AC7103 - Managing Strategic Thinking in Health and Social Practice

What will I learn on this module?

This module will focus on the theoretical concepts and phases of strategic thinking in health and social practice. It considers the principles of strategic thinking for your own cognitive development and explores this in the context of a critical exploration of the development of your practice area. The module also considers the impact of the complexities of strategic thinking, goal setting, planning and resourcing. It will explore individual assumptions and existing knowledge and empirical evidence. You will consider and explore logic, and creative ways towards problem solving preparing you to think proactively about applying strategic thinking more effectively. You will learn about models and frameworks of strategic thinking and consider these in the context of your area of professional practice. This includes considering communication strategies and engagement across organisations. Exploring the principles outlined will help you to access strategies and behaviours for strategic thinking that will assist you in identifying a solution focused approach to challenges.

How will I learn on this module?

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning strategies on this module which you can use to link theory to your own practice. Your learning will occur through lectures, workshops and independent study. However the range of methods will also include on line learning, group work and discussion. Learning also includes opportunities for formative assessment before summative assessment occurs. The module tutor will provide guidance and encouragement for you as the module is delivered. You will also be encouraged to present and discuss and debate opinions, beliefs and experiences of the process of strategic thinking using peer review.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through regular feedback from the module tutor, within the workshop and discussion format of specific teaching sessions and in tutorials. In addition a discussion board for your module will be established on Northumbria University’s eLearning portal , Blackboard. Blackboard also allows remote access to materials and aids for module students to access outside of the classroom providing a flexible approach to learning and accessible to you 24/7. Support for your learning is also offered via a 24 hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Skills Plus to support your academic work and Ask4Help Service for other enquiries. These are all available in person at Student Central on Coach Lane Campus and online. The university library has a wide selection of materials to support your individual learning, and these materials are available in hard copy or electronic format. You will also have a personal tutor (PT) allocated to you as part of the programme overall. The PT will meet with you according to University policy.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

By the end of the module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

Critically analyse the principles of strategic thinking to evaluate the contextual relationship to health and social practice

Comprehend empirical research to display knowledge and understanding and use this to support critical endeavour

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Critically appraise and reflect on own and others professional behaviours to explore the impact of strategic thinking on health and social practice

Demonstrate professional curiosity to explore, develop and extend new critical perspectives relating the health and social practice

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Manage and evaluate relationships with others to enhance health and social practice towards advancement

How will I be assessed?

Both formative and summative assessment opportunities are presented within this module.

Formative assessment

A 500 word plan of your summative essay to include a breakdown of the key content, theories and frameworks. MLO’s K&U 2, IPA 1

Summative Assessment:

The summative assessment for this module will be a 3000-word reflective essay appraising self-development of the learning process, including a plan for short and long term goals and strategies for professional development. This professional development could relate to either you or your organisation/team within health and social practice. You essay will be submitted electronically via Turnitin, and you will receive your electronic feedback 20 working days following submission via Turnitin to inform future practice. MLO’s K & U 1 & 2 IPA 3 & 4 PVA 5.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This contemporary module in Managing Strategic Thinking in Health and Social Practice is designed to support your development by providing a deeper understanding of the key concepts involved. It will help you to explore the principles of strategic thinking and enable you to critically reflect on your existing practice in this area. It explores some of the challenges, barriers and behaviours that exist within practice and expose you to new theoretical ideas and frameworks relevant to the development of your thinking related to yourself and your professional role.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Health and Social Practice (Clinical) MSc

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

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Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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