You study a number of modules throughout the course which aim to develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills in quantitative, qualitative and systematic review methodologies and data analysis techniques. You also gain an in-depth understanding of the context of health-related research, managing a research project, research governance, applying for ethics and writing for publication. Towards the end of the course you have the opportunity to plan, manage and undertake a research study in an area of interest to you and to write this up for publication.
Course structure
Core modules
Clinical Research in Context
This module is designed to prepare you to plan and conduct clinical research by providing you with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the principles and practices of clinical research and the contextual factors surrounding it.
The conceptual, philosophical and theoretical issues relevant to clinical research are explored. Contextual factors influencing clinical research include health and social care policy drivers, funding bodies, regulatory and research governance frameworks, principles of good practice, public and patient involvement; legal, ethical and economic issues are also considered.
Clinical Research Trials
This module enables you to understand and apply appropriate principles and practices in relation to the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental clinical research trials.
Dissertation
Here you consolidate and develop further skills and knowledge from previous modules. More specifically you synthesise learning as you apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study. You use a range of different methodologies for your study, such as quantitative, qualitative or systematic review.
Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis
This module is designed to explore and contextualise the use of qualitative research methods based on an understanding of the theoretical philosophical underpinnings of qualitative methodologies.
Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis
You gain an understanding of experimental and observational approaches to research and methods of data collection. You focus on statistical techniques available to analyse data, with emphasis on identifying the appropriate test/method and assessing the underlying assumptions associated with it. It enables you to critically interpret results and findings. If you are involved in the design of investigations and the collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data this module will be of interest to you.
Research Evidence Synthesis
This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of all the steps necessary to undertake different types of evidence synthesis for clinical research including systematic reviews, meta-analysis, best evidence synthesis or narrative reviews of qualitative or mixed methods research.
Research Project Management
This module is focused on learning about the practical, everyday aspects of the management of primary (‘live’) research projects in health-related areas. You will be introduced to the principles and practices of effective research project management. This module focuses primarily on the second and third stages in the life-cycle of the research project (the execution and dissemination stages). You will learn about: the basics of costing research projects, how to engage in good ethical practice, some of the issues involved in the effective management of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) (including those relating to safety reporting) and the good management of sensitive data. Other areas covered in the module include: participant recruitment strategies, compliance with data protection law, the different elements and activities associated with dissemination of research findings and working with others.
