My Gateway to High Level Management: MSc in Health Services Management
Thirumalarao graduated from our MSc in Health Services Management earlier this year. With an impressive clinical career, he explains how this will integrate with his existing professional experience to boost his leadership skills.
Gaining the Skills to Lead in Modern Healthcare
With a professional background in optometry and healthcare service delivery, I recognised the urgent need for clinical professionals to engage with systems-level leadership, strategic planning, and policy formulation. I chose the MSc Health Services Management programme to gain the analytical, financial, and operational skills required to lead within modern healthcare environments – especially those undergoing digital transformation and workforce redesign.
Transforming Community Eye Care Service Design
The degree marked a pivotal shift from clinical-only practice to multidisciplinary leadership. It enabled me to conceptualise, design, and lead evidence-informed projects, such as my dissertation on AI integration in corneal donation pathways – a project that earned distinction and is now forming the foundation for future PhD exploration. I now operate at the intersection of clinical practice, innovation, and health systems management, with ongoing involvement in UK-based health technology projects and community eye care service design.
This course is uniquely positioned to develop professionals who are both reflective practitioners and transformative leaders. It offers a rare blend of theory, practical case studies, and leadership training that directly aligns with NHS priorities and global healthcare trends. The coursework – ranging from leadership and governance to finance and digital health – cultivates strategic thinking and ethical awareness, preparing graduates to lead sustainable change in any healthcare setting.
Standout Experiences
Several experiences stand out:
- The dissertation journey was intellectually rich and exceptionally supported.
- Guest lectures and interactive seminars with NHS leaders, health economists, and AI ethicists deepened my exposure to cutting-edge practice.
- Opportunities to engage in peer learning within a globally diverse cohort enriched my cultural competence and broadened my worldview.
- Above all, the mentorship I received from academic staff was instrumental in navigating complex research and professional challenges.
Chester is a Vibrant Backdrop for Postgraduate Study
The University of Chester fosters a learning culture rooted in academic rigour, accessibility, and personalised support. As an international student, I was consistently impressed by the inclusive campus environment, the responsiveness of teaching staff, and the University's emphasis on employability. The city itself provides a calm yet intellectually vibrant backdrop ideal for postgraduate study.
A Master's Degree is a Platform For Leadership, Innovation, and Social Contribution
My tip for future students is to approach postgraduate study with a clear sense of purpose. Choose a programme not only for its content but also for how it aligns with your long-term vision. Take advantage of academic supervision, form relationships with peers, and be proactive in engaging with real-world case applications. A Master's degree is not just an academic milestone – it's a platform for leadership, innovation, and social contribution.
Find Out More
To find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Chester, please visit our website.
Just completed your undergraduate degree at Chester? You may be eligible for a 20% discount off the full fee for a taught postgraduate course through our Graduate Loyalty Scheme.