MSc Health Research Methods

at University of Exeter

The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work, a 15 credit module being equivalent to 150 hours of work and a full Masters degree being equivalent to approximately 1,800 hours of work. Therefore, for applicants who are working full time (or close to full-time), we recommend applying to complete the Masters degree over 2 or 3 years rather than 1 year.
 

To gain a Masters qualification, you will need to complete 180 credits at level 7.
 

It is also possible to exit with a PGCert after completing 60 credits of taught modules or a PGDip after completing 120 credits of taught modules. The list of modules below shows which are compulsory.

Year 1:
 

Compulsory modules

If you are a part-time MSc student, you will take the compulsory modules in your first year and your research module in your final year.
 

You can choose between EITHER the 90-credit OR the 60 credit Independent Research module
 

• Fundamentals of Research Design
• Systematic Reviews for Policy and Practice
• Statistics as Applied To Health
• Independent Research Or
• Extended Independent Research

Normally a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Relevant clinical or professional experience may be taken into consideration as evidence of equivalency.  A personal statement, detailing your reasons for seeking to undertake this subject, will be required. 

English Language Requirements
 

• IELTS: Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
• TOEFL: Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.
 

International students are normally subject to visa regulations which prevent part-time study. It is recommended that international students apply for the level of the final award you intend to complete i.e. PGCert, PGDip or Masters, due to the associated cost and requirements for a Tier 4 student Visa.

UK fees per year:
 

• MSc : £9,500 full-time, £4,750pa part-time 2 years, £3,200pa part-time 3 years

• PgDip:  £3,200pa part-time 2 years

• PgCert:  £3,200
   

Standalone module fees: UK: £900 per 15-credit module
 

International fees per year:
 

• MSc: £23,000 full-time,  £11,500pa part-time 2 years, £7,700 pa part-time 3 years

• PgDip:  £7,700pa part-time 2 years

• PgCert: £7,700
   

Standalone module fees: International: £2,100 per 15-credit module

This programme is designed for a wide range of participants. It will enable health professionals from a variety of disciplines to gain expertise and become a more effective and confident practitioner. It is suitable for health researchers, academic clinical fellows, nurses, midwives, allied healthcare professionals and public health professionals. It is also suitable for new graduates (e.g. Medical Science, Psychology, Sociology, Geography) who wish to gain a comprehensive grounding in health services research methods as a platform for developing a career as a health researcher.