Module manager: Mayeh Omar
Email: M.A.Omar@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
The same as the course
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module introduces current trends in health systems development and leadership strengthening in low-middle income countries focusing on the broader agenda of universal health coverage (UHC). UHC is a specific goal within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) which is to "ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages". As agendas change case studies within the module will be updated. The module is also offered as a stand-alone (non credit bearing) short course (CPD).
The objective of the module is to introduce key concepts and components of leadership and health systems strengthening and development in low and middle income countries. This learning includes understanding the WHO health systems building blocks and different health systems development and leadership frameworks. The module also focusses on the concept of universal health coverage and the role of leadership in health systems development and strengthening.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Apply systems thinking to analyze, model, and improve public health organizations and services at different strategic levels;
2- Discuss the key components of health systems leadership and their role in creating equitable, efficient, and sustainable health systems;
3- Critically analyse the health system structure, leadership, governance, funding mechanisms, and healthcare services organization;
4- Use organizational theories and strategies to set priorities, allocate resources, and achieve strategic health goals.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Knowledge related
1- Critically assess the role of leadership in health systems development in relation to governance, resilience, negotiation and conflict resolution;
2- Apply effective techniques for working with different stakeholders (local and international) and governance structures, including regulatory and professional entities;
3- Develop a methodology for health systems assessment and strengthening.
Skills related
4- Monitor and assess the impacts of health system strengthening on the components of health systems and on particular groups of the population;
5- Critically analyse health systems using specific frameworks.
Academic related
6- Conduct high-level literature research and appraisal on health system building blocks to support future roles in policy, management, research, and health leadership.
7- Independent learning and ability to engage in continuous professional development as health service planners, managers and health educators.
- Introduction to health systems development and health systems building blocks
- Introduction to Leadership – leadership and systems thinking
- Leading Health Systems – leadership, organisational learning and development
- Governance of Health Systems – resource management, collaboration and partnership
- Leading Health Workforce – building and leading interdisciplinary team
- Ethics and professionalism
- Measuring Health Systems Performance – One health and Health Security
- Resilience and Conflict Management
- Leadership and Power
- Managing Change – communication, culture and advocacy
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Lecture | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Seminar | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 33 | ||
| Private study hours | 90 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
In addition to the tutorials built into the module, students will also have groupwork exercises which will be completed in class. For example, following group work exercises student will have the opportunity to reflect on the application of what they have learned to the work/personal context. These will be used to monitor learning, with verbal feedback from the lecturer. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with personal tutors, the module leader and lecturers to discuss issues arising from classes and self-study. Specific and general feedback will be continuously provided on group work and presentations as well to their assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 2000 word problem solving essay based on a case study scenario on issues related to health systems and leadership - The assessment will consider application of knowledge of organisational systems, theories and behaviour to set priorities for, align and deploy all relevant resources towards achieving clear strategic goals and objectives. | 100 |
| Coursework | Formative assessment - Formative group work on a case study designed to help students identify and analyse real issues facing health systems development and strengthening in low resources settings. | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Because elements of assessment within a module test different learning outcomes compensation, in the event of failure of one component, the module mark will be capped at 50 on a successful resit.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 11/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team