Course overview
Advance your specialist knowledge and professional capability.
Convert 120 relevant postgraduate credits into a full master's through one independent health-and-care research project.
Course overview
This online top-up provides a route from prior postgraduate study to a full MSc. The single research module asks students to apply existing knowledge to a current health or social-care challenge and develop advanced research, analysis, leadership and implementation skills.
Study options
The course is delivered fully online through Arden's digital learning environment, with flexible access to learning materials and scheduled academic support.
Professional focus
Teaching and assessment connect postgraduate theory with current professional practice, applied problem-solving and independent research.
Curriculum
Review the complete master's module structure.
01Top-up module
60 credits
60 credits
Top-up module
60 credits
- Research Project60 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Research proposal
Ethics planning where relevant
Independent health-and-care research
Industry-focused final report
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic and professional entry
- 120 postgraduate credits in a relevant discipline, or completion of the UK Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship (IfATE ST0480).
English language
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90, or an accepted equivalent.
- Previous study completed in English may be accepted with suitable evidence of the medium of instruction.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Arden states that quoted fees relate to the intake on which the student enrols, not the application date.
Promotional awards and offers are subject to Arden's terms and conditions and may change or expire.
Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be charged the fee associated with their home country.
Funding your study
Eligible students may be able to use postgraduate Student Finance funding. The exact loan amount and personal eligibility should be confirmed before enrolment.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Complete one 60-credit Research Project to top up eligible prior study to a full MSc.
Apply postgraduate knowledge to a current health or social-care challenge.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Career directions
- Health-service management
- Care leadership
- Quality improvement
- Health research
- Service transformation
- Further doctoral study
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Can I study this course online?
Yes. Arden currently lists an online route for this course.
Is UK-campus study available?
No UK-campus route is currently listed for this course.
When can I start?
The current application options list October 2026. Availability should be confirmed before application.
Who awards the degree?
The degree is awarded by Arden University.