Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate degree accredited by the CMI

Develop the skills to manage, lead and advance your career with our online top-up course, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Supported online learning gives you the flexibility to fit learning around other commitments.

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Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 27th May 2026

Professional accreditation

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Course length

1 or 2 years for September starts / 16 or 28 months for January starts.

Fees: £5,900

Payment plans available

Start dates

Start in January or September

Course overview

Our Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) enables you to top-up your Foundation Degree (or equivalent) to a full BSc (Hons) Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up). Delivered 100% online, it offers flexible full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) routes so you can advance your career alongside your other commitments.

Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the course takes a work-based approach, helping you apply learning directly to your role while exploring wider health and social care management and leadership themes. You’ll develop as an effective team leader in complex, multidisciplinary organisations, deepen your understanding of current policy, and build research awareness and analytical skills.

You’ll also learn strategies for solving practical problems, leading and adapting to change, and representing the needs and views of service users and carers, while studying alongside managers from the NHS, voluntary, private and military sectors.

Why choose this course?

Supported online learning gives you the flexibility to fit learning around other commitments
Turn your Foundation Degree (or equivalent) into a full BSc
Receive professional accreditation with an industry-recognised CMI qualification
Work-based approach allows you to deliver impact in the workplace as you learn
Choose to study over 1 or 2 years depending on your other commitments
Experience Gold-standard teaching, learning and student support (TEF2023) and be part of the University of the Year (THE)

What you’ll gain

Develop the skills to manage and lead effectively in complex, dynamic and multidisciplinary organisations
Build your ability to work as an effective team leader with people from different disciplines and agencies
Advance your understanding of the latest policy developments in health and social care
Develop your research awareness and analytical skills
Learn higher level strategies for solving practical problems and for implementing, influencing and adapting to change in your workplace
Explore the needs of service users and carers so that their views are fully represented

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

Leadership Practice in Health and Social Care

Evaluating Research for Evidence-Based Practice

Strategic Management in Health and Social Care

This module covers the main study areas in strategic management in health and social care and presents the practical issues and problems of strategic management in real organizations. You’ll look at how key concepts of strategic management are applied in real world situations in health and social care field and apply your own critical faculties to evaluate the usefulness of these concepts to your organization.

Undergraduate Major Project

The individual Final Project module allows you to engage in a substantial piece of work, focussed on a topic relevant to your specific discipline. The project topic will be assessed for suitability to ensure sufficient academic challenge and satisfactory supervision by an academic member of staff. You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will support you on a one to one basis during your study of this module.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

Throughout the course, we'll use a range of assessment methods to help you and your tutors measure your progress on each module. These include reflective practice, essays and a major project, as well as the sharing of ideas and critical thoughts in an online setting.

Accreditation

CMI Accredited

Our Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons) is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

CMI accreditation means you may opt to, at no extra cost, receive a second professional qualification upon successful completion of your programme. By adding this CMI qualification to your University qualification, you’re really on the road to success. Other benefits include:

Professional recognition and Chartered Management status
Free access to CMI online management and leadership resources during your ARU course and for a period of time after you complete your ARU course
Access to the CMI career development centre with resources to help with writing CVs, interview simulations and career management tools
CMI membership and opportunities for networking with other CMI members
Access to CMI events

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons) is studied 100% online.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

You can choose to study our Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons) over 1 or 2 years. Please note that if you choose the 1-year option this is the equivalent of full-time study and may be a challenge if you’re employed full-time or have other life commitments. Our advisers will be happy to talk through your options in more detail.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

Successful completion of a FdSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care or equivalent OR 120 Level 4 Credits & 120 Level 5 Credits from a Relevant Subject such as a DipHE in Nursing

You must be a health and social care professional with at least one year full time or equivalent part time experience.

5 GCSE's at grade C or above including English and Maths

If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £5,900.

The tuition fees you pay each year will be between £2,950 and £5,900 depending on how long you take to complete the course. You can choose to study our Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (Top-up) BSc (Hons) in either 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time) if you start in September or 16 months (full-time) or 28 months (part-time) if you start in January.

Approved prior learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Funding

Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. This financial support option is subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

What our students say

Studying in later life has been very rewarding. I enjoy the challenge and being introduced to new skills, it has also opened up new employment opportunities.

Guy, Healthcare Alumni

Read Guy's story

The skills and knowledge I have gained during my study have benefited my career with internal promotion, the ability to provide effective leadership to my teams and the confidence to look at further progression within my field.

Dean, Healthcare Alumni

Read Dean's story

The course is especially good for returning health and social care workers. It has given me the skills and knowledge I can apply directly to my role across complex areas of health and social care.

Daniel, Healthcare Alumni

Read Daniel's story

The most rewarding aspect of studying this degree is the desire to succeed and the self-belief that actually a degree isn’t something out of my reach.

Danny, Healthcare Alumni

Read Danny's story

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Gold-standard education

We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.

Why we're rated Gold

Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:

student engagement in learning
learning environment and academic support
learning resources
student engagement in improvement
approaches to supporting student success
intended educational gains
approaches to supporting educational gains.

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your healthcare management top up degree online, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist leadership in health and social care tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your healthcare management top up degree, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

Visit support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in healthcare

What could a Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons) do for my career?

In a competitive workplace environment, standing out from the crowd is key to attaining the roles you want and achieving maximum success.

Our top-up course will give you the skills you need to become the most effective manager you can be, lead teams, and drive change for the better. You’ll learn how management theory can be applied to real-life scenarios, whilst also developing the tools to take your own initiative when devising solutions.

This valuable skillset will set you apart as an exceptional leader and help you build a career in caring sectors that has a genuine impact, and with our work-based approach that allows you to learn while you earn, you can put your learnings into practice from day one.

Our Management & Leadership in Health & Social Care BSc is not simply a fast-track to your next role – it’s a chance to grow as an individual and inspire real change.

What job roles can I consider with a healthcare management top up degree?

A Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons) will enhance your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a manager within a health and social care organisation. You may already be in or aspiring to one of these roles, either in the near or more distant future:

Practice Manager
NHS Operational Manager
NHS General Manager
Care Manager for the following types of provision:
Elderly care home / nursing home
Children’s home
Hospice
Supported housing

If you are looking for more information about these job profiles and potential salary earnings see Roles in management | Health Careers or Prospects.ac.uk. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the job role, employer, industry sector and location.

What skills will I get from a Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons) to help my career?

What can I study after a Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care (top-up) BSc (Hons)?

Depending on your long-term goals and desired career, you may consider a postgraduate degree in a related subject such as Healthcare Management MSc or Medical and Healthcare Education MSc. A Master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification and usually focuses on a specific area of a wider subject which may support your future career development. Having a bachelor’s degree under your belt is a key entry requirement in opening doors to postgraduate study.

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability Service to help you whatever stage your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

Why study a top-up degree?

With a foundation degree or equivalent qualification, you’ll already have a solid grounding in health and social care leadership, from which you’ll gain a strong understanding of management, collaboration, planning and resource allocation, amongst other essential disciplines.

But in any role, development is the key to progression, which is why our top-up Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care BSc provides you with an incredible opportunity to expand on your existing experience and improve your knowledge of management, leadership, strategy and practice to shape the future of your career.

This course provides you with a leadership qualification that has the potential to make you a highly attractive candidate to employers in public and private sectors, boost your job satisfaction and make your aspirations a reality.

What skills will I learn on this course?

This online top-up degree will build on your existing knowledge from your foundation qualification (or equivalent) and your work experience to give you a more thorough understanding of the challenges of management and leadership in health and social care.

With our Leadership Practice in Health and Social Care module, you’ll master the theory of leadership to develop your own personal leadership style, and manage teams in effective ways to enact change.

You will also develop your research and analysis skills to evaluate data, and with our Strategic Management module, you’ll learn about the practical application and potential pitfalls of strategic management and management theory in your field for effective management, decision-making and problem solving.

Through your final project module, you’ll also have the opportunity to focus on a related area of interest that allows you to explore topics relevant to your professional goals, laying the groundwork for your next career move.

Are health and social care management courses right for me?

As a student of this course you will already have an FdSc in Leadership & Management in Health and Social Care, or another equivalent qualification, as per our entry requirements listed above.

You should also have work experience in the field of health and social care, alongside certain other requirements.

But in short, the ideal student for this course is one who wants to develop their knowledge and abilities to reach the top of their field and initiate change where it is most need. In a management position, you’ll have the power to change the experiences of service users in health and social care for the better.

This course is for those who don’t just want to work within the system but oversee change and development for the better. If you have ambition, a vision and the desire to make a difference, this course is your next stepping stone.

Why study with ARU?

Ours is a uniquely flexible and accessible learning format that allows you to study whilst working so you can make a real impact from day one.

As well as supporting your career development in real time with a course accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this distance learning degree is also designed to fit around your life and commitments, including childcare and any other responsibilities you may have. We also offer full-time and part-time options for this course, so you can choose the mode of study that is right for you.

By studying a health and social care top-up degree online, you’ll have the freedom to learn whenever and wherever you like, with just an internet connection and a PC, phone or tablet. Our course enables independent study on your terms, but you’ll also have the support of your tutors whenever you need it.

And with a diverse range of students from all backgrounds, with experience in various sectors, you’ll be able to draw on a wealth of experience from them too. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with students and tutors via Canvas, our online learning system which enables you to access teaching resources and connect.

And after graduation, you’ll receive full support from our employability service to prepare you for the next step in your career.

Want to take your skills to the next level with ARU? It all starts here.

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.

Apply now