My experience of studying Management with Leadership MSc at Huddersfield

In this blog, I explore why I decided to study the course, what I enjoyed most, and how it benefited my career in the NHS. 

Why I choose to study a Management MSc at Huddersfield  

I studied two previous undergraduate degrees at the University of Huddersfield, and the University had always been incredibly supportive (both academics and professional service staff), so I knew I was in safe hands. I wanted to study a management qualification to develop my skills from earlier management positions I’d held and climb the professional ladder - both clinically and in leadership.  

I could have chosen to study a healthcare leadership course; however, I wanted a broader, more holistic Master’s to cover business applications and strategic level management, which made the Management MSc a great fit.  

The University of Huddersfield provides a 10% discount on its postgraduate taught courses for alumni, which is a significant advantage, making the course more budget friendly. 

Supportive and helpful academic staff 

 The course was thorough and challenging. It provided an excellent foundation for further background reading and research, with real-world applications. A range of teaching methods were used across each module. I particularly enjoyed seminars as they offered the opportunity for group work; discussing and contextualising the content as we went through it enriched the learning experience.  

 The academics on the course were super helpful. I found the feedback to be encouraging, and constructive. My advice would be - don’t hesitate to ask for guidance and support if you need it; the staff at Huddersfield are always happy to help. 

The MSc helped me develop key leadership competencies 

The Management MSc provided me with the knowledge and practical skills to evolve as a management professional - specifically with evaluation, reasoning, diplomacy, emotional intelligence, ethics, and consultation skills, which helped me deliver better services to my colleagues and patients in the NHS. I now feel more confident in my leadership abilities. 

Global Professional 

While I enjoyed a variety of course elements, the Group Consultancy Project was my favourite as I got to work on real-world scenarios and identify problem-based solutions to inform business strategy. This was very rewarding as it gave me a chance to put my learning into practice. I found the MSc very practical overall. The Individual Research Project or a New Venture Creation, also allow students to apply their knowledge and pursue their interests. 

One of my favourite modules was The Global Professional module, which aims to develop transferable skills fundamental to global employability, such as intercultural awareness. It enabled me to reflect on myself as a citizen, professional, and leader, while also finding key development areas to work on. 

The MSc enabled me to be a better leader and service my community better  

I’ve recently started a new role in the NHS, implementing the knowledge and skills I developed throughout the course. As the Development Lead Nurse for dermatology, I’m leveraging my newfound skills and knowledge to benefit the local community and create a positive impact. I’ve identified more efficient methods to enhance our services, and I’ve contributed to the development of new patient self-management plans. 

My next goal is to complete the development aspect of my role to become a more established Dermatology Nurse, which will enable me to further advance within the NHS and enhance the services provided to the public. Pursuing other postgraduate opportunities is also important, so I can be a better nurse manager and support others in my team.  

My advice to others  

If you’re considering studying management at the University of Huddersfield, I’d highly recommend it! There’s no reward without sacrifice and hard work. My advice to postgraduate students would be to plan and prepare your workload, and don’t underestimate the time needed to complete self-directed study. 

Are you interested in studying management at postgraduate level?  

To discover our range of postgraduate courses in management, visit course finder.  

The learn more about the University’s new 100% online Management MSc, visit the course page.