MSc in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety - Online

This course provides flexible learning that is relevant to students across local, national, and international health and nursing settings. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of quality improvement and patient safety. It will also improve your ability to influence and lead these activities in practice.

You will explore the related theories, principles, and culture, and will be encouraged to critically analyze a range of tools and approaches associated with quality improvement and patient safety and to reflect on their application to service delivery.

To achieve the MSc you will complete four modules and a dissertation. Our teaching team also includes NHS colleagues who are currently working within the clinical environment and are routinely applying, teaching, and supporting the use of quality improvement and patient safety approaches

Teaching

The course is mainly delivered online and may include:

• Online learning resources
• Range of activities – quizzes, surveys, reflection, sharing perspectives
• Online discussion boards
• Live web conferences
• Directed and self-directed reading

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods including:

• Debates
• 'patchwork text' of the components of an improvement project
• Examinations
• Essays
• Dissertation

You will complete a core research module to develop your critical analysis of healthcare research, a core quality improvement module, and a core risk and patient safety module. You will then undertake a final option module of your choice.

After completing these four modules you will progress to your dissertation and options can include a research proposal, a practice-based project, or evidence-based systematic review. You will be allocated a supervisor.

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

• Quality Improvement in Action (PN50097)
• Risk and Patient Safety (PN50115)
• SHS Distance Learning Dissertation (PN50157)

On completion of this course you will have developed the knowledge and skills to enable you to influence and lead on quality improvement and patient safety within the healthcare environment.

You'll also have developed lifelong learning skills (such as critical reflection, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the use of evidence-based practice) to enhance your professional and academic skills. This will maximise the opportunities for your career development and progression in the field of quality improvement and patient safety.