Our most reliable knowledge about health, diseases and their treatment comes from high-quality research. This programme 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.

Our modules can be accessed in a variety of ways including as standalone modules (10 or 20 credits each) or through the 60 credit PG Certificate; 120 credit PG Diploma or the 180 credit Masters

If you wish to study this programme to Postgraduate Diploma level then you will need to complete the taught elements of the programme but will not need to complete a dissertation, which is only available to those studying for the Masters.

This modular multidisciplinary programme offers a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters in Health Research Methods and is particularly suitable for:

clinical and allied health professionals (including doctors, nurses, midwives, dietitians, physiotherapists)
laboratory-based scientists wishing to further understand or transition to population-based research
graduates looking to launch their career in health research
intercalating medical students who have completed at least three years of full-time study
those in the commercial health care sector (including the pharmaceutical or devices industries), public sector organisations (including local government), NGOs, voluntary sector and charities
foundation skills for postgraduate research programmes (including PhD)

The aims of the course are to provide a world class programme that meets the needs of those wanting or needing:

a detailed understanding of the range of methodologies and analyses utilised in applied health research
the necessary skills to critically interpret the findings of health research resulting from different methodologies.

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 programme 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 Newcastle 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.
The University has a particularly strong track record in Health Research and Health Research Methodology.

Institutional Accreditation

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

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Health Research Methods – MSc/Diploma/Certificate

Course Level:

Postgraduate, Taught

Credits

180

Course

CODE P1124

How long it takes:

Full time , part time, flexible

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$22,500

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

This modular multidisciplinary programme in Heath Research Methods offers a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and a Masters in Health Research Methods (180 credits). This programme is vital for anyone wanting to develop or enhance their career in health care and health-related research.

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

the range and application of research methods in health care
critical evaluation and interpretation of published literature
epidemiology, to a level that enables formulation of appropriate questions about health at a population level, the selection of appropriate techniques through which such questions can be addressed and the analysis, synthesis and presentation of the data collected
statistical tests and their proper use in the analysis of various types of data, to a level that will enable critical analysis of statistical approaches in the epidemiological and clinical trials literature and the correct application of statistics in their own project work

You will attain the ability to:

critically evaluate published literature, analyse and interpret data and devise areas for further study
design and undertake research in a relevant field
undertake self-directed learning and applying these skills in future work
appropriately synthesise and present existing and new research findings and concepts

The programme can be studied either full-time, part-time or over up to five years by flexible learning. NonUK/EU students may only study the programme on full-time basis.

Masters

Core modules:

You will study the following core modules:

Introductory module (non-assessed programme overview week)
Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods (20credits)
Practical Epidemiology and Statistics* (20 credits)
Dissertation 60 (credits)

Optional modules:

You will choose 80 credits from the list below.

Health Care Evaluation and Commissioning* (10 credits)
Health Economics* (10 credits)
Qualitative Research Methods* (20 credits)
Principles of Health Technology Assessment* (10 credits)
Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis* (20 credits)
Clinical Trials (MPH)* (20 credits)
Economic Evaluation in Health Care* (20 credits)
Health Information and Health Informatics* (10 credits)
Advanced Statistical Methods* (10 credits)
Mixed Methods Research Designs* (20 credits)

Please note: some optional modules may have pre-requisites

Postgraduate Diploma

You will take the 120 credits from taught modules as per the Masters choices but will not complete the dissertation.

Postgraduate Certificate

You will obtain 60 credits from a choice of core and optional modules. You can transfer from the Certificate to Diploma and from Diploma to the Masters based on appropriate performance.

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc: Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

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

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area.