MBM (MSc) in Health & Social Care

In response to the growing complexities and demands of the health and social care sectors, Wittenborg offers a Master of Business and Management (MBM/MSc) with a specialisation in Health & Social Care. This programme is crafted for individuals who aspire to lead and innovate within these vital sectors, aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of health and social services.

Our MBM in Health & Social Care blends comprehensive business management education with in-depth insights into the health and social care environments. By integrating these fields, the programme prepares students to effectively address the challenges facing healthcare and social services today, including regulatory changes, service delivery innovations, and the integration of technology in care practices. Delivered entirely in English, the programme attracts a diverse cohort of students, offering a rich learning environment that reflects the global nature of health and social care challenges. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics. These include strategic management, policy analysis, healthcare economics, and leadership in social care settings, coupled with practical training in ethical decision-making.

This specialisation not only sharpens students’ understanding of healthcare and social services systems but also enhances their capabilities in crucial areas such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and management of complex organisations. Through a mix of theoretical lectures, case studies, and project-based learning, the programme equips students with the tools needed to lead and effect change in public, private, and non-profit health and social care settings.

Graduates of the MBM in Health & Social Care are prepared for advanced roles where they can influence policy, improve service delivery models, and lead organisations dedicated to health and welfare. These roles include health service managers, policy analysts, care coordinators, and consultants specialising in health and social care. We welcome applicants with a background in health, social care, public administration, or related fields who are motivated to develop their managerial and strategic skills in the context of health and social care. Join us at Wittenborg to advance your career and make a significant impact on the future of health and social services.

Year 1, Semester 1

• Globalisation, Society & Culture
• Marketing Management
• Research Methods Introduction (Final Project)
• Micro & Macroeconomics - Global Perspectives
• Enabling  Leadership in Healthcare
• Professional Inquiry
• Legal & Ethical Aspects of Healthcare 

Year 1, Semester 2

• Research Methods (Final Project)
• Decision-Making in Health Care
• The World Economy
• Strategy in Healthcare Management 
• Financial & Strategic Management
• Project Module (3 Project Weeks, linked to Final Project)

Year 2 (1 Semester /Term)

• Professional-Based Learning
• Final Project

The health and social care industry is a critical sector that addresses the essential needs of individuals across the lifespan, encompassing everything from primary healthcare to social support services. This sector is marked by its direct impact on the quality of life and well-being of populations, making it a focal point for both policy and innovation. Here, we explore the dynamic aspects of the health and social care industry, setting the stage for Wittenborg’s specialised MBM (MSc) programme in Health & Social Care.

1. Integrated Care Delivery: The industry is increasingly moving towards models of integrated care that aim to coordinate services across the healthcare and social care spectrum. This approach seeks to streamline patient management from initial medical care through to social support, ensuring that all aspects of a person’s needs are addressed comprehensively.

2. Technological Advancements: Technological innovations continue to transform the health and social care sectors. From telehealth services and mobile health apps to advanced diagnostics and electronic health records, technology is enhancing the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of care delivery. Professionals in this field must be adept at integrating these technologies into their practice to improve patient outcomes.

3. Ageing Populations: With global populations ageing at an unprecedented rate, there is a significant increase in the demand for health and social care services tailored to the elderly. This demographic shift challenges the industry to expand services such as geriatric care, dementia support, and long-term care facilities.

4. Mental Health Awareness: There is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health services, paralleling physical health services in their need and urgency. This has led to an expansion in mental health care provision, including community-based initiatives and support for mental health integration into primary healthcare settings.

5. Regulatory and Compliance Requirements: Health and social care providers operate in a heavily regulated environment, necessitating strict adherence to legal and ethical standards. Professionals must navigate complex frameworks governing patient privacy, data protection, and care quality to ensure compliance and safeguard patient interests.

6. Workforce Challenges: The sectors face critical workforce issues, including shortages of qualified professionals, high turnover rates, and the need for continuous professional development. Addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining a skilled and sustainable workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of society.

7. Public Health and Prevention: There is an increasing emphasis on preventive measures and public health initiatives to reduce the incidence and impact of chronic diseases. Health and social care professionals are integral to these efforts, focusing on health education, community health programmes, and lifestyle interventions.

8. Economic Pressures: Financial constraints continue to shape the health and social care landscapes. Balancing cost pressures with the need to provide high-quality and accessible services is a key challenge, requiring innovative solutions and efficient management practices.

The MBM (MSc) with a specialisation in Health & Social Care at Wittenborg equips graduates to navigate and lead in this complex and vitally important industry. By integrating business management principles with in-depth knowledge of health and social care systems, the programme prepares leaders capable of transforming care practices, influencing policy, and improving the lives of individuals and communities. Join us to become part of this dynamic field, shaping your future as a leader in health and social care.

Graduates of the MBM (MSc) programme with a specialisation in Health & Social Care at Wittenborg are well-prepared to take on strategic and leadership roles within the vast and dynamic fields of healthcare and social services. This programme equips students with a deep understanding of management principles and the specific challenges and opportunities within the health and social care sectors. Here are several key career paths that graduates might pursue:

1. Healthcare Administrator: Manage operations in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health organisations. This role involves overseeing staff, budgets, and policies, and ensuring that the facility operates efficiently while delivering high-quality care.

2. Social Services Manager: Lead organisations that provide social services to the community, such as family support, elderly care, and disability services. Responsibilities include programme management, community outreach, and coordination of services with healthcare providers.

3. Policy Analyst: Work with government agencies, non-profit organisations, or private consultancies to develop, analyse, and implement policies related to health and social care. This role often involves research, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy.

4. Public Health Officer: Develop and manage programmes that promote public health, prevent disease, and improve health outcomes across communities. These professionals may work in various public or private sectors, focusing on areas such as epidemiology, environmental health, or health education.

5. Care Coordinator: Coordinate patient care within the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive services tailored to their needs. This role is crucial in managing long-term care plans, especially for patients with chronic conditions.

6. Quality Improvement Specialist: Focus on enhancing the quality of care provided in health and social care settings through data analysis, process improvement, and implementation of best practices. This role is key in promoting efficiency and effectiveness in care delivery.

7. Healthcare Consultant: Provide expert advice to healthcare organisations on how to improve efficiency, enhance patient care, and implement new services or technologies. Consultants need a strong understanding of healthcare management, economics, and policy.

The MBM (MSc) with a specialisation in Health & Social Care from Wittenborg not only prepares students for these roles but also equips them with the leadership skills necessary to address the complexities of modern healthcare and social services environments. Graduates are well-positioned to lead change, improve operational efficiencies, and make impactful decisions that enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.

The admission requirements (criteria) for the Master of Business Management programmes (all specialisations) are as follows:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent recognised qualification:
  
  • ​Applicants are requested to provide an academic reference from their previous education institute.
  • It is necessary to have obtained a bachelor's degree from the domains of business, management, economics or trade. In their bachelor's degree applicants must have completed an academic piece of work (final project or dissertation) that demonstrates a degree of academic writing and research experience.
• No professional experience is required for these master's programmes.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent. Click here for an overview of the equivalent scores.
TOEFL Code of Wittenborg is 4889.

The English language proficiency level requirement is ½ a point higher than the minimum national requirements in the Netherlands.

Selection procedure

There is no specific selection criteria for students wishing to enter the master's programmes at WUAS; however, all students are interviewed and must demonstrate motivation. Students will be advised of their suitability prior to signing an initial study agreement as a pre-requisite to obtaining admission (offer letter).

Non-EU students requiring sponsored visa for study.

Non-EU (visa) students are “screened” according to their background, in order for the institute to be able to guarantee their immigration status.

The screening comprises an interview, collection and correlation of all IND required documents, including proof of sufficient funds, taking into account any scholarships provided by Wittenborg (Orange Tulip Scholarship, for instance) or by third parties (NUFFIC, EU, etc).

Details on Scholarships at Wittenborg can be found at http://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-financial-assistance.htm.

Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter in which they describe the reasons for choosing Wittenborg’s programme, as well as the reason for wanting to study in the Netherlands (international students). Student motivation is important as the programmes are demanding and especially for international students there is a criteria that they complete at least 50% of all their credits in a year.