Programme structure & progression

The programme comprises 180 credits and runs in line with University semester dates with modules taught in Semesters 1 and 2.

There are four compulsory taught modules for the MSc Health Research which are equivalent to 80 credits in total. In addition you have to complete a 60 credit dissertation.

Compulsory modules

• HEA00158M, HEA00154M - Regression Analysis*

  • • 20 credits, semester 1

• HEA00162M - Epidemiology

  • • 20 credits, semester 1

• HEA00159M - Randomised Controlled Trials

  • • 20 credits, semester 1

• HEA00148M - Evidence Synthesis

  • • 20 credits, semester 2

• HEA00167M - Dissertation (Health Research)

  • • 60 credits, summer

*Please note this module can be taken either face to face (HEA00158M) or via distance learning (HEA00154M)

The remaining 40 credits are taken from the module options below. The details of these modules are correct at the date of publication and in the unlikely event that details change (e.g. timing or availability) this will be communicated to you via your University email account.

Your choice may be limited by the timing of the modules and you should make sure that you check the timetable summary (shown below) carefully. You should also ensure that you discuss your module options with your supervisor  and submit these by the end of week 8 of Semester 1 so that you are enrolled on the requested modules.

Optional modules

• HEA00149M - Health Policy: Systems and Society

  • • 20 credits, semester 2

• HEA00163M - Measurement in Health and Disease*

  • • 20 credits, semester 2

• HEA00156M - Health Economics

  • • 20 credits, semester 2

• HEA00155M - Qualitative Health Research

  • • 20 credits, semester 2

• HEA00147M, HEA000152M - Advanced Regression Analysis^

  • • 20 credits, semester 2

*Please note this module is taught via distance learning with optional tutorials and drop-in sessions

^Please note this module can be taken either face to face (HEA00147M) or via distance learning (HEA00152M)

Part-time students

Part-time students can take a minimum of 60 credits per year across semesters 1 and 2. This can include any combination of core and optional modules, as long as:

•  you take a minimum of two core modules and one optional module per year

• you have completed all core modules by the end of the programme 

You will do the compulsory dissertation (60 credits) in your second year. 

You should take no more than 100 credits in each year and no more than 40 credits in each semester and summer period.

Modules

Each stage is made up of modules. You study and are assessed on three modules each semester and each taught module you take is worth 20 credits. You will achieve the credit for a module by passing the module assessments. Modules are assessed by a range of methods which will normally result in a numerical module mark out of 100.

If you fail a module there are two possible ways in which you might still be able to progress. These are compensation and reassessment, and are explained in more detail in the Assessment, progression and award section of the handbook.

Each module has its own Module Descriptor which includes module learning outcomes and module specific information. The Module Catalogue provides you with information about the modules running in a year of study.

Each module has its own Assessment Guideline that provides information regarding the nature of the module’s assessment. Assessment Guidelines can be found on the Student Intranet.