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Objectives
The overall aims of the MRes in Health Studies are: 1. To provide advanced training in the skills required for health related social research, quantitative and qualitative, including research design, data collection and analysis 2. To provide a solid understanding of the epistemological debates concerning different approaches to research in health fields 3. To provide firm knowledge of core substantive areas of social science and health, e.g. public health, epidemiology, medical sociology.
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Entry requirements
Entry Qualifications Good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in a social science or health related degree.
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Academic title
MRes Health Studies
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Course description
Course Description
The MRes is designed to provide advanced research training in relation to health issues. It is suitable for those anticipating research careers in public or private sectors and those wishing to continue to PhD studies. The programme is available both as a one-year full-time programme and as a part-time, modular programme. The modular format allows a variable pattern of enrolment over a two- to five-year period.
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Advanced understanding of key explanatory frameworks in health studies
A10 : Plan and carry out, with supervision, health related research to a high professional and ethical standard
A2 : Advanced understanding of the principles of research design
A3 : Knowledge of the relationships between relevant academic theories and empirical health-related research
A4 : Ability to translate principles of research design into both qualitative and quantitative studies
A5 : Advanced understanding of integrated or mixed methodologies
A6 : Understanding of the role of computer assisted analysis in research
A7 : Advanced understanding of the role of well formulated and relevant research questions
A8 : Understanding of relevant ethical and legal issues around health related research
A9 : Advanced understanding of the underlying epistemological and ontological positions common in health-related research
Teaching Methods
Lectures, seminars and workshops
Assessment Methods
100% coursework - written assignments and presentations
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Advanced knowledge of how to systematically gather and critically appraise the relevant evidence base
B2 : Ability to review and analyse competing theories and evidence
B3 : Ability to engage in advanced debates of theoretical, practical and research issues
B4 : Ability to develop and construct appropriate research questions to investigate health related issues
B5 : Advanced knowledge of qualitative data collection methods and techniques and existing repositories of qualitative data
B6 : Advanced knowledge of quantitative data collection methods and techniques and existing repositories of quantitative data
B7 : Interpret empirical evidence from different forms of research
Teaching Methods
Lectures, seminars and workshops
Assessment Methods
100% coursework - written assignments and presentations
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Perform advanced and systematic search for information relevant to specific topics
C2 : Perform evaluation and appraisal of existing research and the evidence base
C3 : Process and analyse qualitative data using a software package (e.g. MaxQDA)
C4 : Process and analyse data using a statistical software package (e.g. SPSS)
C5 : Ability to analyse data from different sources using appropriate techniques
C6 : Ability to conduct work in a self-directed manner and the ability to appropriately use time management techniques
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Able to communicate effectively verbally in a group; able to summarise and communicate complex findings to others; able to communicate with professional and lay audiences appropriately
D2 : Ability to write well-structured and well-argued essays
D3 : Able to use Internet resources, word processing packages; spreadsheets and statistics packages; presentation packages; data analysis software.
D4 : Ability to read and interpret tables of data and statistics from a variety of official sources
D5 : Able to appropriately apply a variety of statistical techniques
D6 : Able to use advanced knowledge and cognitive skills to address theoretical, practical and research problems
D7 : Able to choose the appropriate method of enquiry in order to address a research problem and plan the work using realistic and feasible methods and timetable.
D8 : Ability to reflect upon ones own knowledge and practice
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
