Study Design for Health Research

A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Learning outcomes of this module are:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of different research methodologies and their philosophical foundations.

2. Compare a range of qualitative and quantitative study designs relevant to health and social care research.

3. Critically evaluate different study designs for answering specific research questions.

4. Apply knowledge to identify challenges inherent in conducting research studies in practice and potential strategies to address these challenges.

The module will be delivered using a range of online approaches including pre-recorded lectures, webinars, reading, quizzes, discussion boards, group work and student presentations.

You will explore:

• different research approaches and their philosophical underpinnings;
• the range of study designs used to address different research questions in health;
• the challenges of conducting health research in practice.

This module has weekly recorded lectures and associated reading, with activities and examples that you can work through at your own pace. There are also weekly ‘face-to-face’ webinars to consolidate your understanding. Module tutors are all experienced and practising health researchers.

Assessment will be in the form of a presentation delivered online and an online examination. Both elements will need to be passed.

Dr Emma France

Most of our students are already working in health or social care prior to commencement and remain employed throughout the duration of their studies.

Our students develop a wide range of transferable skills during their study that make them attractive to other employers, for example:

• team working;
• IT skills;
• literature searching;
• critical appraisal;
• presentation skills;
• writing and data analysis.

Career opportunities

The MRes Health Research is designed for students who wish to pursue a variety of different careers in health where research is a core component. Students wish to make a contribution to applied research in a range of contemporary health and social contexts.

Most of our students are employed as health professionals whilst they study part-time with us. When they complete their studies most students will stay in their clinical speciality but use their enhanced research skills/knowledge in their roles e.g. by conducting their own research or service evaluations.

Some students wish to use their Masters study as preparation for a PhD. Our students have been very successful in gaining recognition for their research work and for winning funding for PhD study.