Course description
MSc Health Sciences (Cancer Care)
This course addresses the need for the continuing professional development of a wide range of health and social care professionals with a particular interest in cancer care.
Course Content
Cancer Care-Integrating Perspectives
This module adopts an integrated approach to understanding biomedical and psychosocial aspects of cancer care. The module commences with an exploration of cancer epidemiology, cancer cell biology and carcinogenesis. The psycho-social impact of diagnosis and treatment are examined alongside an evaluation of current diagnostic and treatment modalities. You will be encouraged to consider the impact that a diagnosis of cancer may have on individuals, families and significant others, the social support networks available and the role of the multi-disciplinary team. The context of UK service provision and the NHS Cancer Plan will inform the module.
Designing Research Projects
This module is designed for and has been widely used by students from different professional and occupational backgrounds in the health and social care arena. The overall aim of the module is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and manage quantitative and qualitative research projects relevant to your practice.
Dissertation
This module is designed to enable you to complete an independent research project.
Epidemiology
This module is designed to explore the role of epidemiology in the understanding of health and disease, policy development and service provision. The module includes an introduction to the basic principles of epidemiology and the most commonly used research methods. Emphasis is placed on the strengths and weaknesses of various study designs with regard to confounding, bias and validity. The module reviews measures of disease occurrence, and sources of routinely collected data. Key concepts in epidemiological methodology are explored, and the module aims to develop skills in the evaluation of epidemiological research.
Evidence-based Practice
The evidence-based practice module has two main aims. Firstly you will develop skills in studying at Masters level, which will enable you to make the transition to postgraduate study. Secondly it will introduce you to the key concept of evidence-based practice within a health and social care setting. Throughout the module you will develop practical skills in literature searching, critical evaluation and change management. You will be able to focus these skills to your own specialist area of practice within the assignment. The module is relevant to any professional working within a health or social care setting who wishes to study at Masters level.
Health & Social Care in Context
One of the main challenges facing leaders and managers within the health and social care arena is how to cope not just with the internal but also the external environment. The module explores not only the substance of relevant health and social care policies, but also the key factors which impact upon the policy making and therefore decision making process. In particular, this module explores the impact of economic, political, technological, social and cultural factors.
You must then select a further module from the Masters provision within the School of Health & Social Care.
Course structure
Core modules introduce key concepts in health sciences and develop them in depth. These include epidemiology, health policy and evidence-based practice. You will also study a specialist module and an option relevant to the field of cancer care. In addition you'll conduct your own research project.
Careers
You'll enhance your ability to implement evidence-based practice, and undertake and publish research in your field.
