Preamble

The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by factors such as technological advancements, shifting demographics, and increasing healthcare needs. Effective management of healthcare services is critical to ensuring accessible, efficient, and quality care. The Bachelor of Health Services Management Honours Degree program is designed to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare managers and leaders who can navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

This program aims to develop professionals who possess a deep understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and practices, combined with expertise in management, leadership, and innovation. Graduates will be equipped to manage healthcare services, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, organizational performance, and community health.

The BHSM program is grounded in the principles of social responsibility, ethical practice, and evidence-based decision-making. Through a blend of theoretical foundations, practical applications, and experiential learning, students will develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to excel in healthcare management roles.

Programme Aim

The aim of the Bachelor of Health Services Management Honours Degree program is to produce competent, innovative, and socially responsible healthcare managers who possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively lead, manage, and improve healthcare services, ensuring quality, accessibility, and sustainability by developing professionals who can manage healthcare services, programs, and projects effectively, equipping students with expertise in healthcare policy, planning, and governance, fostering leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams,  promoting research, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare management,  developing professionals who can analyze and address healthcare disparities, inequities, and social determinants, and preparing graduates for careers in healthcare management, policy, and leadership.

Objectives

The programme is specifically designed to:

• To develop professionals who can manage healthcare services, programs, and projects effectively.
• To equip students with expertise in healthcare policy, planning, and governance.
• To foster leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• To promote research, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare management.
• To develop professionals who can analyze and address healthcare disparities, inequities, and social determinants.
• To prepare graduates for careers in healthcare management, policy, and leadership.

Admission Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the BHSM programme candidates must have passed:

1. Five “O” level subjects or equivalent, with no less than credit level passes in English Language, Mathematics and any three of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry, Geography, Statistics, Integrated Science, Computer Studies, Business Studies Accounts, Commerce.
2. At least two subjects at Advanced Level from recognised examination boards or equivalent qualifications in the following subjects: Biology, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics/Applied Mathematics, and Management of Business.

Duration of Programme

It will take 4 years full-time study to complete the Bachelor of Health Services Management Honours Degree programme. Courses will be offered through, block release and weekend classes. Each academic year shall consist of two (2) semesters.

Assessment Of Students

• There shall be a set of formal examinations at the end of each semester.
• Coursework shall account for 30% while the formal examination shall account for 70% of the overall assessment.
• Courses for each semester shall be assessed through a 3-hour written examination and continuous assessments.
• The examiners may, at their discretion, require candidates to present themselves for an oral examination.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the Programme will lead to the award of a Bachelor of Health Services Management Honours Degree and registration with relevant professional bodies in Zimbabwe and the diaspora.

Career opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors i.e. hospitals, physicians’ offices, insurance companies, and residential care facilities. Potential careers following attainment of the degree are employment in one of the following capacities: Hospital administrator, Health services manager/director, Healthcare facility operations manager and Healthcare department manager or director to oversee a specific a department or team within an organization, Physician Practice Manager, Healthcare Finance Manager and Quality and Improvement Manager among others.

Opportunities for continuing education may lead to attainment of a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).  PhD in Health Services Management

Additional Information

• The Research Project shall be done by all the students and done during the second year of the programme at an approved site after approval of the proposal.
  • The Department of Family and Health Sciences shall approve at least one academic member of staff to supervise the student’s dissertation.
  • There shall be a minimum 40 hours consultation time between the student and the supervisor during the period of the research project.
  • The student must submit two spiral bound copies of the Research project to the Department for marking at a date determined by the WUA.
  • The assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format prescribed by the Faculty Board.
  • The Research Project shall be assessed by two examiners.
  • The Faculty Board of Examiners shall consider the two examiners’ assessments and decide on the final mark for the Research Project.