Health Management
A unique study programme, jointly offered by Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) and Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration (RISEBA).
This programme is also offered in Latvian.
Programme Fact File
Health Care
accredited until
Professional Master's degree in Health management and Professional Qualification "Business Establishment Executive"
Tuition feesThe programme aims to prepare highly qualified specialists to take responsibility for the development and analysis of the national healthcare policy – state officials and heads of private institutions, specialists for strategic, financial and human resources planning and for application of methods of healthcare economics and for development of healthcare system processes.
The programme has been established on the basis of the latest findings and approaches in healthcare and management science and is the only study programme of the kind in Latvia and in the Baltic States.
Study environment and methods
Study environment
Although the study process is mostly organised in groups, a substantial share of study time is intended for individual work under the guidance and in accordance with the instructions of the lecturers. The acquisition of the study programme foresees an intensive study of literature, practical tasks, likewise active and analytical participation in discussions. Sophisticated and up-to-date technological solutions and study aids - IT, software, audio and video equipment, interactive boards, a modern library with access to scientific research databases from all over the world are used for the implementation of the study programme. There is also a regular sharing of experience with a long-term cooperation partner of RSU - the University of Greifswald (Germany).
- 1st study year
The first year of studies is devoted to introductory subjects on public health, health care management and other introductory courses. The students acquire health economics and legal aspects of health management, finance management and leadership in health care, performance management and health technology assessment.
- 2nd study year
In the second study year students acquire health care marketing management and project management and undergo professional placement in a leading health care company. The purpose of the placement is to combine the knowledge and skills acquired during studies with real-life conditions faced while implementing a particular placement project. The length of the placement is 6 weeks. At the end of the programme students have to prepare and defend a Master’s Thesis dealing with some operating aspect of health care institutions, combining academic and practical research.
riseba[pnkts]lvStudy methods
Students acquire in-depth knowledge in health economics and management science and learn how to find solutions to apply this knowledge in the health sector. The programme also provides the knowledge and skills required for successful operational and human resources management at an organisation or enterprise. Students learn to understand the challenges and possibilities in the drafting of health care policies for it to have a positive impact on patients and ensure access to services. The students develop leadership skills and the fundamental knowledge required for the management of a health care enterprise or organisation, including change and project management. Students develop abilities and skills for collecting, processing and analysing quantitative and qualitative research data and readiness for practical involvement in the development, research and change of healthcare projects of national and international importance.
The study process includes lectures, practical classes, group tasks, case analysis, interactive discussions, individual work and guest lectures by healthcare professionals. Theoretical aspects and models are learned and taught using a practical approach towards healthcare management – projects, practical illustrations, analysis of health economics, organisation and enterprise management and global health issues.
- Syllabus
The volume of studies in the programme depends on previous education and work experience. Students with second level professional higher education in economics, finance or management and students who have acquired fifth level (7th of EQF) professional qualification follow a programme of 60 CP (including a placement of 6 CP). Students with second level professional higher education in medicine or an academic bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, management or other social sciences follow a programme of 80 CP (including a placement of 26 CP).
Admission requirements
- Basic requirements
- The admission requirements include previous second level professional higher education in the areas of economics, finance, management or medicine or academic Bachelor’s degree in the areas of economics, finance, social sciences, management, public health or medicine.
- Additional requirements
- Document confirming English proficiency
- Copies of publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Documents of additional training and activities (certificates, awards, diplomas etc.)
- Skype interview with the applicant
- Proof of English proficiency
Study bases
- RSU main building, 16 Dzirciema iela
- Medical Education Technology Centre, 26a Anniņmuižas bulv.
- RISEBA, 3 Meža iela
Career opportunities following studies
Graduates of the programme work in health care institutions, health care management institutions, health insurance institutions and municipal councils.
Liene Dambiņa: Know What You Want When Choosing to Study Health ManagementLieutenant Colonel Normunds Vaivads: The Health Management Master's Programme is a Hidden Gem
Graduates
I gained a general overview of health care systems, and their operating principles. The course projects and term papers made us study different aspects of health management in depth. I understood how extensive and versatile this field was. My daily life is closely linked to the role of the municipality in promoting health and ensuring the availability of health care. The studies have definitely given a broader perspective and theoretical background. One of the most valuable benefits are the fellow students and acquaintances we made. Although we represented different professional fields and institutions, we were all united in health management.
Elīna Tolmačova, Head of the Department of Environment, Health and Public Participation, Liepāja City Council
It’s time to join health care! Out of twenty professions with the fastest growth perspectives in the upcoming years, ten are related to health care. It is also expected that the need for professionals in health care will grow faster than the world’s population, considering the ratio of elderly people and increased life expectancy because of technological developments. This is an excellent time to become healthcare professionals! The need for highly qualified senior medical staff is high, and if you already hold a leading position in a company operating in the healthcare sector and are willing to improve your knowledge and professional skills, Health Management is your study program. Professionalism, a friendly environment, the joint opportunities provided by RISEBA and RSU and the beauty of the city will make each minute you spend here both memorable and productive.
Teimur Musayev, Dobromed Baku hospital
Further studies
Studies may be continued in the RSU Doctoral study programmes (Communication Culture and Media and Psychology offered in English, other programmes offered in Latvian only):
Head of Programme
Leading Researcher, Institute of Public Health
Project Manager, Veselības vadība
Head of Study Programme, Health Management Teaching Staff Group
Working hours:
W. 15.00–17.00rsu [pts] lv
