Healthcare management is the operation, leadership, and documentation of healthcare organisations, ranging from hospitals to rehabilitation centres to pharmaceutical companies. Effective healthcare management ensures that all these organisations, which provide vital services to the public, are run smoothly with high-quality care and optimal outcomes for patients.
The UK’s globally recognised higher education institutes and its diverse healthcare sector make it an ideal choice for international students looking for an MBA that will advance both their theoretical and practical knowledge of healthcare management. In this blog, we’ve put together a complete guide for an MBA in healthcare management in the UK, from entry requirements to top universities to post-study work opportunities. Let’s start by looking at the benefits of studying healthcare management.
Why study an MBA in healthcare management in UK
Studying in the UK will help you broaden your horizons and enhance your career prospects, by providing you access to high-quality education, courses that will help you develop specialised skills related to your field, and a thriving job market. Students pursuing an MBA in healthcare management can specifically benefit from:
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World-renowned business schools – The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world for MBA programmes, offering a great balance of high-quality teaching and research. Business schools that offer MBAs in healthcare management are usually dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles specifically in the healthcare sector by helping you understand the complexities of healthcare and how it is delivered to the public.
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Courses tailored to meet the needs of the modern industry – Healthcare management requires a set of specific skills, such as resilient strategic skills to deal with uncertainty, effective communication with different stakeholders such as doctors and the media, and cultural sensitivity to ensure equity in the healthcare sector. Healthcare management courses in the UK help you develop these skills by combining the core principles of business administration with an in-depth focus on healthcare systems, policies, and management strategies. These courses will also open doors for many practical industry experiences, such as workshops, internships, and volunteering opportunities so that you can further hone your skills.
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Thriving healthcare industry – The UK’s Office for National Statistics recorded the fastest growth rate for healthcare expenditure in 2020, where it grew by 15.7% to spend a whopping £257.6 billion in that year alone. As the UK’s healthcare industry grows, the demand for healthcare managers is also fast-growing, which will in turn allow you to seek employment in a variety of roles across the sector.
If you’re passionate about the healthcare industry, the UK is an ideal fit for you as its business schools help you gain a deep understanding of the modern needs in the industry. An MBA isn’t the only degree option which will give you the chance to nurture this passion – there are multiple healthcare management courses to choose from in the UK. Among these, both masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) and MBAs in Healthcare Management are highly popular options. If you’re still thinking about which degree you should pursue, take a look at our table below where we compare the key differences between the two.
MHA vs. MBA in healthcare management: What’s the difference?
Whether you’re a student planning on venturing into the field of healthcare or you’re a healthcare or management professional seeking to expand your abilities, your search for a suitable master’s degree will often come down to two choices: either an MHA or an MBA in healthcare management. Both of these degrees can be pivotal in expanding your opportunities in the healthcare sector, but here are some key differences to consider before you make your decision:
| Programme | Overview |
|---|---|
| Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) | Specialises in healthcare administration, covering topics such as health systems management, healthcare finance, and health policy. All course materials and activities will be healthcare-specific. |
| MBA in Healthcare Management | Offers a broader understanding of business principles, in addition to specialised knowledge of the healthcare sector. Develops broader skills suitable for multiple industries. |
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pick an MHA or an MBA in healthcare management comes down to your interests and career goals. If you wish to nurture your interests in the healthcare industry while gaining key insights into the world of business that are transferrable to a variety of fields, then an MBA in healthcare management will be the best choice for you. To help you further in your decision-making process, we’ve also outlined the subjects you’ll be studying in your MBA below.
Healthcare management MBA in the UK: Areas of study and course structure
Your MBA in healthcare management will merge core business subjects, such as financial resources management, strategic planning, and marketing, with critical healthcare subjects like health policy, ethics, and healthcare innovations. In this way, you’ll learn to tackle modern business challenges in healthcare, such as resource allocation and integration with digital technologies. The modules for your MBA in healthcare management in the UK will likely look like this:
| Module Type | Modules |
|---|---|
| Core Modules | - Health systems and policies - Global burden of disease - International development and health - Managing strategic change - Issues in Human Resource Management - Healthcare management |
| Optional Modules | - Risk management and governance - Project management - Global health ethics - Managing healthcare organisations - Substance use |
Most UK universities will offer these modules for an MBA in healthcare management. Depending on the university you choose, you’ll also be required to complete a business consultancy project, a work placement, or an internship so that you can get hands-on experience in the healthcare industry. To help with your university selection process, we’ve listed some of the best UK universities for an MBA in healthcare management next.
Top universities for an MBA in healthcare management in the UK
Most UK universities offer one or two-year MBAs in healthcare management where you can develop your business skills and gain exposure to the inner workings of the healthcare industry. We’ve highlighted some UK universities that offer an MBA in healthcare management here:
| University | Suggested Course | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| York St. John University | Healthcare Management MBA | 12 lakhs |
| University of Bolton | MBA (Global Healthcare Management) | 15 lakhs |
| University of Roehampton | MBA Healthcare Management | 17 lakhs |
| University of Bedfordshire | Business Administration Hospital and Health Services Management MBA | 18 lakhs |
| University of Gloucestershire | Global Business Administration MBA | 20 lakhs |
| Anglia Ruskin University | MBA Healthcare Management | 20 lakhs |
| University of Hertfordshire | Master of Business Administration (Healthcare) | 20 lakhs |
| St. Mary’s University | Healthcare Management MBA | 22 lakhs |
| Coventry University | Global Healthcare Management and Leadership MBA | 24 lakhs |
| University College London | MBA Health | 48 lakhs |
These universities in the UK deliver a comprehensive, high-quality education in healthcare management and can be highly competitive. You can increase your chances of admission with a standout application, so let’s go over your application requirements, starting from the entry requirements you need to meet.
MBA in healthcare management in UK: Entry requirements for Indian students
Entry requirements for most MBA programmes in UK universities include an undergraduate degree, test results showcasing English language proficiency, and relevant work experience. Here are the general entry requirements nearly every university requires you to fulfil for an MBA in healthcare management in the UK:
| Requirement | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Previous studies | Bachelor’s degree in any subject with a minimum 2:2 classification or its international equivalent (second class lower division honours) |
| English language skills | An overall score of 6.5 for your IELTS exam |
| Work experience | A minimum of two years of work experience in a related field |
You’ll most likely be required to submit your application, which clearly states your qualifications, to your university’s online application portal. To confirm your qualifications to your UK university, you’ll also need to submit a set of supporting documents and these will be crucial in helping the university assess your suitability for an MBA in healthcare management in the UK.
Documents needed to apply for a healthcare management MBA in the UK
Here are the documents required by most UK universities when you’re applying for an MBA in healthcare management:
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Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal essay highlighting your academic background, work experience in finance(if applicable), and your motivations for choosing the particular programme
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Letter of recommendation: A letter of endorsement from a professional/academic supervisor, recommending you for the programme
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Academic transcripts: Your bachelor’s degree transcripts and records of other academic achievements
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CV: Your updated CV or resume
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Proof of language proficiency: Records of your English proficiency test scores
In addition to gathering your documents and submitting them accurately with your application form, you’ll also have to ensure that you work within the application deadlines set out by your university.
Application deadlines for MBA in healthcare management in UK – 2025
Most UK universities have two intakes for MBA programmes in healthcare management – in January and in September. Each intake will have specific application deadlines that’ll change depending on the university you are applying for, so always try to check as early as possible. With this in mind, here’s a look at the general application periods you have to keep an eye out for.
- September intake: October to June
- January intake: August to November
The September intake is known as the ‘primary’ intake at UK universities while the January intake is considered the ‘secondary’. There are pros and cons of each intake that you can consider before deciding which is best for you – for instance, the September intake has more course options, but the January intake allows you a little more time to fine-tune your applications. Once you’ve decided on your intake and successfully submitted your application by the deadline, your next step is to apply for your UK Student visa which allows you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your programme. Let’s go over your visa requirements in the next section.
Student Visa for healthcare management MBA in the UK as an Indian Student
Pursuing a postgraduate programme in the UK, like an MBA in healthcare management, will require you to obtain a UK Student visa which you can apply for by filling in your Student visa application form online. Before you start your visa application, you need to determine whether you’re eligible for a UK Student visa. To be eligible for one, you must have:
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A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – You’ll receive this from your university, confirming your acceptance into their programme
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English proficiency scores
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Documents which prove you have enough finances for your study and stay in the UK
Once you’ve determined whether you meet the eligibility requirements for a UK Student visa, the next step is to get your documents in order.
Documents needed for visa as an Indian postgraduate student
The documents you need to provide with your application will depend on a variety of factors, including your circumstances, your programme, and the university you want to join. While some documents are marked as mandatory for all applicants, there are some you may have to provide specific to your situation.
In summary, the documents you need are:
- A current passport
- Your CAS
- Documents of financial evidence
- ATAS certificate (if required)
- Proof of guardian consent (if applicable)
- Proof of your relationship to your guardian (if applicable)
- Your TB certificate
- Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
- Documents about your dependants (if applicable)
After submitting your documents, you’ll be required to pay the application fee for your UK Student visa.
Pre-arrival fees for an MBA in healthcare management in the UK
Your application fee is £490 and you’re also required to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application—the exact amount depends on the length of your visa so it’s best to check whether your course spans one year or two. Other pre-arrival expenses will include your exam fees for your English proficiency tests and a deposit for your UK university, once you’re accepted into their course. In addition to allocating funds for these pre-arrival expenses, you might also need to start budgeting for your living expenses and tuition fees as you plan for your studies in the UK.
Funds required to study a healthcare management MBA in the UK for Indian students
The overall funds needed to pursue an MBA in healthcare management in the UK depend on many factors, such as your preferred university’s tuition fees and its location. Your tuition fees can range from INR 12 lakhs to INR 48 lakhs for a one-year healthcare management programme in the UK, making up the biggest portion of your total investment.
Cost of living in the UK
You also need to think about your monthly living expenses—you can expect to spend around INR 18 lakhs per year in London and INR 17 lakhs per year outside of London, but this can vary depending on the location. Here are a few costs you may need to budget for when you are planning out the funding for your UK studies:
| Type of cost | In London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (without utilities) | £750 | £550 |
| Utilities | £140 | £80 |
| Groceries | £155 | £100 |
| Transport | £103 | £54 |
You can get financial support to cover some of these costs with scholarships available for international students on a need- or merit-basis. If you qualify for a scholarship, you might have the chance to cover your pre-arrival costs, living expenses in the UK, and your tuition, depending on the nature of the funding offered.
Scholarships for an MBA in healthcare management in the UK for Indian students
The UK government, third-party institutions and benefactors in the UK, and UK universities offer scholarships to support international students in their academic journey. These funding opportunities range from master’s scholarships awarded across all fields of study to scholarships specific to a degree. We’ve outlined a few subject-specific scholarships for healthcare management students here:
- UCL MBA Health Scholarship
Value: £30,000
- University of Edinburgh MBA Healthcare Scholarship
Value: Partial tuition fee waiver
In addition to providing diverse funding support to postgraduate students, the UK also helps in building and advancing your career with many opportunities for you to work, live, and build your career pathway in the UK. Let’s take a look at what your work opportunities after graduation can look like.
Job opportunities after an MBA in healthcare management in UK
Healthcare management courses at UK universities are tailored to develop the skills that you need for the modern healthcare industry, such as budgeting, quality assurance and control, allocation of scarce or necessary resources, and dealing with high-pressure situations.
With these skills students who successfully complete an MBA in healthcare management in the UK can access a wide variety of work opportunities in the UK’s healthcare sector. They can also pursue international opportunities in change-driving organisations to make a real impact on the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO).
Popular job roles and salary potential with an MBA in healthcare management in the UK
Any organisation that provides healthcare to the public will require management staff to keep the business running smoothly. Healthcare managers ensure this smooth operation by focusing on particular aspects of management that are unique to healthcare. Here are some key roles in the healthcare management sector you can consider after you graduate with an MBA in healthcare management in the UK:
| Role | Average annual salary |
|---|---|
| Practice Manager | £45,000 |
| Clinical Coordinator | £26,000 |
| Project Manager | £48,000 |
| Operations Manager | £45,000 |
| Finance Manager | £46,000 |
*Salary data accessed from Indeed in November 2024.
An MBA in healthcare management in the UK opens up diverse global opportunities for you to advance your career. With the UK’s reputation for high-quality higher education and highly standardised healthcare, you will be ready to tackle a wide range of management challenges in the healthcare sector, no matter the country, organisation, or circumstance.
The first step in this journey is selecting the right university that aligns with your goals and aspirations. If you’re in the process of researching UK universities, finetuning your application, or navigating your visa process, experts at SI-UK can support you at each step. Reach out for free counselling today!
FAQs
What is the salary after an MBA in healthcare management in the UK?
Graduates with an MBA in healthcare management can get employed in a range of roles across the healthcare sector, such as practice managers or clinical coordinators. In these roles, salaries start at approximately £30,000 annually and can increase to approximately £60,000 annually as you gain experience in the field.
How much does it cost to do an MBA in healthcare management in the UK?
Your tuition fees can range from INR 12 lakhs to INR 48 lakhs for a one-year healthcare management programme in the UK, making up the biggest portion of your total investment. You also need to think about your monthly living expenses—you can expect to spend around INR 18 lakhs per year in London and INR 17 lakhs per year outside of London. Keep in mind that the overall funds needed to pursue an MBA in healthcare management in the UK depends on many factors, such as your preferred university’s tuition fees and its location.
What is the scope of an MBA in healthcare management in the UK?
Your MBA in healthcare management will merge core business subjects such as financial resources management, strategic planning, and marketing with critical healthcare subjects like health policy, ethics, and healthcare innovations. Healthcare management courses at UK universities are tailored to develop the skills that you need for the modern healthcare industry, such as budgeting, quality assurance and control, allocation of scarce or necessary resources, and dealing with high-pressure situations.
Is healthcare management in high demand in the UK?
Yes. The UK’s Office for National Statistics recorded the fastest growth rate for healthcare expenditure in 2020, where it grew by 15.7% to £257.6 billion in that year alone. As the UK’s healthcare industry grows, the demand for healthcare managers is also fast-growing, providing a wide range of job opportunities across the sector.
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