Page 59 - RADC 2023

Bachelor of Science (BSc)
with Honours in Management and
Leadership in Health and Social Care
SSgt Limbu
Since being a Dental Practice Manager,
I have been keen to undertake the BSc (Hons) in Management and Leadership
in Health and Social Care. This course is aimed at healthcare leaders and is focused on developing a better understanding of the various leadership and management skills within the health and social care setting. Additionally, it enables participants to adopt an effective style of leadership
for them to manage and lead their team in a complex, dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.
There are several Universities in the UK that deliver similar Health and Social Care Management and Leadership courses. Fortunately, I had my application for this course approved and funded through
the Defence Medical Academy (DMA) Defence Deanery. My chosen course was a 2-year, part time, distance learning course delivered by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Cambridge. This style of study gave me the flexibility that best suited my needs, allowing me to fulfil work and family commitments, as I studied and prepared my learning online in my spare time.
Applicants for the BSc (Hons) are usually required to undertake a foundation degree prior to starting the course. However, ARU recognised my Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification I was awarded
on completing ALDP SNCO CLMs, thus negating
the requirement for the foundation degree.
This is a worked based
course and as such is
aimed at individuals
working in healthcare
practices that would
provide students
with the relevant
setting allowing
them to investigate
wider leadership and management skills
relevant to their current
role.
Online studies are
a flexible way to gain additional qualifications and have been available for several
years. On enrolment, course providers issue students with an account login, unique to the university, and course. This account allows students to complete the online induction prior to commencing the course, access course materials
and submit assignments. The course I completed was divided into four modules. The first two modules explored the various leadership styles and how to form strategies. Students would learn to form higher level strategies for solving practice problems and
enhance their understanding of different leadership approaches to facilitate policy implementation and how to best influence and adapt to change in the workplace. Furthermore, it will enhance analytical thinking supporting a wider understanding of how to best make decisions while forming strategic plans and policies. The remaining two modules focused on the importance
of evidence-based research in healthcare practices and how this could be reflected and implemented in our current healthcare setting.
The 2-year course went very quickly and without any issues. I enrolled on the course in Sep 2021 and completed it in
Aug 2023, with a First-Class Honours. Not long after completing the course I attended my Graduation Ceremony, held at ARU Cambridge on 15th November 2023. This was a very proud moment for both me and my family. It was a great honour to walk on the main stage wearing my cap and gown and a massive sense of achievement on being presented with my Degree by Vice Chancellor of the University. I would like
to thank the DMA Defence Deanery for providing me the opportunity of completing this course and to gain an Honours Degree.
I routinely find myself reflecting on my learning and implementing my newly
gained knowledge and skills daily in my workplace and supporting the organisation. Time management
was the key to my success in this course, as it required a
considerable amount of my spare time in the evenings and
at weekends; at times this was challenging and required self-discipline and motivation.
However, with effective time management, advance course planning, regular
communication with the tutors and support from colleagues
and family, I managed to complete the course within the
timeframe and as to my plan. I would highly recommend and encourage my fellow healthcare
leaders to enrol in this course to further enhance their
management and leadership skills, thus enabling further
career progression.
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