Choosing the Right Master’s Programme for You
30 October 2024
Authors: Jingyi Zhang, Helen Hiu Tung Mac, Esther How and Andria Savva
To give you valuable and personal information about the different opportunities that the Global Business School for Health (GBSH) offers via their master’s programmes, our student ambassadors got together to provide the best guide to GBSH!
Jingyi Zhang: MSc Global Healthcare Management (Finance)
As a current student in MSc Global Healthcare Management (Finance), I've gained valuable insights during lectures and seminars, particularly in the areas of equity investments and risk management within the healthcare industry. Coming from an undergraduate background in accounting, this programme has effectively bridged my financial skills with the healthcare sector, paving the way for a more expansive career choice. For applicants without a financial background, the programme offers essential foundational knowledge in financial analysis during the first semester, facilitating a better understanding and mastery of finance concepts.
Therefore, I highly recommend students interested in combining finance with healthcare to choose the finance route within Global Healthcare Management. This pathway not only provides a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge but also deepens comprehension of global health issues.
Helen Hiu Tung Mac: MSc Global Healthcare Management (Leadership)
I find the curriculum of Global Healthcare Management (Leadership) is well structured, offering a comprehensive and cohesive learning experience. In particular, I enjoyed the Strategic Healthcare Leadership module. We had a hospital simulation competition among our peers, where we have to allocate resources effectively as well as tackle various challenges. In this hands-on experience, I learned how to make critical decisions under pressure and collaborate with a diverse team of healthcare professionals. It provided a realistic environment to practise strategic planning and problem-solving, enhancing my understanding of the complexities of healthcare management.
While the Strategic Healthcare Leadership module is an exciting one, the Coaching and Mentoring Healthcare Leaders module was an invaluable part. During every seminar, I learned how to foster meaningful relationships, develop active listening skills, and utilise powerful questioning techniques to support and guide individuals toward their goals. The practical exercises and role-playing scenarios provided a safe space to practise and refine these skills, emphasising the importance of empathy, feedback, and personalised development plans. This experience has greatly enhanced my ability to coach others, whether in a professional setting or personal interactions, and has equipped me with the tools to inspire and drive positive change.
Esther How: MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship
This programme offers the unique opportunity to learn from leading figures in the digital health field. I've benefited greatly from the diverse frameworks presented by guest speakers who are successful founders in the industry. The expertise of professors and guest speakers enriches my digital health journey and equips me with valuable knowledge.
The programme goes beyond theoretical learning, allowing me to apply different approaches to create investment memorandums, develop marketing plans, and draft comprehensive business plans. Additionally, I've gained a strong understanding of opportunities within health policy and regulatory navigation, crucial skills for navigating the digital health landscape.
One of the biggest concerns I hear is whether prior coding skills are necessary. The good news is, coding experience is a plus, but not a prerequisite! The coursework isn't heavily focused on coding, and even projects can be completed without a programming background (like me!). The programme equips you with the necessary skills to collaborate effectively with developers and navigate the technical aspects of digital health innovation.
Beyond the classroom, the programme offers invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Attending various digital health conferences across the UK has exposed me to cutting-edge medtech advancements and allowed me to learn from the experiences of industry leaders. This fosters valuable networking opportunities and keeps me at the forefront of the field.
Looking to launch your own digital health startup? This programme is tailor-made for you! You'll develop transferable skills like pitching ideas, healthcare marketing, research, and data analysis – all crucial elements for entrepreneurial success.
Andria Savva: MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management
Coming from a background in biochemistry I wasn’t sure what to expect from a MSc in management. The modules taught during term one helped students from various backgrounds gain the basics in economics and management thereby ensuring a smooth transition into the course content. Throughout the year we had modules on a lot of different aspects of pharma management varying from Pharmacoeconomics, to clinical trial statistics to commercialisation and marketing. Ensuring that we get familiar with everything that has to do with management, UCL GBSH gave us the opportunity to choose what our future would look like in every aspect on biotech and pharma management you can imagine.
Learn More about our Postgraduate taught MSc programmes