What is on offer?

There are seven bursary places available for the HFMA qualification in healthcare, business and finance.

These places are for the October 2025 cohort or the March 2026 cohort.

How do I find out more about the qualification?

• Contact Nick (nick.passmore@hfma.org.uk) for an informal discussion on the qualification and your suitability to apply.
• Watch the videos at the bottom of this page.
• Visit the HFMA website page where you can learn about the tutors, specific modules and view the prospectus.

Who can apply?

If you are in an NHS Finance team and employed by the NHS in the Midlands region, this opportunity is open to you.

HFMA’s masters level qualification in healthcare business and finance is designed specifically for individuals working within the UK healthcare sector. It will help you to broaden your understanding of strategic management and business in the health service to help address the financial and operational challenges facing the system.

To be accepted to study on the HFMA qualifications programme you will need to demonstrate through your application that you can study at masters-level. We recommend that candidates with less than two years of professional experience in healthcare should complete the module ‘Making finance work in the NHS’ as part of their HFMA diploma.

There are no other prerequisites required, and applications from finance professionals in a range of roles and bandings are welcome.

How are applications assessed? 

All applications are taken to the Midlands Finance Academy for approval via the Professional Development working group.

How do I apply?

Complete this application form

Applications for the October 2025 cohort are now closed.

For the March 2026 cohort, please submit your application by Friday 20 February 2026.

What support will I get as a learner?

The Academy will support learners throughout the application process, and once you are enrolled the HFMA qualification team provides:

• Support from expert tutors
• 24/7 accessible learning environment
• Weekly live evening sessions
• Guidance on academic study skills
• Study breaks to allow catch-up

Honouring training placements

In order to support staff who may be affected by the NHS restructure, the Midlands Finance Academy will agree to honour training placements for anyone having to leave their current role whilst they are in the middle of any Academy supported training and development programme, including the HFMA qualification.

For any queries or for more information please contact becky.jenvey@hfma.org.uk 

Testimonials

‘I applied for the bursary last year. Since qualifying in 2009 I haven’t done any formal qualification, I had my son in 2011 and my whole life was work and childcare. Now he’s 12 any almost a teenager, I was finding that I really wanted to explore qualifications that would enhance my career.

I was watching a webinar and the HFMA Diploma qualification was mentioned. I booked on the next ‘learn all about it’ talk and I knew I had found that bit of extra learning. I opened dialogue with my employer and HFMA told me that I could apply for a bursary to complete the 2 modules. So I wrote a business case (accountant habits!) and submitted it to my employer. I was then selected to receive the bursary. It was a very simple process.

I am nearing the end of the 2^nd module now and I have learnt so much these past 7 months. The selling point for me is the focus on healthcare, it directly relates to the day jobs. It has definitely enhanced my knowledge and that my employer has benefitted. If anyone is interested in going for it, do it! The time commitment is roughly 10 hours a week, part of that is your weekly tutorial and I have found it hard at times juggling everything but it’s been worth it.’

Elouise Pitchford, Finance Lead  – Health and Care Transformation, NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit