Health care research methods
This distance learning programme gives you the necessary academic background and specialist skills to carry out healthcare and clinical research in health services, academic environments, contract research organisations, or pharmaceutical industry environments. It is designed for those who need an understanding of the healthcare research process, providing a detailed picture of the complex and highly inter-related activities of the development cycle, from discovery to successful commercialisation.
If you are a graduate, nurse, medical doctor or other health professional working in contract research organisations, the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare, this programme has been designed for you.
This programme will:
Give you an understanding of the regulatory framework governing good clinical research
Allow you to apply the principles that you have learnt to your professional commitments
Contribute to the research culture and knowledge base in healthcare
Give you the knowledge to solve problems in healthcare practice
Develop your skills in gathering, recording and communicating information.
Structure
Healthcare research methods is available for study to MSc or PGDip level, over a period of one year full-time for the PGDip, or two years for the MSc. You may also study for the MSc or PGDip part-time, over a period of up to five years, or by distance learning.
This postgraduate programme share a common spine with our Clinical drug development programme, which also covers the key areas of expertise needed for a successful clinical research programme. The Healthcare research methods programme places an emphasis on health management.
The modular nature of the programme is designed to fit in with the needs of those students who are in full-time employment. The taught element of the modules is delivered in three-day blocks every four to six weeks (approximately).
To achieve a Postgraduate Diploma, you must complete and pass eight modules. The MSc award is dependent on your successful completion of a further four modules, two of which will comprise a critical dissertation of approximately 20,000-words.
Full-time
Undertaking a masters programme is a serious commitment, with weekly contact hours being in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research needed to progress at the required level. When coursework or examination deadlines are approaching independent learning hours may need to increase significantly.
Distance Learning
This programme is delivered online by our easy-to-use online virtual learning environment.
You will be able to follow each lecture online via audio recordings and slide/whiteboard content. All written assignments are submitted through the blackboard system and poster and oral presentations assessed through SKYPE/webcam system. You are encouraged to interact with teaching staff and other students in online discussion forums, join group activities and be part of the student community.
The aim of the Distance Learning (DL) PGDip/MSc in Healthcare research methods programme is to provide you with a multi-disciplinary perspective to facilitate your skills.
Part-time
Part-time study is another option which means that the number of modules taken is reduced per semester, with the full modules required to complete the programme spread over two academic years. Teaching is generally done during the day and part-time students should contact the course convenor to get an idea of when these teaching hours are likely to take place. Timetables are likely to be finalised in September but you may be able to gain an expectation of what will be required.
Core modules
Clinical Study Design
Practical Aspects of Clinical Research and Early Drug Development
Ethics and Regulation
Data Management and Statistics
Specific Topics in Clinical Trial Design
Elective Dissertation
Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomics
Marketing Healthcare
Dissertation
Health and the Human Body
Healthcare Organisation and Decision-making.
Option modules
Drug Discovery and Pre-clinical Research and Development
Toxicology.
Course Type: Academic courses
Learning Type: In Person
Start Months: September
Course Duration: Full Time, Part Time
Full Time Hours: 12 months
Part Time Hours: part time: 24 months or 2 - 4 years
Qualifications Required: MSc
Cost: £11,450
Contact details of organiser: Queen Mary University of London
Entry Requirements:
For entry onto the programme you will need either an appropriate degree or equivalent from a recognised academic institution, or an appropriate professional qualification (for example nursing) or experience acceptable to the Programme Director and Director of Graduate Studies.
If English is your second language, you will also require a minimum IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in Writing (or acceptable equivalents).
