Master of Science in Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management [by Research]

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

4 Semesters

60 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening (by Research)

The Institute of Medicine defines patient safety as the prevention of harm to patients implying a broad focus on a system of care delivery aiming at:

preventing errors;
learning from existing errors; and
building on a culture of safety that involves health care professionals at various levels, organizations and patients.

The effective implementation of patient safety and clinical risk management policies require you to be committed to education and training to practice harm prevention safely.

The course focuses on:

Basic principles of patient safety and clinical risk management
Systems analysis and quality improvement scientific techniques
Leadership, teamwork, human factors and communication
Systematic approaches to evidence-based patient safety and clinical risk management
Application of tools and practices to enhance patient safety and to manage clinical risk in context.

You will be required to work on a 60 ECTS dissertation.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines patient safety as the prevention of harm to patients implying a broad focus on a system of care delivery aiming at:

preventing errors;
learning from existing errors; and
building on a culture of safety that involves health care professionals at various levels, organizations and patients.

The World Health Organization defines clinical risk management as specifically concerned with improving the quality and safety of health-care services by identifying the circumstances and opportunities that put patients at risk of harm and acting to prevent or control those risks. An adverse event is an incident that results in harm to the patient. The effective implementation of patient safety and clinical risk management policies do not just require human, financial and other resources, but rather the commitment of individuals to be educated and trained to practise safely. Preventing adverse events is a crucial role and responsibility of management and clinicians.

The programme of study includes topics which focus on:

Basic principles of patient safety and clinical risk management
Systems analysis and quality improvement scientific techniques
Leadership, teamwork, human factors and communication
Systematic approaches to evidence-based patient safety and clinical risk management
Application of tools and practices to enhance patient safety and to manage clinical risk in context.

Following this part of the programme, students will be required to work on a 60 ECTS dissertation.

Need help?

福利在线免费 for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

This course is intended for holders of the Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

HSM5121*	Dissertation	60 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in Semester 1 of academic year 2025-26 (October 2025) and continue up to the end of Semester 2 of academic year 2026-27 (June 2027).

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of Master of Science - M.Sc. - under the auspices of the Faculty Health Sciences.

In addition to the prescribed 60 ECTS credits for the year, students can apply to the Board to register for the extra study-unit listed hereunder. Extra study-units cannot substitute compulsory, elective or optional study-units that form part of the official Senate-approved programme of studies, and do not count towards the Year Average Mark or towards the Final Weighted Average Mark.
Year 1
HSC5111Research Methods for Health Care Professionals - 10 ECTS The conditions and criteria for Extra study-units can be accessed here .

As a successful holder of this postgraduate certificate, you will be able to:

gain a knowledgeable opinion of the concepts of 'adverse events', 'patient safety' and 'clinical risk management' in healthcare organizations;
evaluate the roles and responsibilities of healthcare leaders/managers and their teams in patient safety and clinical risk management;
understand how to apply patient safety and clinical risk-management principles by identifying, assessing and reporting hazards, and potential risks in complex and multi/inter-disciplinary healthcare settings;
learn how to
1. identify the risk;
2. assess the frequency and severity of the risk;
3. reduce or eliminate the risk; and
4. assess the costs saved by reducing the risk or the costs if the risk eventuates;
engage into specific areas of interest within patient safety and clinical risk management using a scientific-based approach
adopt strong critical thought about patient safety and clinical risk management.

gain a knowledgeable opinion of the concepts of 'adverse events', 'patient safety' and 'clinical risk management' in healthcare organizations;
evaluate the roles and responsibilities of healthcare leaders/managers and their teams in patient safety and clinical risk management;
understand how to apply patient safety and clinical risk-management principles by identifying, assessing and reporting hazards, and potential risks in complex and multi/inter-disciplinary healthcare settings;
learn how to:
1. identify the risk;
2. assess the frequency and severity of the risk;
3. reduce or eliminate the risk; and
4. assess the costs saved by reducing the risk or the costs if the risk eventuates;
assess the role of human factors and operating systems when reviewing alerts on patient safety and clinical risk management;
develop an understanding of the critical relevance of using evidence in decision-making when addressing patient safety and clinical risk management issues;
evaluate patient safety and clinical risk management healthcare settings' data from a critical point of view;
develop knowledge and skills on information systems to support patient safety and clinical risk management; and
develop knowledge and skills on issues around new technology and its adoption.

By completing the dissertation part following the completion of the postgraduate certificate, you will be able to:

engage into specific areas of interest within patient safety and clinical risk management using a scientific-based approach
adopt strong critical thought about patient safety and clinical risk management
develop advanced and innovative research skills
defend one's research position in a viva voce examination and subsequently in healthcare settings

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 6,700
Yr 1: Eur 6,700 - Yr 2: NIL

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

Training in patient safety and clinical risk management is highly valued in health systems and services. These skills demonstrate a commitment to reducing adverse events, medical errors, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing overall healthcare quality. Possessing expertise in these areas can significantly enhance your employability and career advancement opportunities. Employers often seek candidates who are proficient in these domains and as a result, postgraduate education and training qualifications in patient safety and clinical risk management are considered favourably for recruitment or promotion within the health and social care sectors.

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.