MSc HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Professional Master’s degree programme
 Gain competitive advantage over candidates with general management knowledge
by studying health management grounded in international experience.
 Combine work with studies due to convenient module-based two-year course plan.
 Develop a career in any European country with the EU/EEU approved diploma.
 Learn faster under the guidance of experienced academic staff by having a more
personal communication due to studies in small groups.
 Enrich your social and cultural life by studying in Riga, a vibrant and
multidimensional metropolis of the Baltics.
Your study
destination
Latvia
Latvia is situated in the centre of the Baltic States
(Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), which are located on
the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in North-Eastern
Europe. This strategic location has made Latvia not
only an international crossroads for trade, commerce
and cultural exchange, but also a notable centre of
historic events. Latvia is a green country famed for its
scenery, especially the long coastline of white, sandy
beaches, lined by dunes and pine forests.
Rīga
Rīga, the capital of Latvia and the largest city in the
Baltic States, is inhabited by 700,000 people. Rīga
International Airport is a well-connected travel hub,
providing cheap and easy access to most European
countries. Your mobility within the city is assured by
the efficient network of bus, tram, and trolley bus
lines, and short walking distances between your
favourite spots.
Rīga has been nicknamed The City That Inspires, and it
truly does! It was founded in 1201, and for centuries it
has been at the crossroads of Northern Europe,
gaining a rich and complicated history. Today, it is a
modern city with a vibrant cultural scene.
AREA:
64,589 km2
POPULATION:
2.1 million
CAPITAL:
Rīga
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:
Latvian
RELIGIONS:
Catholic (22%); Lutheran (20%);
Orthodox (15%); Other (4%);
Non-affiliated (~40%)
NATIONALITIES:
Latvians (59%); Russians (28%);
Others (13%)
CURRENCY:
Euro (EUR);
POLITICS:
Parliamentary democracy with
a multi-party system; a member of
EU and NATO
CLIMATE:
Temperate maritime climate with mild
summers (+20…+28 °C), moderate
winters (-1...-15 °C) and frequently high
levels of humidity (70%) and precipitation
(600–700 mm)
MSc Health Management
The programme is implemented by Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and Riga International School
of Economics and Business Administration (RISEBA), each bringing its own unique expertise:
RSU is the first choice for medical studies
in the Baltic region. International students
from Germany, Sweden, Norway and other
European countries constitute 20% of the
total student body, which is around 7000
students.
RISEBA is the only institution of higher
education in the Baltic region that has
been accredited by European Foundation
for Management Development and
awarded EPAS accreditation for European
and International Business programmes.
Programme summary
Professional Master’s degree programme
Health Management is well suited for anyone
who considers working in the field of
management and particularly developing the
career in any type of institution in the field of
health care. The programme provides
theoretical and practical knowledge in the
fields of health economics, management and
health policy based on European and
international approach to health system
management.
This is a professional degree programme that
aims at developing knowledge and skills that
are applicable in real-life work situations. Even
though it is a full time study programme, it has
a convenient module-based course plan, which
is designed with those who have a job in mind.
Studies take place in small groups of up to 15
students. Professors are experts in their field
in Latvia and part of the teaching staff is
invited from foreign universities.
Your peers in the programme will include a
diverse group of professionals from various
healthcare
services
and
healthcare,
pharmaceutical and consulting companies
from across the globe.
Acquired knowledge and skills
The aim of the programme is to establish basis upon which graduates can build their career of
professional managers in healthcare sector. They will be awarded Master’s degree in health
management and professional qualification of Business Establishment Executive.
Graduates will:
Master business administration (human
resources management, finance, strategic
management etc.) knowledge that is vital
for effective management in healthcare
sector;
Have the understanding of challenges and
possibilities of different health policies and
health care organization forms and their
impact on health system performance,
healthcare service providers and the end
consumers;
Strengthen leadership and critical thinking
skills that are essential for successful
implementation of practical development
and change projects in healthcare
organisations and enterprises, as well as
the healthcare sector in general, at both
local and international level.
Course organisation
The length of the programme depends on undergraduate education of a student:
1.5 years (90 ECTS) for students with a profiling education (economics, finance, MBA), professional
qualification or management experience at least 3 years in healthcare sector;
2 years (120 ECTS) for students without a profiling education or work experience.
In the 1st year
(1st and 2nd semester) students will:
Attend seven one-week long intensive (six
days in a row) teaching sessions (modules)
in Riga. These sessions will include a
combination of academic lectures and
seminars (including lectures held by visiting
lecturers and policy-makers), in-class
discussions, role-plays and case studies;
Undergo the internship project in
healthcare enterprises and organizations,
have the revision and defence sessions.
In the 2nd year
(3rd and 4th semester):
Students of 90 ECTS programme will
undertake a Master Thesis with individual
supervision from a faculty tutor from RSU
or RISEBA academic staff. The Master
Thesis will have to be completed over a
period of 6 months;
Students of 120 ECTS programme will
develop an extended internship project in
healthcare enterprises and organizations,
have a possibility of individual meetings
with faculty tutors, followed by a Master
Thesis in the 4th semester.
Studies and literature will be in English;
therefore, certificate of English proficiency
(IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 or equivalent) is a
must.
Course structure and content
(The exact dates are published on the web pages of both universities)
1st Semester (September – December, Year 1)
Introductory Module: Basics of Economics
This is a must course for all applicants who
lack basic knowledge of Economics. The
course takes place at the beginning of
September Y1, prior to Module 1. This course
is for additional charge of 210 EUR.
Module 1: Fundamentals of Public
Health and Health Economics
Public Health and Epidemiology
Health Economics
Module 2: Fundamentals of Management
Business Management and Strategy in the
Organisation of Health Care
Strategic Management of Human Resources
Module 3: Health System Organisation
Health System Design
International Health Law
Ethics in Business and Health Management
2nd Semester (January – May, Year 1)
Module 4: Leadership and Finance
Financial Management of Health Care
Institutions
Leadership and Development of Effective
Management Skills
Module 5: Health System and
Performance Management
Health Technology Assessment
Information Management in Health Care
Performance Measurement in Health Care
Module 6: Marketing and Project
Management
Marketing Management in Health Care
Project Management in Health Care
Change Management (optional)
Ethics in Business and Health Management
(optional)
Module 7: Multidisciplinary
Pharmaceutical Policy and Management
Research Methodology
Internship project (9 ECTS)
3rd Semester (September – December, Year 2)
Presentations of individual assignments
Defence of Internship project for students
in 90 ECTS programme
Defence of Master Thesis for students in
90 ECTS programme
4th Semester (January – May, Year 2)
Defence of Internship project for students
in 120 ECTS programme
Defence of Master Thesis for students in
Admission requirements and
application process
Basic admission requirements
Bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects: Economics, Public Health, Business
Administration, Social, Political, Nursing sciences or Medicine. Students with other Bachelor
degree will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Basic knowledge in Economics is a must. Applicants without previous profiling education have to
take introductory course in Economics.
Application process
Below is a short version of application checklist, which can be found on both RSU and RISEBA
websites with detailed instructions. If the documents are issued in another language than English,
provide certified translations.
Application documents and requirements:
Completed online application form (also
printed and signed version)
Bachelor’s Degree Diploma with Diploma
Supplement (verified copy)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letter of motivation
Documents of additional trainings and
activities (verified copies)
Publications copies (if applicable)
2 certified copies of passport (original must
be presented)
2 identical photographs (3x4cm)
Document confirming the level of knowledge
of English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 certificate
or equivalent). Applicants without any
appropriate documents can choose to take
RISEBA English language examination.
Confirmation of application fee payment
(non-refundable)
Police Clearance Certificate (for non-EU
citizens only)
Chest x-ray radiograph and radiologist’s
report (for non-EU citizens only)
Affidavit of Financial Support issued by your
bank (for non-EU citizens only)
Application documents should be sent or uploaded, depending on your choice of university for
application procedure.
Application period:
APLICANTS
EU/EEA APPLICANTS
NON-EU/EEA APPLICANTS
RSU
1 April – 10 July
1 April – 15 June
RISEBA
1 March - 15 July
1 March - 30 June
The application deadline is the date by which the printed, signed version of the application as a
hard copy along with all supporting documents has arrived by post at the university. Please make
sure that the documents are posted in due time. Once your application has arrived, we will send
you a confirmation e-mail in 5 days’ time. Please contact us, if you do not receive an e-mail from
us for much longer than you think it should take.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of teaching methods will be
used?
Courses include lectures, seminars, in-class
discussions, role-plays and case studies.
What kind of work will I have to do to
prepare for the intensive teaching sessions?
Remote access to recommended reading
material (textbooks, cases, journal articles) will
be recommended and available. For some
courses you will be required to read the case
beforehand.
Will you provide accommodation during the
teaching sessions in Riga?
This is not included in the course fee. However,
RISEBA and RSU international departments can
assist in providing information about
accommodation possibilities.
Will travel expenses be included?
Travel expenses are not included in the course
fee.
Who will be teaching?
You will be taught by a combination of
academic faculty members from RSU and
RISEBA with visiting lecturers from partner
universities and healthcare organisations.
Will there be facilities to work remotely
while in Riga?
Wireless internet is available in both campuses.
You will have access to the library resources
and facilities, including desktop computers and
meeting room for work remotely. Materials for
each course are available on the web.
How will my work be assessed?
Most courses have an exam which may be in a
form of essay or project, research paper or case
analysis. It may include individual, as well as,
teamwork and presentations. Exams on each of
the courses included in the module will take place
at the beginning of next module or some exam
papers may be submitted in electronic form.
What if I miss a class/am late for a class
because of work commitments?
Attendance is monitored; however, we
understand that students may have some work
commitments. It is recommended to inform the
lecturer and solve each situation individually. It
is not possible to pass a course without at least
50% attendance.
Can my dissertation be related to my
everyday work activities?
Yes, Master thesis is a piece of applied research
aimed at one of the two – healthcare
organisation or health system problem analysis.
Will there be social events during the
programme sessions?
Yes. Social events are organised by student
governments of both universities. You are also
welcome to become a member of the student
government yourself and take active part in the
organisational work and activities.
How long will it take to receive a degree?
That depends on your previous education. For
applicants with academic Bachelor’s degree the
programme will take 2 years, whereas, for
applicants with profiling professional Bachelor’s
degree and /or professional management
experience the programme will take 1.5 year.
What happens if I leave my MSc studies?
We have multiple options. You can receive a
certificate if you have completed and passed
some courses. You can also take an academic
leave for one year and continue your studies
after the year.
What is the cost?
Tuition fee is 3000 EUR per year.
How do I find out more about the
programme?
First explore the websites and you can contact
programme director from both partner
universities:
Daiga Behmane ([email protected]) from
RSU or Iveta Ludviga ([email protected])
from RISEBA.
What the students say
“Now is the time to join the healthcare industry. Half of the 20 occupations projected to grow
the fastest over the next few years are in the health services fields. In addition healthcare
jobs are expected to increase faster than the population during that same time, as the older
population increases and improved technology advances life expectancies.
This is an exciting time for healthcare management. Today, requirements for senior-level
positions in healthcare organizations are demanding, so, if you are already holding a
managerial position in healthcare industry and eager to improve your knowledge and
competences, then Health Management is the right programme.
High professionalism and friendly environment in RISEBA and RSU together with all the
beauty of Riga and Latvia make every minute spent unforgettable and productive.”
Teymur Musayev, MD
2nd year student from Azerbaijan
“I was happy to have such a wonderful opportunity to study Health Management
programme at RISEBA and RSU. I obtained new information and made useful contacts.
The schedule of my studies was very convenient, it allowed me to combine studies and
work easily. I liked how the education process was organized and mentors were highly
professional! Thank you!”
Olga Kulygina-Chekit
2nd year student from Latvia
“Health Management is one of the most interesting and developing fields. It was very
gratifying experience to study in two universities which are unique in different aspects. I
am satisfied with the quality of teaching and positive attitude from profesors.”
Suresh Kumar Reddy
2nd year student from India
Contacts
Phone: +371 67409175
Mob.: +371 29237157
[email protected]
www.rsu.lv/eng
Mg. oec. Daiga Behmane
Director of the Study Programme
“Health Management”, RSU
Phone: +371 67600688
Mob.: +371 29244831
[email protected]
www.riseba.lv/eng
Dr.sc.administr. assoc.prof. Iveta Ludviga
Director of the Study Programme
“Health Management”, RISEBA