ObjectivesTo enable the increasingly wide range of health professionals involved in primary health care provision to develop both personally and professionally. We aim to help you reflect on your practice and critically examine key aspects of your work that could facilitate career advancements in either service development, academic or research fields, and contribute to the evidence base for primary health care.
Entry requirementspeople with a degree in medicine, or a first degree in a subject related to healthcare
Academic titleMSc Primary Health Care
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Opportunities to collaborate with principle investigators working on a wide range of projects related to primary care.
- A central location.
- Interprofessional/mulitprofessional approach.
The programme has evolved over 20 years from the highly regarded MSc in General Practice. The NEW programme content reflects changes in healthcare policy that have placed greater emphasis on interprofessional work, leading to the development of new roles and structures for service provision. The development and delivery of primary healthcare is considered from both national and international perspectives. For overseas’ practitioners the role of primary care in public health and the interface between the two may be of particular interest.
The programme is modular with all students registered for the MSc. Students are required to undertake four core units and to select two optional units, some of which are shared with the MSc Public Health. The modules have been designed to enhance the integration of theory and practice, drawing upon students’ critical reflections of their own experiences, as well as learning from and about a multiprofessional student group. Additionally opportunities will be provided for students to visit a variety of primary health care settings, ensuring that learning is meaningful and relevant. Students will also benefit from links with current practitioners and expert researchers working in the department.
Although the focus of the programme is primarily healthcare, the development of academic and leadership skills in education, research and service provision has broader application in the delivery of high quality patient-centred care.
Students are required to undertake four core units and to select two optional units.
Programme format and assessment
Full-time students are required to attend two days a week whilst part-time students attend one day a week during term times. Teaching sessions include lectures, seminars with group work and discussion. Assessment is integral to the learning outcomes for each module and a variety of methods are employed in the MSc, including written assignments, oral and written examinations, presentations and a research project.
Programme modules for MSc Primary Health Care
Best Evidence: research methods in primary care (Core Module)
This module introduces students to methods of enquiry in primary health care, specifically audit, systematic literature reviews and research. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches are examined in detail.
Best Practice: appraising the evidence in primary care (Core Module)
This module explores the concept of evidence based practice and its relationship to quality and parity of care. Tools for critical appraisal are explored together with issues in the dissemination and implementation of evidence. The module will equip students with the skills to equip evidenced based decision making in their daily practice.
Developing and delivering primary health care (Core Module)
This module provides students with the principles, processes and key theories underpinning the development and provision of primary health care both nationally and internationally. It will equip students with the skills to assure quality provision, and enhance and develop services relevant to their local populations and health needs.
Primary Health Care - Dissertation (Core Module)
This module enables students to examine in depth an area of personal and topical interest related to primary health care, in a rigorous, systematic and methodical way. It is anticipated that this work will contribute to the evidence base for primary health care, leading to peer reviewed publications and potentially providing a platform for applying for further research or training fellowship funding.
Primary Health Care Research Project (Core Module)
This 45 credit module aims to enable the student to produce an ordered, structured, critical exposition of knowledge relating to primary health care. At the end of the module the student will be able to: design a project that takes the form of 1) original research in primary care. 2) a systematic review. 3) analysis of secondary data. 4) an evaluation of a new initiative in community based teaching or new clinical service; plan and carry out the project with supervision; present the findings of the research orally and in written form. Assessment is by dissertation and oral examination.
Facilitating Learning in primary health care
This module explores concepts of adult learning and their relationship facilitating continuing professional development and the learning of others.
Management in Organisations
This 15 credit module aims to provide an overview of key issues in the management of organisations; develop a capacity for the critical analysis and understanding of management and behaviour in organisations; relate the general analysis of management and organisational behaviour to the specific context of public health. At the end of the module the student will be able to: Identify the dimensions with which to analyse organisations and organisation structures; Describe the key nature and demands of managerial work; Describe ways in which workers attitudes, behaviour and organisation can help or hinder management; Outline and evaluate the various interventions designed to improve behaviour in organisations and organisational performance; Present a set of diagnostic criteria when considering the need for organisational change; outline different strategies of change and list criteria for selecting among them; Present ways of evaluating organisational changes and link these to different criteria of organisational effectiveness. Assessment is by written examination and coursework.
Professionalism, Law and Ethics
This module examines what professional, legal and ethical perspectives govern the provision of primary care and the practice of health professionals within these settings. The universal application and relevance of these perspectives will be explored.
Duration
One year full-time. Two years part-time (one day per week). September to September. Part-time students attend every Wednesday during the first year and every Monday during the second.