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MSc/PGDip/PGCert Health Research Methods

This Health Research Methods programme from University of Birmingham develops the skills you need to understand the critical elements in planning, undertaking and analysing research in health care – vital skills for anyone wanting to develop or enhance their career in health care and health-related research.

Quick Facts

  
Full-Time Duration: TBA
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per year (MSc Full-Time)
£10,575 per year (MSc Part-Time)
£14,100 per year (PGDip)
£7,050 per year (PGCert)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Why study this course?

  • You will gain an advanced understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a global health care context. The programme provides in-depth knowledge and practical experience of the range of methodologies and analyses applied in health-related research and will enable critical interpretation of the findings of health research resulting from different methodologies
  • This Health Research Methods programme from University of Birmingham is run and taught by researchers and lecturers actively involved in leading health research nationally and internationally.
  • The programme has a modular nature which allows the flexibility for participants to shape the programme to fit their needs and teaching takes place in one-week blocks.
  • The programme is delivered in a progressive dynamic environment of up-to-date health research that employs rigour, discipline, and high standards.
  • The University of Birmingham is a thriving and dynamic institution that combines over a century of heritage with one of the most compelling and ambitious agendas in higher education. It is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions for clinical, pre-clinical and health. With world-leading activity across a range of subjects, it remains one of the UK’s most broadly-based research-led universities.

Courses included:

  • Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods
  • Practical Epidemiology and Statistics
  • Health Economics
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Principles of Health Technology Assessment
  • Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The programme provides a range of benefits for potential future employment and the flexibility of module choice enables learning tailored to meet your specific needs.

For example, the programme:

  • provides an excellent basis for a future study towards a PhD in health
  • develops further skills to augment progression in your current or next position
  • enhances your role within the commercial health care sector (e.g. pharmaceutical, devices and related industries)
  • develops your health research skills within the clinical and allied health professions, public sector including local government, NGOs, voluntary sectors and charities
  • provides a robust foundation for a transition or entry to population-based health research from a laboratory research background (this is a frequent transition which many of those teaching on the programme have followed, including both Programme Directors) or as a new graduate wishing to launch your career in health research
  • to develop skills in applying translational research methodologies

Requirements

Enthusiasm and commitment are vital, while formal entry requirements include:

  • usually a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in medicine, a life/ biological science or another relevant subject
  • an interest in health research methods
  • an interest in evidence-based healthcare

On a case by case situation, we also consider:

  • other classes of degree and or relevant professional qualifications
  • experience of working in health or a related field

Applications are also welcome from UK medical students who wish to intercalate and have completed at least three years of full-time study.

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