowledge of self and the significance of 'me' as a leader to see them through the demands of your job. Recognise the importance of the complex relationship between you as individuals, your team and your health and social care organisation.
Practitioner pathway with V300 (NMP)
Non-medical Prescribing - Independent Prescribing Practice
This module will look at the practical elements of independent prescribing, accompanied by the theory module Non-medical Prescribing - Independent Prescribing Theory.
This module is accredited by the NMC, HCPC and GPhC and upon successful completion, you will be able to add an annotation to your professional registration as an independent prescriber.
Non-medical Prescribing - Independent Prescribing Theory
This module will enable you to evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence based practice, equality and diversity and clinical governance.
This module is accredited by the NMC, HCPC and GPhC and upon successful completion, you will be able to add an annotation to your professional registration as an independent prescriber.
Advancing Integrated Care - Practitioner
This module covers a range of theoretical and practical elements to provide you with the skills to practice and lead within emergent integrated systems.
Plus one of the following 15 credit modules
Quality Improvement in Integrated Care
In this module you will focus on the development and advancement of skills in evaluation and research in practice within an organisational setting.
The overall aim of this module is to demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of managing quality across integrated services including – Evaluation, Audit, Research, and developing an evidence base in community, primary and integrated care.
Students will have the opportunity to practically apply quality improvement techniques through activities, critical evaluation of self and others, and critically reflect on techniques for evaluation of quality improvement.
Compassionate Digital Integrated Care
The use of technology is increasing all the time and is now a key tool in the delivery of health and social care. This module explores not only the technology in use, but importantly how it can be applied compassionately to enhance delivery of care and support prevention, independent living and self-care. This module provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop critical skills for analysis, synthesis, and discussion of research and policy in the use of technology in practice.
After gaining an understanding of the evidence base you will have the opportunity to identify appropriate methods for dealing with complex and ethical issues pertaining to the delivery and management of compassionate person-centred care through digital health solutions (including digital consultation and assessment/ Artificial Intelligence / health monitoring). Finally, you will identify and critically assess how technology can support and enhance the health outcomes of individuals through integrated approaches, relating these approaches to your own practice.
Single Module Compassionate Digital Integrated Care (15 Credits, Level 7) | University of Salford
Leading, Developing and Designing Integrated Systems
Completing the Leading, Developing and Designing Integrated Systems module will enhance your skills in leading in systems at an individual, team and organisational level. This module focuses on development and advancement of co-production and co-design techniques to support leadership.
During this module you will learn to critically evaluate theories and strategies of leadership and co-production, to develop advanced level knowledge, skills, and behaviours to lead on patient and/or service improvements within your healthcare organisation.
You will have the opportunity to engage in activities and mentoring to critically evaluate self and others and critically reflect on techniques required to provide leadership in co-production and co-design of care.
You will be encouraged to critically appraise your qualities as a leader and their impact in the development of healthy communities, including preventive, self-care and asset-based approaches to health and social care. Exploring how to use co-production and co-design in complex conditions management at a patient, family, and community level.
Practitioner pathway without V300 (NMP)
Quality Improvement in Integrated Care
In this module you will focus on the development and advancement of skills in evaluation and research in practice within an organisational setting.
The overall aim of this module is to demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of managing quality across integrated services including – Evaluation, Audit, Research, and developing an evidence base in community, primary and integrated care.
Students will have the opportunity to practically apply quality improvement techniques through activities, critical evaluation of self and others, and critically reflect on techniques for evaluation of quality improvement.
Compassionate Digital Integrated Care
The use of technology is increasing all the time and is now a key tool in the delivery of health and social care. This module explores not only the technology in use, but importantly how it can be applied compassionately to enhance delivery of care and support prevention, independent living and self-care. This module provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop critical skills for analysis, synthesis, and discussion of research and policy in the use of technology in practice.
After gaining an understanding of the evidence base you will have the opportunity to identify appropriate methods for dealing with complex and ethical issues pertaining to the delivery and management of compassionate person-centred care through digital health solutions (including digital consultation and assessment/ Artificial Intelligence / health monitoring). Finally, you will identify and critically assess how technology can support and enhance the health outcomes of individuals through integrated approaches, relating these approaches to your own practice.
Single Module Compassionate Digital Integrated Care (15 Credits, Level 7) | University of Salford
Leading, Developing and Designing Integrated Systems
Completing the Leading, Developing and Designing Integrated Systems module will enhance your skills in leading in systems at an individual, team and organisational level. This module focuses on development and advancement of co-production and co-design techniques to support leadership.
During this module you will learn to critically evaluate theories and strategies of leadership and co-production, to develop advanced level knowledge, skills, and behaviours to lead on patient and/or service improvements within your healthcare organisation.
You will have the opportunity to engage in activities and mentoring to critically evaluate self and others and critically reflect on techniques required to provide leadership in co-production and co-design of care.
You will be encouraged to critically appraise your qualities as a leader and their impact in the development of healthy communities, including preventive, self-care and asset-based approaches to health and social care. Exploring how to use co-production and co-design in complex conditions management at a patient, family, and community level.
Advancing Integrated Care - Practitioner
This module covers a range of theoretical and practical elements to provide you with the skills to practice and lead within emergent integrated systems.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
Our staff
The programme leader for the Advancing Integrated Care Master's is Kirsty Marshall.
Kirsty has over a decade of working within the field of integrated care. Firstly, as a project and program manager successfully delivering a wide range of programs including self-care, care coordination, integrated care, and delivery of system-wide transformation (health and social care). Secondly, as an academic, conducting doctoral research and service evaluations in the field of integrated care. Kirsty presents nationally and internationally on the development of integrated care and works alongside health and social care organisations to support service transformation.
Since joining the University of Salford, Kirsty has worked on pre and post-registration programmes and works in collaboration with universities across Europe to support the development of the evidence base and research in integrated care. Her specific areas of interest are local-level change, neighbourhood work, and policy development
Recent publications:
Marshall, Kirsty, and Chris Easton. "The role of asset-based approaches in community nursing." Primary Health Care 28.5 (2018).
View Kirsty's full profile here.
What about after uni?
The integrated and, evidence-based practice approach of the programme will enable you to reach your individual aspirations and goals.
On successful completion of this programme, you will have the opportunity to progress into a career as a highly skilled integrated practitioner and leader in integrated care in a range of setting across the health and social care system and beyond
Career Links
This course has been co-designed, developed and is delivered with a wide range of partners from across the health, social care, and community, voluntary and faith sectors. This approach has been adopted to provide students with a unique learning experience that reflects the complexity of modern health and social care delivery and to provide students with real-world examples of integrated care that will support them developing skills in providing and designing person and community-focused health care
The course takes a whole person and community-centred approach and students have the opportunity to study across professional boundaries and learn from a wide range of academics in the University.
What you need to know
This programme is aimed at health, social care and allied health professionals.
Progression from the University of Salford PgDip programmes
Completion of any of these related PgDip programme within Integrated care provision (at University of Salford) will enable students to progress to the dissertation module for this master's:
- PgDip Specialist Practitioner - District Nursing (Apprenticeship)
- PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nurse - Health Visiting/School Nurse (Apprenticeship)
- PgDip Specialist Practitioner - General Practice Nursing
Professional specific requirements
To take the option of the V300 module (non-medical prescribing qualification) you must have:
- Active registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council or other relevant professional registration (UK only):
-
Have at least one years of experience to comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council requirement for the V300 Non-medical prescribing qualification
-
Be practising in, and have appropriate experience of, an environment where there is an identified need for the individual to regularly use independent, and/or supplementary prescribing (for example General Practice)
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health checks will be completed prior to commencement of the programme.
English language requirements for the programme: IELTS 7.0 (with no component below 6.5)
Standard entry requirements
GCSE
GCSE Level 4 (Grade C), or above, in English and Maths
Undergraduate degree
One of the following:
- A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in a related discipline area
- An equivalent academic of professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere i.e. incorporating study at least to 120 credits at Honours level.
Professional qualification
If you do not have an undergraduate degree a professional qualification may be accepted:
A professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/ traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2023/24 | £1,600 per 30 credits |
| Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,670 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.