ObjectivesThe MA in Research Methods (Health Studies) will equip you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to carry out in-depth research in Health Care using a variety of methodological approaches and research techniques. This course will be of particular interest to those working within the health care professions and/or preparing for doctoral studies. The emphasis throughout is upon linking theoretical and methodological understandings with practical experience of research design and implementation. This programme is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and is designed to meet their requirements for research training.
Academic titleMA Research Methods (Health Studies)
Course descriptionResearch Methods (Health Studies) (MA)
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Course Content
This is an innovative Masters programme that aims to enable you to:
be familiar with the range of methods used by researchers in health and social sciences;
understand the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of these methods;
be able to make an informed choice about which methods are appropriate for answering particular questions;
be competent to design and carry out research using a range of different methods of data collection and analysis;
have a clear grasp of the ethical and political issues which arise in research in health and social sciences;
be able to frame research in relation to the theoretical and conceptual issues which arise in the subject areas in which you are working.
Modules offered on this course include:
Qualitative Research Issues and Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Philosophy of Social Science
Research Design and Practice
Applied Qualitative Methods
Investigating Healthcare Organisation, Policy and Practice
Either:
Policy, Ethical and Psychosocial Issues in palliative and End of Life Care or
Evidence for Health and Social Care
You will also gain some credits through the Graduate School, which offers modules in generic research training.
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Finally, you will undertake a dissertation of 15,000 words on a subject of your choice. This is your opportunity to complete a major piece of independent research under the supervision of an experienced member of academic staff.
Course Structure
The MA in Research Methods (Health Studies) is taught on a full-time basis over one year or part-time over two years.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across core and optional modules and a 15,000-word dissertation.
Key facts
The MA in Research Methods (Health Studies) is accredited by ESRC as meeting the requirements for the first part of the 1+3 scheme.
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