Our most reliable knowledge about health, diseases and their treatment comes from high-quality research. This programme develops the skills you need to understand the critical elements in planning, undertaking and analysing research in healthcare.
Develop the vital skills to develop or enhance your career in healthcare and health-related research.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time and flexible basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term. This is based on a full time Masters course.
In term one, Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods provides an introduction to the basic concepts in statistics and the main epidemiological methods used to identify and quantify disease and associated risks. Alongside this module, Practical Epidemiology and Statistics will teach you how to analyse and evaluate healthcare-related studies and understand the methods used in epidemiological research.
At Birmingham you'll gain an advanced understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a global health care context. Our programme provides in-depth knowledge and practical experience of the range of methodologies and analyses applied in health-related research and will enable critical interpretation of the findings of health research resulting from different methodologies
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
Birmingham has an outstanding reputation for excellence in Health Research and Health Research Methodology
You’ll dive into the exciting world of healthcare research, mastering a variety of research methods and honing your skills to critically evaluate and interpret cutting-edge literature. You’ll gain a deep understanding of epidemiology, empowering you to pose impactful questions at the population level, select the right techniques to explore these questions, and skillfully analyse, synthesize, and present your findings. Additionally, you’ll become proficient in applying statistical tests, enabling you to critically evaluate statistical methods in both epidemiological and clinical trial research, and confidently use these techniques in your own innovative projects.
Our Health Research Methods programme features a wide range of learning styles:
This modular multidisciplinary programme in Heath Research Methods offers a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and a Masters in Health Research Methods (180 credits). For the masters course, you'll complete the core modules (40 credits), a dissertation (60 credits) and a variety of optional modules (80 credits) to provide the total of 180 credits.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Epidemiology and Statistics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must pass one of the core module options (see below) to be awarded the Masters.* If research proposal option chosen, then an addition 20 credits must be taken from the following optional modules that provide knowledge and skills training in specific areas of research methodology appropriate to applied health research. These are: Qualitative Research Methods, Clinical Trials, and Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (Master of Public Health/Health Research Methods) | 60 | Full Term |
| Research Proposal Dissertation Module | 40 | Full Term |
Choose 80 (or 100 for Research proposal Dissertation) credits from the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Health Information and Health Informatics | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Advanced Statistical Methods | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical Trials | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Economic Evaluation in Health Care | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health Economics | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Health Economics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Mixed Methods Research Design | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Principles of Health Technology Assessment | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis | 20 | Semester 1 |
In addition students may also take 20 credits of modules offered by the institute of Applied Health Research, subject to availability, timetable constraints and approval of the module and programme leader.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in medicine, life or biological sciences, or other relevant subject
Other classifications of degree and/or relevant professional qualifications and experience in a health related field will be considered. Applications are welcome from UK medical students who wish to intercalate.
Full-time
Part-time
Applicants will need to pay a £500 non-refundable deposit at the point of accepting an offer to study on the programme. The deposit is put towards payment of fees when students join the course.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
This programme can be taken as an intercalated option for those studying MBChB Medicine and Surgery at another Institution. To apply for the Intercalated MSc Health Research Methods please fill in this registration form (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/medical-school/intercalation-register-your-interest) and we will be in touch with details about how to apply. For more information, please contact us on mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
This course can open a variety of avenues for your career development including a basis for study into PHD and enhances your role in the commercial health sector. It even develops your health research skills within the clinical and allied health professions, public sector including local government, NGOs, voluntary sectors and charities.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
