ObjectivesThis Masters level course is designed to promote high quality research and is specifically targeted to meet the needs and concerns of all health and social care professionals. We offer a flexible platform from which to explore the world of research from different professional and social contexts. -Learn about qualitative and quantitative approaches -Analyse the relationship between epistemological and methodological issues -Acquire a high level of critical skills -Examine and appraise a range of research styles -Develop strategies to utilise research evidence -Become an expert in a range of research methods -Carry out your own project on evidence based principles related to your professional practice
Entry requirementsThis is a truly multi-professional course attracting students from all areas of health and social care including therapists and social workers as well as midwives, nurses and medical practitioners. We've even had an engineer on the course. Not only do we provide you with an in-depth knowledge of how research and all types of evidence influence policy and practice, it also provides a great opportunity to network with people from a wide variety of professions.
Academic titleMRes Health and Social Care
Course descriptionThe course has been developed in partnership with health and social care agencies, to provide practitioners, managers and strategic planners with an academic programme that reflects contemporary practice concerns.
-You have the opportunity to complete a graduate certificate, diploma or the full Masters
-We also offer staff and existing MPhil or PhD students structured learning opportunities which will enable them to develop their thinking and skills for research practice as they complete other awards or engage in CPD activities
-The Masters in Research will develop your knowledge and understanding of the research process whilst allowing you to explore your value base for practice and developing skills in practice
Course Content
The full Masters course is made up of 4 compulsory modules and a dissertation:
-Research Appreciation provides you with a sound grasp of the philosophy underpinning research. You'll gain an understanding of the whole research process in its political and organisational context, from identifying the research problem to responding to commissioners through design and analysis issues to dissemination
-Evidence Based Practice looks at the core principles of research, the nature of evidence based care and the factors that influence it
-Introduction to Quantitative Methods
-Qualitative Methods
-Dissertation is usually a 15,000 word review of evidence, research proposal or project related to your area of professional practice
-A robust research environment
The Faculty is home to a vibrant research community which offers:
-A creative and dynamic environment for the conduct of ground-breaking research that has a direct impact upon health and social care policy and practice
-Inter-disciplinary research that unites academics, researchers, postgraduate students and research users in a shared community of enquiry
-Partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of organisations and researchers in the UK and internationally
This means that we are able to offer a wealth of experience across a diverse range of disciplines that will enhance your learning experience.
What Salford has to offer
Our courses are delivered by teams of dynamic and supportive staff who are committed to helping you move professional practice forward. We have a strong tradition of working closely with health and social care organisations and this ensures our programmes will meet your needs.
-Questioning and critical commentary are welcomed
-Material is presented in different styles, for example, seminars and workshops, and these are led by academic staff and students
-Assessments have been developed that enable you to demonstrate independent thinking and research within the context of your professional practice
-Experienced researchers will present material based on evidence gained from their own, current research
-For those working within the NHS, all our modules are mapped against the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
Research and Nurses
A new report by the UK Clinical Research Collaboration, Developing the Best Research Professionals, acknowledges the importance of career pathways for UK nurses involved in research. Importantly, the report is endorsed by the UK Chief Nursing Officers and links perfectly with Modernising Nursing Careers.
The overarching principle is to develop a highly skilled workforce of trained clinical researchers and educators within the context of the NHS. There are a total of 11 recommendations, linked to education and training, facilitating careers and better information on nursing researchers. The report suggests that academic training should be funded and outlines recommended numbers for funding in the UK.
It is interesting to see that the report particularly supports the Masters of Research (MRes) and views such a programme as fundamental to education and training of the NHS workforce. The University of Salford is well placed to meet the demands outlined in this report.