Module manager: Francis Poitier
Email: F.Poitier@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
NUFF5510M Introduction to Health Systems AND NUFF5685M Health Systems Leadership and Development
This module is not approved as an Elective
Health systems are an important element in improving a population's health. It encompasses all organisations, people and actions with a primary intent to promote, restore and maintain health. How health systems are organised, managed and governed can impact accessible, equitable, affordable and high-quality care for all. In low-resource settings, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, understanding how health systems are organised, managed, developed and function is important to ensure that they can meet the needs for communities. This module explores the makeup of health systems, analyses its different components and explores strategies for strengthening health systems in low- and middle-income countries. It highlights the important role of leadership in the development and management of health systems. Using various case studies and examples from low- and middle-income country contexts, students will engage in the discourse and frameworks about health system composition, development and leadership and discuss various strategies and innovations for addressing some of the most critical challenges facing health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
This module aims to provide students with an overview of key aspects of health systems and their leadership and management in low- and middle-income countries, equip them with the ability to analyse complex health challenges using a health systems approach, and develop their capacity to propose contextually appropriate and innovative solutions to address critical challenges facing health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. appraise different health systems in low- and middle-income countries, their responses to complex health challenges, and their approaches to health systems strengthening and resilience
2. analyse the relationship between the health system building blocks and the impact this has on health system functions
3. analyse critically health system management structures, leadership, governance, and their linkage to funding mechanisms and health service organisation
4. develop strategies to address challenges facing individual elements of health systems and the health system as a whole
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Apply the principles of health systems strengthening and management to the context of a Low- and Middle-Income Country
Technical
2. Make evidence-based decisions based on diverse perspectives and academic literature
Sustainability:
3. Develop systems thinking, future thinking and strategic practice relevant to a professional working in international health to strengthen health systems
The module will broadly cover the following topics/issues:
Introduction and core concepts (2)
1. An overview of health systems: key concepts and approaches
2. Politics, rights, social justice and health systems
Health systems building blocks (6)
3. Health Systems Governance, Regulation & Unofficial activity
4. Human Resources and the health workforce
5. Medicines and technology
6. Health information and management
7. Health system service delivery
8. Health Systems Financing
Health systems management and leadership
9. Health systems leadership, organisational learning and development
10. Leading health workforce – building, managing and leading interdisciplinary teams
11. Managing change
12. Ethics and professionalism
13. Managing health system preparedness, response, resilience and strengthening
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 13 | 1 | 13 |
| Seminar | 13 | 2 | 26 |
| Private study hours | 111 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 39 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
During class time:
• Class discussions to unpack theories and concepts, and to clarify issues
• Group work that enables peer review and feedback
• Verbal feedback from peers and lecturers
Formative assessments:
• Online written, verbal and other contributions for peer and lecturer review and feedback
• Quizzes, including those that are self-assessed, pre-lecture, post-lecture, etc
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Problem solving essay based on a case study scenario | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
• Formative assessments: Students are required to engage in formative coursework to support their preparation for the final summative assessment. These formative assessments will include elements of peer review and feedback, self-assessment style quizzes (e.g. pre- and post-lecture test your knowledge question), online discussions with options for both written and verbal commentary and reflection, and feedback provided on outlines for the summative assessment. • Summative assessment: Through the formative coursework on the module, students would have begun writing and receiving feedback on their work before submission, both from peers and lecturers. Therefore, students will be expected to engage fully in their formative assessments.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 14/07/2026
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