Quantitative Methods in Healthcare 20 credits

Quantitative research is producing factual and reliable outcome data within healthcare. At the centre of evidence based practice lies predominantly the systematic review of quantitative studies.

The aim of this course is to introduce you to quantitative research design, coding, data collection and analysis, so you can confidently appraise quantitative research and use quantitative skills in your own research projects. The course introduces you to primary quantitative research methods that are commonly used within applied health research (cohort studies, case control and randomised controlled trials).

By the end of this course you will:

• Apply and critically evaluate structured frameworks (e.g., PICO, PEO, SPIDER) to formulate clear, focused, and researchable questions that align with complex clinical, professional, or theoretical issues.

• Design and justify a methodologically sound research strategy, selecting an appropriate quantitative in alignment with the research aim.

• Interrogate ethical principles and governance frameworks to evaluate the ethical implications of proposed research, demonstrating advanced ethical reasoning and reflexivity.

• Critically evaluate and select appropriate data collection methods, demonstrating the ability to manage practical, theoretical, and contextual challenges in research implementation.

• Critically analyse and interpret descriptive and inferential statistical data, including the application of hypothesis testing, applying advanced reasoning to draw valid conclusions and inform evidence-based practice or policy.

The course also provides an opportunity to develop competency in using computer software (SPSS/Excel) to manage and analyse data.

Attendance Required

• 29th October 2025
• 5th, 12th, and 19th November 2025
• 3rd December 2025

Methods of Teaching

Lectures, practical classes/workshops, independent study.

Assessment

• Analysis of data set (weighting 40%).
• A 20-minute plus 10-minute Q&A recorded PowerPoint presentation of research study protocol incorporating question formulation, research design, ethical considerations and data collection (weighting 60%).

You must pass both elements of the assignment at 50% or more in order to pass the programme.

Credits

20 credits

Module Coordinator

Dr Manuela Jarrett - Assistant Professor in Mental Health Nursing

For further information on entry requirements, please contact the Programme Administrator at acp@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Please note this microcredential is available for home applicants only.

Fees for 2025 entry

Microcredential (Home): £1,211

Non-credit: £1,011.20

Please note the Microcredential is not open to International students.

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.