Your Guide to Subject Choices for QQI Level 6 Health Services Supervisory Management Skills (6M4978)

Your Guide to Subject Choices for QQI Level 6 Health Services Supervisory Management Skills (6M4978)

The QQI Level 6 Major Award in Health Services Supervisory Management Skills is designed to prepare learners for leadership roles across health services. This qualification suits those seeking to upskill into supervisory roles (e.g. Team Leader, Supervisor, Manager) or progress to further education.

To achieve the full award, learners must accumulate 120 credits (equivalent to 8x course undertakings) across specific subject areas. Forus Training offers a comprehensive selection of modules that align with this requirement.

✅ Mandatory Modules – Group 1 (60 Credits)

These subjects are compulsory and provide the foundational skills in supervising and leading people, effective communications and resolving conflict in healthcare settings:

• Conflict Management (6N2775) – 15 credits

Conflict management is studied by healthcare supervisors and managers because conflict is inevitable in high-pressure environments where diverse professionals must work closely together, often under stressful conditions. In healthcare, unresolved conflict can negatively affect team dynamics, communication, staff morale, and ultimately patient care. By studying conflict management, supervisors and managers learn how to identify sources of conflict early, address issues constructively, and implement strategies to de-escalate tension and promote resolution. Effective conflict management also helps foster a culture of respect, accountability, and open communication, which is essential for a healthy work environment. Additionally, skilled conflict resolution supports better collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that disagreements do not hinder patient outcomes or organisational efficiency.

• Supervisory Management (6N4329) – 15 credits

It is important for upcoming healthcare supervisors and managers to study supervisory management because it equips them with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to lead teams effectively, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare environment. Supervisory management provides insight into key areas such as leadership styles, team dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, performance evaluation, and resource allocation. With healthcare constantly evolving, future leaders must be prepared to handle challenges related to staffing, regulatory compliance, patient safety, and quality improvement. By understanding the principles of supervisory management, emerging supervisors and managers are better prepared to support their teams, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a positive workplace culture that ultimately enhances patient care and outcomes.

• Communications (6N1950) – 15 credits

Effective communication skills are essential in healthcare supervisory and management roles, particularly when working with a multidisciplinary team, as they ensure the seamless exchange of information, reduce the risk of errors, and promote cohesive teamwork. In a healthcare setting, supervisors and managers must convey expectations clearly, listen actively to staff concerns, and facilitate open dialogue among professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Strong communication fosters trust, enhances collaboration, and helps align team members toward common goals such as patient safety, quality care, and operational efficiency. Moreover, clear and respectful communication is vital for resolving conflicts, coordinating complex care plans, and ensuring that all team members are informed and engaged in decision-making processes. This ultimately leads to improved staff morale, better patient experiences, and more effective healthcare delivery.

• Leadership (6N2191) – 15 credits

Leadership skills are integral in healthcare supervisory and management roles because they directly impact the quality of patient care, staff performance, and overall organisational efficiency. In a fast-paced, high-stakes environment like healthcare, leaders must be able to communicate clearly, make informed decisions under pressure, and foster a collaborative culture among multidisciplinary teams. Strong leadership ensures that protocols are followed, resources are utilised efficiently, and staff feel supported and motivated. Furthermore, effective leaders are instrumental in driving change, managing conflicts, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and ethical standards. Ultimately, the healthcare professional’s ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and strategic vision contributes to better patient outcomes and a more resilient healthcare system.

Please note that the Leadership course is currently being updated and will be available to study in the next number of weeks.

👩‍🏫 Work Experience Module – Group 2 (15 Credits)

This mandatory module emphasises work-based practice and reflection:

• Work Experience (6N1946) – 15 credits

Work experience for upcoming healthcare workers is a practical, hands-on opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world healthcare settings. This experience helps learners develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, professionalism, and an opportunity to practice newly learnet supervisory skills. It also gives learners a clearer idea of what to expect in their future careers, helps build confidence, and can be a valuable addition to their resume when applying for more senior roles in the healthcare field.

At Forus Training, this module is relevant for various healthcare environments and settings. 

🧩 Specialist Electives (Choose at least 2-3*) – Group 3 (45 Credits)

These modules allow learners to specialise in key areas of healthcare management. Prospective learners may choose to select either:

• 2x Specialist Electives course modules (from this section) and 1x Optional Course Module (section below),

or 

• 3 Specialist Elective course options from this section. 

Forus Training offers the following popular and practical options:

• Health Promotion (6N2214) – 15 credits

Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. It goes beyond just treating illness – it focuses on preventing disease, encouraging healthy behaviors, and creating environments that support well-being. For learners who are career progressing within the healthcare field, understanding health promotion means learning how to educate individuals and communities about lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating, exercise, mental wellness, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It also involves working with other sectors, like education and public policy, to create supportive conditions for healthier living. Ultimately, health promotion empowers people to lead healthier lives and reduces the overall burden on healthcare systems.

• Person Centred Planning (6N2206) – 15 credits

Person-centred planning is an approach in healthcare that focuses on putting the individual at the heart of their own care and support. It means involving the person in decisions about their treatment, respecting their values, preferences, and unique needs. For upcoming healthcare learners, this approach emphasises the importance of seeing each patient as a whole person – not just focusing on their medical condition. It encourages active listening, empathy, and collaboration with patients, their families, and other professionals to create care plans that are meaningful and tailored to the individual. Person-centred planning helps build trust, improves patient satisfaction, and often leads to better health outcomes.

• Gerontology (6N3748) – 15 credits

Gerontology – the study of aging and the challenges faced by older individuals – helps learners develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective, compassionate, and age-appropriate care. It covers physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging, preparing learners to recognise common health conditions in older adults, promote healthy aging, and support independence and dignity in later life. Learning about gerontology also helps future healthcare supervisors combat ageism, communicate more effectively with elderly patients, and contribute to a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.

• Human Resources Management (6N2750) – 15 credits

Studying Human Resources (HR) Management offers valuable insight into one of the most critical aspects of organisational success—managing people effectively. For prospective learners, HR knowledge provides a strong foundation for understanding how to recruit, develop, and retain talent, while also ensuring compliance with employment legislation. It equips supervisors with the skills to handle workplace issues such as conflict resolution, employee motivation, and performance management with confidence and fairness. By gaining a practical understanding of HR principles, learners not only enhance their leadership capabilities but also position themselves as more competent and empathetic managers in a competitive job market.

• Finance (6N4165) – 15 credits

By learning about finance, learners can better understand how healthcare systems operate, how funding affects service delivery, and how to contribute to financially responsible practices. This is especially important for those aiming for leadership or management roles, where financial decisions can directly influence the quality and accessibility of care. Basic financial knowledge enables future professionals to make informed decisions about budgeting, resource allocation, and cost control – all of which impact patient care and organisational performance.

🎯 Optional Modules (Remaining 15 Credits – *if required)

An additional 15 credits (if two course modules have been selected from the ‘Specialist Electives’ section) may include 1 of the following course modules:  

• Mental Health Awareness (6N2209) – 15 credits

Studying mental health awareness is important for healthcare students, managers, and supervisors because mental health is a critical part of overall well-being – for both patients and healthcare staff. Understanding mental health helps future professionals recognise signs of mental distress, provide appropriate support, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention. For managers and supervisors, this knowledge is also essential for creating a supportive work environment, managing stress among staff, and encouraging open conversations around mental health in the workplace. By being aware and informed, healthcare leaders can help foster a culture of compassion, safety, and resilience, which benefits both staff performance and patient care outcomes.

• Safety Management (6N1782) – 15 credits

Understanding safety management is crucial for healthcare supervisors and managers because it ensures a safe environment for both patients and staff. Effective safety management helps prevent accidents, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. It involves identifying potential hazards, implementing safety protocols, and promoting a culture of awareness and accountability. For supervisors and managers, this knowledge is essential to protect staff well-being, maintain high standards of patient care, and avoid costly incidents or legal issues. A strong focus on safety also builds trust among teams and contributes to the overall quality and reliability of healthcare services.

**Additional Notes – Recognition to Prior Learning (RPL): 

If a learner has previously completed Safety Management (6N1782), RPLs can be sought for: 

• Managing People

• Statutory Workplace Policies and Procedures 

Learners will have to complete the RPL documents for both Managing People and Statutory Workplace Policies and Procedures, and achieve a Pass grade to successfully gain 30 credits. 

Why Choose Forus Training?

At Forus Training, our courses are designed with busy professionals in mind. Our trainers are industry experts and our learning platforms are accessible, flexible, and fully supported.

Whether you’re already working in healthcare and hoping to progress your career or planning a return to the workforce, our modular structure allows you to build your qualification around your life.