Courses 
ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Management (120 Credits)
The ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Management is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge, strategic leadership capability, and professional management skills within the healthcare sector.
The programme is intended for learners who have successfully completed Level 5 study in healthcare management or a related discipline, or who have relevant professional experience and are seeking progression into senior management, leadership, or strategic roles.
Qualification Overview
Learners develop advanced understanding of healthcare policy, quality improvement, leadership, financial management, strategic planning, organisational performance, and research-informed decision-making. The qualification combines mandatory management units with specialist optional units, enabling learners to tailor their studies to strategic professional priorities.
Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world healthcare settings, developing critical thinking, professional judgement, leadership capability, reflective practice, and evidence-based decision-making skills that support career progression within healthcare management.
Key Information
Course Details |
|
|---|---|
| Qualification | ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Management (120 Credits) |
| Level | 6 |
| Credits | 120 |
| Duration | 12 months (Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours, including 485 Guided Learning Hours) |
| Intakes | September, January & April |
| Study Mode | Full-time / Blended Learning / Distance Learning |
| Delivery Location | On-campus at Oakswood College, Tricorn House, 7th Floor, 51–53 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8TP |
| Awarding Body | ATHE (Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation) |
| Assessment | Coursework-based (internally assessed assignments) |
What You Will Study
This qualification includes six mandatory units (including one mandatory choice) and a selection of optional units completed in accordance with the qualification requirements to achieve 120 credits. Each unit is assessed through structured assignments that encourage learners to evaluate healthcare management practice and develop evidence-based solutions.
Units within this qualification
| Unit Title | Type |
Level |
|---|---|---|
Mandatory Units (All Core Requirements Must Be Completed) |
||
| International Healthcare Policy | Mandatory |
6 |
| Managing Quality and Service Delivery | Mandatory |
6 |
| Leadership and Management | Mandatory |
6 |
| Research Project | Mandatory |
6 |
| Personal Leadership and Management Development | Mandatory |
6 |
| Managing Finance in the Public Sector (or Financial Decision Making for Managers) | Mandatory Choice |
6 |
Optional Unit Selection Pools |
||
| Human Resource Management | Optional |
6 |
| Project Management | Optional |
6 |
| Programme Leadership | Optional |
6 |
| Risk Management | Optional |
6 |
| Managing Sustainability in an Organisation | Optional |
6 |
| Strategic Planning | Optional |
6 |
| Managing Stakeholder Engagement | Optional |
6 |
| Leading Organisational Equality and Diversity | Optional |
6 |
Teaching and Learning Approach
The programme is delivered through structured teaching blocks supported by tutor-led sessions, guided learning, case studies, seminars, independent research, and assignment preparation.
Learning focuses on applying strategic leadership and management principles to realistic healthcare scenarios, encouraging learners to evaluate policy, improve organisational performance, manage change, and develop evidence-based recommendations. Collaborative learning, discussion, research, and critical analysis are integrated throughout the programme to strengthen leadership capability and strategic decision-making. Learners are expected to demonstrate increasing autonomy in research and professional practice.
Entry Requirements
This programme is designed for learners aged 19 and above. Typical entry profile includes:
- One or two years of study in Healthcare Management or a related discipline at Higher Education level, or
- ATHE Level 5 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Healthcare Management or a related subject, or
- Equivalent international qualifications, or
- Relevant professional experience within healthcare or healthcare management (subject to assessment).
English language requirement (for non-native speakers): IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (CEFR B2 level). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered where appropriate.
Assessment Methodology
Assessment is completed through internally assessed coursework assignments. Learners are assessed against ATHE learning outcomes and may achieve Pass, Merit, or Distinction grades.
Assessment methods may include:
- Written reports & clinical case studies
- Research projects & professional reports
- Reflective evaluations & management-based assignments
- Presentations
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion, learners may progress to:
- ATHE Level 7 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Strategic Management or Healthcare Management
- MBA programmes, with exemptions for eligible units where recognised by the receiving institution
- Master's degree programmes in Healthcare Management, Business Management, Public Health, or related disciplines (subject to university entry requirements)
- Senior leadership and management positions within healthcare organisations
- Operational, strategic, and service management roles across the public, private, and voluntary healthcare sectors
Fees and Funding
This is a privately funded programme:
- Tuition Fee: £2,500
- Deposit: 25% of the total tuition fee
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Oakswood College admission form. Apply Now.
Course Documentation & Policies
Download Qualification Specification
Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure