Oakswood College

ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Healthcare Management (120 Credits)

The ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Healthcare Management is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to develop advanced strategic leadership, management expertise, and professional capability within the healthcare sector.

The programme is intended for learners who have successfully completed Level 6 study in healthcare management or a related discipline, or who have relevant management experience and are seeking progression into senior leadership, executive management, or postgraduate study.

Overview & Key Info
What You Will Study
Teaching & Entry Requirements
Progression & Fees

Qualification Overview

Learners develop an advanced understanding of organisational behaviour, healthcare policy, strategic leadership, public sector finance, organisational improvement, research, and evidence-based management. The qualification combines mandatory strategic management units with a range of specialist optional units, allowing learners to tailor their studies to targeted senior leadership career objectives.

Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to apply strategic management theory to real healthcare and public sector contexts, developing critical thinking, leadership capability, professional judgement, research skills, and evidence-based decision-making that support senior management practice within healthcare organisations.

Key Information

Course Details
Qualification	ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Healthcare Management (120 Credits)
Level	7
Credits	120
Duration	12 months (Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours, including 430 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 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 policy, analyse organisational challenges, develop strategic solutions, and apply leadership principles to improve performance.

Units within this qualification

Unit Title	Type	Level
Mandatory Units (All 6 Must Be Completed)
Organisational Behaviour	Mandatory	7
Managing Finance in the Public Sector	Mandatory	7
International Healthcare Policy	Mandatory	7
Manage Continuous Organisational Improvement	Mandatory	7
Developing Organisational Vision and Strategic Direction	Mandatory	7
Research for Senior Managers	Mandatory	7
Optional Unit Pools
Human Resource Management	Optional	7
Project Management	Optional	7
Programme Leadership	Optional	7
Strategic Resource Management	Optional	7
Risk Management	Optional	7
Managing Stakeholder Engagement	Optional	7
Corporate Communication Strategies	Optional	7
Leading Organisational Equality and Diversity	Optional	7
Sustainable Business Strategy	Optional	7
Managing Quality and Service Delivery	Optional	7

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 complex healthcare and public sector scenarios, encouraging learners to evaluate policy, manage organisational change, improve service delivery, and develop evidence-based recommendations. Collaborative learning, professional discussion, and critical analysis are integrated throughout the programme to strengthen strategic leadership capability and executive decision-making. Learners are expected to engage in independent study and demonstrate a high level of autonomy in research, critical evaluation, and professional reflection.

Entry Requirements

This programme is designed for learners aged 19 and above. Typical entry profile includes:

A Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management, Health Studies, or a related discipline, or
ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Management or an equivalent Level 6 qualification, or
Equivalent international qualifications, or
Relevant management experience within healthcare or the public sector (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 strategic reports & data evaluations
Strategic case studies & policy analyses
Research projects & management-based assignments
Presentations & professional portfolios

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion, learners may progress to:

ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management or related postgraduate management qualifications
MBA programmes, with exemptions for eligible units where recognised by the receiving institution
Master's degree programmes in Healthcare Management, Business Administration, Public Health, Leadership, or related disciplines (subject to university entry requirements)
Senior leadership, executive management, and strategic management positions within healthcare organisations
Consultancy, policy development, operational leadership, and organisational improvement roles across public, private, and voluntary healthcare sectors