Route to an MBA

A unique master’s level qualification programme in healthcare business and finance, which can ultimately lead you to achieve an executive MBA with the University of Northampton.

Our online qualifications programme has been created for healthcare professionals who want to expand their knowledge of the healthcare business, whilst developing essential management and leadership career skills. If you are working in the NHS and want to step up your strategic management skills, impact service improvement and become a healthcare leader of the future then this programme is for you.

The HFMA qualifications provide the first stage to achieving an MBA through the advanced diploma qualifications. On successful completion of 120 credits with HFMA two HFMA diplomas you can apply for the final year executive MBA with the University of Northampton.

To achieve the executive MBA as your end goal, you are required to achieve 180 credits in total through your studies.

Achieving two HFMA advanced diplomas is worth 120 credits (60 credits per diploma) upon completion. Once you have achieved 120 credits with HFMA, you are eligible to transfer these into a final year of study with the University of Northampton's executive MBA degree.

The executive MBA with the University of Northampton consists of one module and a business research report. This is worth a further 60 credits (see below), which will top up your diploma to sufficient credits to be awarded an Executive MBA.

• Project Management in Practice  (10 Credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Business  (20 Credits)
• Negotiated Project (30 Credits)

All learning is delivered online, both with the HFMA Academy and the University of Northampton.

An MBA can help you achieve your career goals and is ideal if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and wish to take your strategic knowledge and management to the next level. The MBA equips you with leadership and management skills, in addition to other strategic skills that will help you add value to your organisation and build your confidence as a leader.

The HFMA are delighted to partner with the University of Northampton, one of the youngest Universities in the UK which has won several awards and has been recognised with a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

The University prides itself on its well-established business and health schools who bring a wealth of experience both from the private and public sector which both supports and enriches their student’s study experience. A dynamic University offering great flexibility, encouragement and enthusiasm for their students, a great partner for the HFMA.

Contact us
Speak to our team for full details and to ask us your questions. Call 0117 457 3242 or email [email protected]  

The final stage executive MBA with the University of Northampton has a separate cost of £4,050* payable to the University upon acceptance to their MBA. *Prices correct for 2023/24 enrolments.

There is also the option for senior NHS finance staff working at band 8d and above, to study the HFMA's executive route, to fast-track to the MBA instead of completing 120 credits through the HFMA's advanced diploma. Find out more about this access route.

This fellowship will help the association with the development of research in the areas of NHS financial management and governance, support learners from underrepresented groups to access funding for the MBA  and aims to encourage the senior NHS finance leadership community to be more representative of the communities we serve. Successful candidates will also be invited to join the Policy and Research Committee for the duration of their studies.

The opportunity is available for five candidates to apply for a fully funded place on the MBA executive top-up programme with the University of Northampton. In return, candidates will choose from one of the research questions as suggested by the Policy and Research Committee. 

Candidates will be required to complete an application form detailing their desire and suitability for an HFMA research fellowship. In order to be considered for the fellowship you must fit this criteria:

• must have obtained 120 credits from the HFMA by completing two HFMA advanced diplomas
• should be from groups currently under-represented in the NHS finance function. Candidates could be from a diverse ethnic background or living with a disability
• must commence their MBA top-up programme with the University of Northampton within six months of their HFMA research fellowship being approved
• confirm they will use one of the research questions set out by the Policy and Research Committee or agree to have their research topic reviewed and approved by the selection committee before commencing their studies
• give permission for the HFMA to publish their research upon completion of their studies with the University of Northampton
• must agree that failure to complete the programme will result in the full course fees being paid back to the HFMA. Exceptional circumstances will be considered and will be subject to the approval of the selection committee.