Our template just has a module position in the top 'bar' area up there. In there, we've assigned 2 modules:
* Menu module - This is the 'main menu' shown up there
* SCLogin module - This is the login module
They're both in the same module position. If there was a different module position for top left vs top right, that could work as well too. Basically, you'll just want a way to display modules at the top of your page.
Of course, if you're using a template, there are some fixed things in it that you may have to investigate or alter. Some minor CSS may be required as well to position things exactly how you want.
I hope that helps explain,
Alex