Health Management

The 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 regular sharing of study experience with long-term university partners in other countries.

1^st 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.

2^nd study year

In the second study year the students acquire health care communication and marketing, project management and other study courses, as well undergo professional placement in a health care company. The purpose of the placement is to combine the knowledge and the skills acquired during the studies with real-life conditions faced while implementing a particular placement project. The length of the placement is 4 weeks. As alternative to placement students can attend International Summer School Riga (ISSR) in August.

3rd Semester

Students are offered to choose between three optional modules:
1) Economic Modelling in Health Care
2) Digital Health
3) Entrepreneurship, Management and Administration of HC Organization.
During 3rd Semester, students choose their Master’s Thesis theme and supervisor.

4th Semester

Students have to prepare and defend the Master’s Thesis.

Applicants without a basic knowledge of economics must complete the introductory module: Basics of Economics (this only applies to applicants without profiling education), implemented by RISEBA in the form of distance learning. For more information please contact: RISEBA Information Centre, e-mail: risebariseba[pnkts]lv

Study 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

Study plan 2023/2024

Course code	Study course title	Īstenotājs	Kursa vadītājs	Credit points/ETCS
RISEBA_006	Business Strategy and Management	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	3 / 4.5
RISEBA_009	Communication and Marketing in Health Care	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
RISEBA_021	Developement of Effective Management Skills	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	1 / 1.5
VVDG_015	Efficiency and Quality Management of the Organisation	Health Management Lecturer Group	Igors Trofimovs	2 / 3
RISEBA_018	Financial Management of Health Care Instituions	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	3 / 4.5
VVDG_004	Health Economics	Health Management Teaching Staff Group	Alina Dūdele	3 / 4.5
VVDG_010	Health Technology Assessment	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
VVDG_013	Information Management in Health Systems	Health Management Lecturer Group	Ieva Bikava	2 / 3
VVDG_014	Internship	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	6 / 9
VVDG_026	Internship	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	20 / 30
RISEBA_010	Leadership and Change Management	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
VVDG_022	Master's Thesis	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	18 / 27
VVDG_008	Pharmaceutical Policy and Management	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
VVDG_021	Pre-Defence of Master's Thesis	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
RISEBA_023	Project Management	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
SVUEK_088	Public Health and Epidemiology	Department of Public Health and Epidemiology	Inese Gobiņa	2 / 3
riseba_024	Research Methodology	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3
riseba_015	Strategic Human Resource Management	Health Management Lecturer Group	Daiga Behmane	2 / 3

Admission requirements

Basic requirements

The admission requirements include previous education: at least Bachelor’s degree in the areas of social science, medicine, health care or medical engineering. Please see here for Application Guide and full Application Procedure.

Additional requirements

• Document confirming English proficiency
• Proof of prior scientific activities: copies of publications in peer-reviewed journals or thesis presented in scientific conferences (if available)
• Proof of prior work experience in the health management area (if applicable), described in CV

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 Management

Lieutenant 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):

Medicine

Management

Sociology

Communication Culture and Multimedia

Psychology