Course summary
Wellbeing is central to public service leadership. Personal wellbeing is essential for sustainable and effective leadership, and leaders need to drive change toward systems of wellbeing where people and planet are properly cared for. This unique degree equips learners with the advanced knowledge and skills to realise personal, public and planetary wellbeing goals within complex and dynamic systems. This course:
- Is designed for those leading or aspiring to lead within public services such as health, social care, education, criminal justice and community development.
- Explores contemporary and future issues in public service leadership and affords a rich understanding of human behaviour and behaviour change, before critically examining effective strategies and leadership practices that can be adopted in complex systems and to create systems change.
- Provides a unique opportunity for learners to undertake ‘inner’ and/or ‘outer’ Work Based Learning, developing personal qualities and wellbeing that foster effective leadership and resilience within challenging working environments.
- An exciting and cutting-edge curriculum, co-created by experts and partners.
- Comprehensive and critical exploration of evidence, theory and practice.
- A flexible and supportive teaching and learning strategy, with learners able to self-select to study via a ‘live’, ‘blended’ or ‘online’ route.
- A focus on personal, professional and academic growth, with 30 hours of ‘inner’ and/or ‘outer’ Work Based Learning.
- Connected to the University’s renowned Civic Mission, which is working with communities and partners to lead systems change across North Wales.
Modules
You will study four core modules and self-select a further option module aligned to your interests/needs. If studying full time, all modules will be completed within one academic year, and if studying part time, three modules will be completed in the first year and two in the second. Modules Contemporary Issues and New Directions in Public Service Leadership (Core) Behavioural Science: Theories for Human Behaviour and Behaviour Change (Core) Inner and Outer Work for Professional Development and Social Change (Core) Evidence-Based Leadership and Practice (Core) Healthy People: Strategies for Health Improvement and Promotion (Option) Healthy Planet: Climate Action and Sustainable Development (Option) Leadership and Practice for Systems Change (Option) Leadership and Practice for Social Inclusion and Social Justice (Option)
Assessment method
Teaching and Learning Strategy This course employs a flexible learning and teaching strategy whereby learners can make their own decisions about how and when to engage with the sessions and activities. Learners can self-select to engage with the programme via one of three modes of study: Mode 1, online: Learners study completely online in their own time by watching the recordings from the classroom sessions and engaging in the directed study. This is the best option for distance learners and those not available to attend the live sessions due to work commitments. Mode 2, blended: Learners study by attending some of the classroom sessions live and others by watching the recordings then engaging in the directed study in their own time. This is the best option for learners who know they can attend some, but not all of the live sessions due to work patterns. Mode 3, live: Learners study by attending the classroom sessions then engaging with the directed study in their own time. This is the best option for learners who want to learn live in the classroom and are available to do so. Most postgraduate study is undertaken alongside other commitments, so it is important that learners choose the best route (full or part time) and award (MSc or PgDip) to suit their needs and availability. For this MSc programme, the following is recommended with regard to the minimum amount of time that should be committed to studying. Please note that the expected time commitments may vary slightly throughout the academic year, with more time required to complete assessments, WBL hours and research activities: Full time Masters over 1 year – learners should be prepared to routinely spend a minimum of 3 days per week studying. Part time Masters over 2 years – learners should be prepared to routinely spend a minimum of 1.5 days per week studying. Assessment Strategy This programme adopts a compassionate assessment strategy, whereby four core principals ensure the provision of meaningful, learning-orientated and high-quality assessments that give due consideration to learners’ wellbeing: An emphasis on assessment for learning. The modes of assessment and assessment briefs included within this programme are authentic reflections of tasks that those working or leading within public services may need to undertake. Formative assessment opportunities are also available for all summative assessments. A manageable and responsive assessment workload. The word counts / durations for the different modes of assessment have been carefully considered to ensure enough ‘space’ for learners to explore the assessment briefs, while not presenting too burdensome a workload. The submission deadlines are also well-spread across the full academic year. A choice, where possible and appropriate, to undertake assessments verbally or in writing. While ensuring learners showcase a range of written and verbal communication skills, some opportunities have been built into the programme for learners to ‘play to their strengths’ by offering the choice to complete assessments via a presentation or written assignment. A careful balance of support and challenge within assessments. The assessment briefs provided are suitably open and challenging, enabling learners to tailor their work where appropriate to their particular interests / needs. At the same time, learners are supported with written and verbal assessment guidance from module tutors and able to access tutorials with module tutors and members of the Learning Skills and / or Inclusion Teams for further guidance.
Entry requirements
To study this programme, applicants will normally have attained an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area, achieving a minimum of a 2:2. Those without an undergraduate degree, or a degree not in a relevant subject area, may be considered for the programmes if they have appropriate (at least 3 years) experience in the field of public service leadership, and be able to demonstrate the skills and qualities necessary to study at postgraduate level. All applicants will be required to undertake an ‘entry discussion’ with the Admissions Tutor (or nominated person) for the subject area. The discussion will check applicants’ suitability for their chosen programme and also offer support and guidance regarding modes of study and postgraduate study requirements. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not required on entry to this programme. However, if either a learners’ Work Based Learning (WBL) or research involves regulated activity with adults or children a DBS of suitable level and type will then be required. This will be checked and undertaken as part of the WBL / research process.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5940 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Wrexham University
Plas Coch
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AW