MA Health Communication by Web Based Distance Learning
ObjectivesThe University of Nottingham has an international reputation for research and teaching in the field of professional communication. The study of health communication is a rapidly expanding field and the distance learning programme has been designed to reflect the growing interest in and importance of health care communication. Communication is increasingly recognised as a vital part of the health care environment. From clinical consultations to heath care policy, language plays a vital role in promoting health, facilitating understanding and managing the emotional climate of health care. The MA programme in Health Communication is designed to provide an insight into this fascinating area. It will also provide you with a thorough grounding in the concepts, theories and research methods used in this field. The course is run by The University of Nottingham Health Language Research Group, which incorporates the Schools of Nursing, Sociology and Social Policy and English Studies, all of which look to communication as a way of making sense of health care.
Entry requirementsBecause of its strong emphasis on the analysis and discussion of real-life settings and practical health care contexts, the course is particularly suitable for health care professionals who wish to further their career and professional development, as well as students who wish to continue their studies to PhD level.
Academic titleMA Health Communication
Course descriptionKey facts
-The MA in Health Communication is a distance learning programme and includes the option of voluntary day schools held for participants in Nottingham.
-The course is taught using a course tool software called WebCT.
-As well as completing this course at a pace that suits you and your other commitments, you have the flexibility to study towards a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or an MA (180 credits, including dissertation) or even on a ‘pay per module’ basis
Course Content
The MA in Health Communication provides you with a unique and exciting opportunity to investigate language and communication in health care contexts.
The course content offers a detailed and comprehensive coverage of the main areas of health care communication, with the opportunity to specialise in areas according to your own interests and research.
The course examines the role of language in a comprehensive and diverse range of health care settings and focuses on established approaches used to analyse and interrogate health care interaction, ranging from narratology and corpus linguistics to conversation and discourse analysis.
With such a particular focus on research methodology, this programme also offers a unique opportunity for investigating language and communication from interdisciplinary perspectives.
The following modules currently make up the taught component of the programme:
-Research Methodologies for Health Care Communication
-The Language of Compliance
-Health Care Narratives
-Health Care Documentation
-Dissertation
The first module - Research Methodologies for Health Care Communication - is compulsory and must be completed before undertaking further modules. This core research module is designed to provide you with the necessary research and methodological skills to pursue further postgraduate research in this area.
Course Structure
The MA is completed by distance learning, part-time over 24 to 48 months. You can commence the programme at any point throughout the year.
The course is made up of two components – the taught component and the research component. You need to complete 120 credits – i.e. all four core modules - before proceeding to the dissertation.
-The dissertation is a major piece of advanced independent research, which you complete under the supervision of a specialist in your chosen area. We will provide you with advice and guidance while you select and refine your area of study, and offer close supervision and support as you complete your research and your MA.
-The dissertation module is assessed by written work of 12,000 - 15,000 words.
You will have access to many online resources, as well as your own personal tutor for each module that you take. Particular features of the programme include:
-a theoretical grounding in research methodology and linguistic description
-one-to-one tuition with expert members of staff
-an online discussion board and forum
-innovative and engaging teaching methods
-access to many online resources
-great flexibility in course content, optionality, and changes in direction.
All MA students in the School of English Studies join a lively and thriving postgraduate community. As such, you will be invited to attend a voluntary `Weekend-School` each summer, giving you a chance to meet other students in the School face-to-face.
Instead of completing the entire MA programme, students who have less time for study may wish to take fewer modules, leading to the awards of: Advanced Certificate (60 credits) and Advanced Diploma (120 credits).