Health Systems, Policy and Innovation MSc

UCL (University College London)

Become a changemaker in health systems globally with a cutting-edge MSc where policy, leadership, business management, and an innovation mindset converge. Build an understanding of complex systems and shape equitable health futures. Health systems are among the most consequential and complex parts of modern societies, shaped and reshaped by political institutions, public and private sector actors, technologies, and shifting social needs. In an era of growing pressures driven by social, ecological and public health challenges, including widening inequities, health leaders need new skills and perspectives to navigate complexity and lead meaningful change across systems. The MSc in Health Systems, Policy, and Innovation (HSPI) was created to fill this critical gap. Housed at UCL’s Global Business School for Health, it offers a transdisciplinary learning experience that combines world-class expertise in health systems and policy with strategic problem-solving and innovative thinking drawn from business and public leadership. You will learn to: Understand health systems as complex social institutions made up of interconnecting elements such as service delivery, financing, the workforce, governance, health products, and information systems. Explore and engage with major trends shaping health systems from demographic and environmental disruption to the spread of private commerce, urbanisation and migration, digital transformation, and declining aid. Develop strategic, organisational, and change management capabilities to lead and implement innovations and reforms across diverse health system contexts. Critically engage with digital technologies, including AI, and their ethical, practical, and institutional implications. Understand how health systems intersect with broader societal goals, and how to advance equity, sustainability, and multisectoral collaboration. Build practical skills in policy analysis, systems thinking, and strategic leadership and apply them to real-world challenges through immersive, hands-on learning. Use analytical frameworks and evidence strategically, preparing you to inform policy, support innovation, and contribute to health systems research and improvement. The curriculum spans foundational theory and applied practice. You will begin with core perspectives on systems, leadership, and policy, then explore how health systems function in diverse national and global contexts, with focused modules on innovation, sustainability, and AI. In the Term 3, you will complete both a group business project and an individual research dissertation, allowing you to synthesise and apply what you have learned. Graduates will be equipped to work in government, philanthropy, global health organisations, health strategy and consulting, businesses engaging with emerging health systems, civil society organisations, and academia. The course is suited to those who want to work with purpose, across disciplines and institutions, and shape the future of health systems worldwide. This MSc is ideal for individuals who are passionate about improving health systems and driving meaningful change across global contexts. You may be a new or recent graduate in medicine, nursing, or another health profession, social science, policy, management, or business, or a working professional with experience in health services, public policy, consultancy, advocacy, or development looking to broaden your impact and leadership potential. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.