Innovation and Improvement in Health and Social Care
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026, January 2027
- End date: December 2026, April 2027
- Module leader: Anita McCrum
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
This 15‑credit module supports health and social care professionals to strengthen their capacity for innovation and improvement within complex care settings.
Through reflective practice, critical analysis, and evidence‑informed decision‑making, learners explore how to influence change, enhance service quality, and foster collaborative leadership cultures that improve outcomes for individuals and organisations.
Who is this course/module for?
Qualified health and social care professionals seeking to enhance their innovation and improvement capabilities
Practitioners responsible for service development, quality improvement, or change management
Professionals preparing for advanced roles or postgraduate study focused on leadership or service improvement
Staff working in complex, fast‑evolving environments who need confidence in leading innovation and continuous improvement
What you’ll learn
You will explore key theories and models of innovation and improvement, develop confidence in leading change, evaluate organisational readiness, engage stakeholders through co‑production, apply data‑driven approaches to decision‑making and evaluation, and consider ethics, equity, and sustainability as essential principles of effective service improvement.
Skills you’ll gain
Leading and supporting innovation and improvement initiatives
Using evidence and data to guide decisions
Applying improvement methodologies to design and test change
Engaging stakeholders through effective collaboration
How you’ll learn
You will learn through interactive sessions, group discussion, reflective activities, and diagnostic tools, applying innovation and improvement methods to real practice. Case‑based learning, independent study, and developmental feedback will strengthen your insight and confidence, helping you plan and lead meaningful, sustainable service improvement.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £915 EU / International students: £930 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
|---|---|
| How to apply |
You can apply for this module using our online admissions form. After you have registered or logged in, select the module title under "Please choose your first module". |
-
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a relevant Level 6 qualification, have current or recent experience in health or social care, and be able to engage in postgraduate academic study. Professional registration or equivalent practice experience is expected, alongside a commitment to developing advanced, critically reflective leadership skills.
-
Attendance
Delivery Method:
Synchronous online learning (distance learning). Take part in live, timetabled online sessions using tools like video calls and virtual classrooms. You’ll learn in real time with tutors and other students, with no need to attend campus for teaching or assessments.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
Trimester 1 - Introduction to the module, Self Directed Study:
- Wednesday 23 September 2026
Then weekly tutorials 2pm -4pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Wednesday 4 November 2026
- Wednesday 11 November 2026
Trimester 1 - Introduction to the module, Self Directed Study:
- Wednesday 20 January 2027
Then weekly tutorials 2pm -4pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday 27 January 2027
- Wednesday 3 February 2027
- Wednesday 10 February 2027
- Wednesday 17 February 2027
- Wednesday 24 February 2027
- Wednesday 3 March 2027
- Wednesday 10 March 2027
-
Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Coursework
- Project Work
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Anita McCrum - A.McCrum@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: