Join the Programme

Our History

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Founded in 2016, the HLA Scholarship recognises and develops healthcare students and professionals with outstanding leadership potential. Our alumni include exceptional nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, paramedics, dieticians, radiographers, physician associates, dentists, doctors, therapists, and allied healthcare professionals. The HLA started in London and has since rapidly spread with cohorts in Newcastle, Bristol, Belfast, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Queensland. Although a majority of our scholars are from Europe, many others are located across the world with individuals attending our virtual cohorts this last year whilst living in regions ranging from Ethiopia to Singapore, and from Japan to Siberia. 

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The HLA is approved by The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), is a certified member of Social Enterprises UK, is proudly sponsored by The MDU, commissioned by Health Education England North East and Health Education England South West, and partnered with the Medical Technology Start-up Medics.Academy. Through our partners at Medics.Academy, we work with institutions across the globe including the World Health Organisation, the UK House of Lords, the UK Government, Health Education England and Amnesty International, as well as universities ranging from University College London’s Academic Careers Office through to The University of Queensland in Australia and Mekelle University in Ethiopia. Those who complete the programme are eligible to have the qualification recognised with post-nominals from the HLA (MHLA).

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In this cycle of applications to our internationally celebrated HLA Scholars programme, we are proud to announce we are offering even more places to outstanding applicants across the medical, nursing and allied health professions. 
 

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Cohorts

 

Our Scholar’s Programme starts in September each year. The cohorts have contact sessions either in one of our centres or through virtual global cohorts to allow cross-continental cohorts with scholars collaborating from all over the world. There are approximately 10-15 scholars per cohort. Cohorts are designed to be interdisciplinary, with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, countries and professional interests.

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Are there any costs associated with the programme?

 

The HLA programme is free at the point of access. The programme is projected to cost £5000 in 2025 with that cost covered through scholarships funded by partners. If you are successful in the selection process, scholars do not have any programme fees associated with the programme. All travel/accomodation costs and costs of Internet and access are covered by the scholar themselves.

We are very grateful to Namita Kumar, Aly Williamson and their team at Health Education England North East (HEE NE) and Jane Thurlow, Anne Elliott and the team at Health Education England, Severn Deanery, as well as Louise Dubras for supporting the establishment of HLA in Northern Ireland, and our partners Medics.Academy, who facilitate our ability to offer up to 100 scholarships each year. We only award scholarships to those deemed appointable and we will believe will benefit and succeed in the programme. Many years, despite several thousands starting the application process, less than 60 individuals may complete the programme successfully across the globe.

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Is the programme aimed at a specific level in the healthcare system i.e. students, consultants or somewhere in between?

 

The Scholars programme is not clinical stage-specific. We have run programmes for many years that have students through to very senior healthcare professionals on the same programme and we get consistently excellent feedback. Our focus is on the core skills of leadership and how to practically apply them to your current situation. The HLA focuses on developing your personal leadership journey and project with input from all kinds of backgrounds, professions, senioritis, nationalities and expertises. Peer learning, mentoring, building a network and utilising the expertise within the community will all form part of your HLA experience. 

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Is the programme aimed at only clinicians?

The programme was initially developed for clinicians. However we will also consider Senior non clinical or ex-clinical leaders of healthcare organisations as well as Academics in Mid-Level or Senior full time Academic roles in institutions that train professionals who will become healthcare professionals

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Can you apply whilst also studying at another institution?

 

Yes. Enrolling into the HLA scholarship programme is permitted whilst studying at other institutions including universities. Joining the HLA does not contravene normal university requirements for you to avoid enrolling into more than one university programme at once, as the HLA is a non-profit social purpose institution rather than a university.

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How long is the programme?

 

The programme takes the form of 8 mandatory contact days over a 12-month period. Our experience is that your hospitals, universities or institutions will provide study leave if requested ahead of time. We provide supporting letters as required. All contact dates for the coming year have been set to allow scholars to arrange leave in time.

Scholars also study written and recorded leadership theory content via our scholar portal for around one hour each week during the scholar year.
 

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Can you choose to attend online or in person?

 

You can choose to attend an in-person cohort in one of our education sites across London, Newcastle, Bristol, Belfast, Edinburgh or Amsterdam, or an online global cohort that will be conducted entirely through live online contact days. 

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What will the training cover?

 

The programme is mapped against the United Kingdom’s National Health Service Leadership Framework and covers the 6 domains of The Healthcare Leadership Academy curriculum:

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• The Leader as a Communicator

• The Leader as a Manager

• The Leader as a Negotiator

• The Leader as an Innovator and Entrepreneur

• The Leader as a Follower

• The Leader as a Philosopher

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What is expected of scholars?

 

Scholars will be expected to develop a project of their own choosing over the course of their year. Previous projects have reached national prominence, winning prizes, publications and presentations at national events. We host celebrations of scholar’s projects at venues including the House of Lords, Amnesty International and our university partners. Participants will also have opportunities to be introduced to key leaders and individuals that will help challenge their thinking and support them in the development of their work and careers.