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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieThe Health Policy and Management programme equips learners with vital knowledge, skills and tools for understanding, researching and working in complex and changing health and social care systems. From reforming and managing health systems, to implementing organisational, technological and digital innovations, course participants acquire a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of major health system challenges and developments – and how to address them.
The course is taught through an interdisciplinary curriculum underpinned by the principle of evidence-informed policy and practice, with high levels of student participation and peer-learning.
This unique Masters programme is suitable for healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses, allied healthcare providers, facility managers, and public administrators) as well as recent health and social sciences graduates.
The Health Policy and Management course will equip learners with the knowledge and skillset to have a successful career in health systems, policy, and management. The foundational learning is transferrable across roles in research, health systems, and policy development and management, allowing graduates to pursue a range of mid- to senior-level opportunities in managerial, leadership or research-related roles in both the public and private sectors.
All participants complete seven compulsory modules, as well as the Research Methods and Dissertation modules leading to the completion of a research project of 12,000 words. Core modules include:
1. Population Health Management (10 ECTS)
2. Health Policy (10ECTS)
3. Comparative Health Systems (5 ECTS)
4. Health Economics (5 ECTS)
5. Knowledge Translation & Implementation (10ECTS)
6. Managing People and Change (10 ECTS)
7. Integrated Care Systems (10 ECTS)
8. Research Methods & Dissertation (30 ECTS)
The dissertation emphasises both the subject’s scientific aspects and its translational potential into policy and practice. This postgraduate degree can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, or completed over two years part time (45 ECTS of taught modules in Year 1, plus 15 ECTS taught modules and 30-ECTS research dissertation in Year 2).
Participants learn and develop core competencies across subjects including Population Health Management, Health Policy, Comparative Health Systems, integrated care and Managing People and Change. Central to all is translating and implementing research evidence and knowledge for policy and practice, which is threaded throughout the modules as well as being a specific module
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
Dr. Carlos Bruen, Course Director, and Professor Sarah Burke, Centre Director for Health Policy & Management, introduce the M.Sc. in Health Policy and Management programme at Trinity College Dublin.
September 2025
Dr. Carlos Bruen, Course Director, and Professor Sarah Burke, Centre Director for Health Policy & Management, introduce the M.Sc. in Health Policy and Management programme at Trinity College Dublin.
30th June 2025
Applicants will need to:
• Hold at least a 2.1 honours undergraduate degree or above*
• Demonstrate evidence of professional and/or academic experience.
*Potential candidates with Irish nursing qualifications dating before 2002 might be exempt from this otherwise strict entry requirement of an Undergraduate degree. Other candidates with non-degree qualifications due to the grading structure of their disciplines are advised to contact the Course Director/MSc Administrator.
For applicants who do not have the required minimum academic entry requirements, but have demonstrable and substantial prior learning, please contact the Course Director. Trinity’s current policy on Recognition of Prior Learning is available here.
The maximum number of students is 25. The programme will be delivered subject to the minimum number of 8 applicants being reached.
Click here for full details on admissions procedures and all required documents, including a personal statement and CV.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
The Health Policy and Management Team: mschpm@tcd.ie
www.tcd.ie/medicine/health-policy-and-management/postgraduate/msc-health-policy-and-management
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
Through our participation in modules delivered by global and national leaders working within health systems, we developed the ability to critically reflect and analyse policy, research evidence, and global best practice. This Master's programme seeks to enhance a culture of innovation, leadership, creativity, and collaboration. This in turn contributes in a meaningful way to workplace practices and to build resilience in our health systems, today and into the future.
Creative Life Co-coordinator at Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital Dublin
In addition to equipping me with essential skills and tools for understanding and researching complex health systems, the interdisciplinary MSc curriculum fostered an application of academic theory to address real-world challenges. Moreover, exposure to health services and policy researchers opened doors for me to continue research in my work setting. This experience was invaluable in my progression to a PhD, where I continue to apply evidence-informed policy and practice principles central to the MSc curriculum. If you're seeking to advance your career in health and social care while gaining exposure to the latest academic thinking and its practical applications, I highly recommend this programme.
SPHeRE PhD Scholar & SEO Acute Operations, HSE
