Social Sciences Research for Healthcare MSc
- Duration
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 1 year
- 2 years
- Start date
- September
- September
- September
- September
- Location
- Blended Learning
- Blended Learning
- Blended Learning
- Blended Learning
Suitable for UK and internationalUKUK and internationalUK applications.
Overview
This innovative MSc in Social Sciences Research for Healthcare is mapped against the following quality criteria:
- The Economic and Social Research Council Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines
- The White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership requirements
- Health and Care Professions Council objectives
- Vitae Researcher Development Framework
The programme is suitable for graduates from a broad range of disciplines and is also ideal for healthcare professionals interested in developing a portfolio of social sciences research skills.
Additionally, it provides a thorough research training programme in preparation for a PhD application.
It includes 60 credits to select Master's modules from across the University portfolio including psychology and sociology, health care, health technology and public health to meet individual development needs.
The programme provides a unique opportunity to build an understanding of the principles of research design and strategies in a multidisciplinary environment, created by staff and students from various healthcare professions.
You will discover a variety of advanced research skills and analytical techniques relevant to your field of study, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. You will also learn about research management and dissemination and impact consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics.
Some students choose to exit after two modules with a postgraduate certificate. If you are interested, please email Dr Mel Cooper.
This innovative MSc in Social Sciences Research for Healthcare is mapped against the following quality criteria:
- The Economic and Social Research Council Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines
- The White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership requirements
- Health and Care Professions Council objectives
- Vitae Researcher Development Framework
The programme is suitable for graduates from a broad range of disciplines and is also ideal for healthcare professionals interested in developing a portfolio of social sciences research skills.
Additionally, it provides a thorough research training programme in preparation for a PhD application.
It includes 60 credits to select Master's modules from across the University portfolio including psychology and sociology, health care, health technology and public health to meet individual development needs.
The programme provides a unique opportunity to build an understanding of the principles of research design and strategies in a multidisciplinary environment, created by staff and students from various healthcare professions.
You will discover a variety of advanced research skills and analytical techniques relevant to your field of study, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. You will also learn about research management and dissemination and impact consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics.
Some students choose to exit after two modules with a postgraduate certificate. If you are interested, please email Dr Mel Cooper.
This innovative MSc in Social Sciences Research for Healthcare is mapped against the following quality criteria:
- The Economic and Social Research Council Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines
- The White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership requirements
- Health and Care Professions Council objectives
- Vitae Researcher Development Framework
The programme is suitable for graduates from a broad range of disciplines and is also ideal for healthcare professionals interested in developing a portfolio of social sciences research skills.
Additionally, it provides a thorough research training programme in preparation for a PhD application.
It includes 60 credits to select Master's modules from across the University portfolio including psychology and sociology, health care, health technology and public health to meet individual development needs.
The programme provides a unique opportunity to build an understanding of the principles of research design and strategies in a multidisciplinary environment, created by staff and students from various healthcare professions.
You will discover a variety of advanced research skills and analytical techniques relevant to your field of study, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. You will also learn about research management and dissemination and impact consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics.
Some students choose to exit after two modules with a postgraduate certificate. If you are interested, please email Dr Mel Cooper.
This innovative MSc in Social Sciences Research for Healthcare is mapped against the following quality criteria:
- The Economic and Social Research Council Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines
- The White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership requirements
- Health and Care Professions Council objectives
- Vitae Researcher Development Framework
The programme is suitable for graduates from a broad range of disciplines and is also ideal for healthcare professionals interested in developing a portfolio of social sciences research skills.
Additionally, it provides a thorough research training programme in preparation for a PhD application.
It includes 60 credits to select Master's modules from across the University portfolio including psychology and sociology, health care, health technology and public health to meet individual development needs.
The programme provides a unique opportunity to build an understanding of the principles of research design and strategies in a multidisciplinary environment, created by staff and students from various healthcare professions.
You will discover a variety of advanced research skills and analytical techniques relevant to your field of study, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. You will also learn about research management and dissemination and impact consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics.
Some students choose to exit after two modules with a postgraduate certificate. If you are interested, please email Dr Mel Cooper.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- GCSE or equivalent English and Maths at minimum of C (or 4)
- Undergraduate degree, at least 2.1 or international equivalent in relevant subject
We may consider lower qualifications if you have appropriate professional experience, in which case we will review a written work sample with your application and hold an interview.
- GCSE or equivalent English and Maths at minimum of C (or 4)
- Undergraduate degree, at least 2.1 or international equivalent in relevant subject
We may consider lower qualifications if you have appropriate professional experience, in which case we will review a written work sample with your application and hold an interview.
- GCSE or equivalent English and Maths at minimum of C (or 4)
- Undergraduate degree, at least 2.1 or international equivalent in relevant subject
We may consider lower qualifications if you have appropriate professional experience, in which case we will review a written work sample with your application and hold an interview.
- GCSE or equivalent English and Maths at minimum of C (or 4)
- Undergraduate degree, at least 2.1 or international equivalent in relevant subject
We may consider lower qualifications if you have appropriate professional experience, in which case we will review a written work sample with your application and hold an interview.
- English language requirements
Non-UK applicants need to achieve IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
- English language requirements
Non-UK applicants need to achieve IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
- English language requirements
Non-UK applicants need to achieve IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
- English language requirements
Non-UK applicants need to achieve IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
Your learning journey
All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.
First year
Core
M1 Research Design, Philosophy & Working Beyond Disciplines
This module aims to develop your detailed critical knowledge of designing research in health and social sciences, gaining a range of experience of methods in preparation for doctoral level study.
You will develop an understanding that research designs are underpinned by philosophical frameworks that inform research methods and methodologies, and practise critical analysis of the assumptions inherent in social and health research methodologies.
You will also develop your understanding of interdisciplinary working and its challenges and opportunities as the future of research.
We will introduce you to relevant frameworks for professional researchers in order to begin the transition to independent research.
M2 Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative methods for use in social and healthcare research, including ways of collecting and analysing data.
On completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques used to manage and analyse data generated in research and apply these using appropriate software.
You will also be able to critically evaluate methods and methodologies for use in designing your own research project, and critically reflect on your experience of using computer-assisted data analysis software following practical work.
M3 Professional Skills for Researchers
This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key contemporary and professional issues within research-as-a-career.
This includes development of key concepts in professional research skills relating to the national Researcher Development Framework, professional and personal development planning, and career management. This includes an introduction to research integrity, ethical research, project planning and dissemination of research.
M4 Independent Research Project
This module aims to enable you to independently design a project that investigates a topic from your subject area, based on knowledge/experience gained in the taught modules.
You will critically evaluate and synthesise relevant ideas, approaches, theories/models of social/healthcare research, utilising literature relating to your topic, to develop appropriate research questions and evidence-based answers. You will need to apply appropriate aspects of research integrity, relevant to your project.
This module will provide you with an opportunity to practice writing-up scholarly research
Optional
Understanding the me in dementia
This module aims to provide students with
1. An understanding of dementia from the experiences of people who live with dementia.
2. The ability to challenge the stigma and common stereotypes of dementia to realise that once you've met one person with dementia, you've met one person with dementia.
3. The ability to value people with dementia as individuals and understand their unique skills, abilities, needs, wishes, personal preferences and aspirations.
4. The skills and knowledge to identify and critically appraise a range of strategies for enhancing language and communication with and about people living with dementia to support inclusion.
Evidence-based Dementia Practice
This module will enable you to -
1. Independently source, critically review and evaluate evidence (research, clinical, direct experience) in relation to dementia practice.
2. Synthesise a range of evidence to develop an informed critical understanding of a selected area of dementia practice.
3. Forefront the value of evidence from those with lived experience of dementia, multidisciplinary working, and inclusion and diversity in interpreting the value of evidence.
4. Communicate findings and recommendations for practice change and future research based on a review of evidence.
Postdiagnostic support and living well with dementia
To provide students with
1. A critical appreciation of a holistic assessment of need for people living with dementia and their supporters.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the range of post diagnostic support available to enable people to live well with dementia including social, cognitive, emotional/psychological and technological approaches.
3. An understanding of factors that precipitate, limit and enhance access to and use of post diagnostic support.
4. The ability to engage in complex evaluation of post diagnostic support for people living with dementia.
Evaluating Dementia Practice
The broad aims of this module are to provide you with:
1. Advanced critical skills to evaluate examples of dementia care practice.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in the evaluation of an area of practice.
3. A critical appreciation of the role of a leader in evaluating service provision.
4. The ability to forefront the involvement of a range of stakeholders in evaluating practice.
5. A comprehensive understanding and critical appreciation of a range of evaluation methods and their application in practice-based evaluation.
Health and Social Care Leadership
On completing the module you will understand a range of theories in relation to leadership and leadership styles, be able to understand the leadership context and select and apply appropriate leadership approaches.
Managing People in Health and Social Care
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy
On completing the module, you will be able to; critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Health and Social Care Leadership (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.
Managing People in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Trauma Informed Maternity Care
To develop the practice of midwives providing trauma informed midwifery care through understanding the physiology of and causes of trauma, methods to support and preserve physical and psychosocial wellbeing, recognising vicarious trauma experienced by health professionals and strategies to optimise the approaches that can inform service delivery.
Learners will evaluate and critically appraise evidence-based models of understanding, research and policy which influence care, exploring innovative solutions to barriers to deliver best practice.
Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion
This module aims to introduce students to key concepts, principles and theories in the field of public health and health promotion. The module is aimed at students new to the field and those who are more experienced. It will introduce students to key definitions and theoretical concepts, as well as an introduction to practice and evaluation within public health domain. Students will also develop their knowledge of careers within public health and their knowledge of the wider public health workforce.
Social Policy, Public Health and Leadership
1. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the key concepts of social policy using policy analysis frameworks.
2. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the impact of social policy initiatives for public health policy and implications for development of effective leadership and management strategies necessary for future practice
3. To develop an in - depth critical understanding of the impact of contemporary policies on the health and well being of specific populations and groups.
4. To develop critical insight into the policy drivers employed necessary to strengthen public health systems in different contexts.
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Communicable Diseases
To enable the student to develop the theoretical knowledge base and practical skills required to interpret research evidence from quantitative study designs, with a focus on epidemiological research and communicable disease control.
To undertake statistical analyses for relatively simple study designs.
Working with Communities to Improve Health
1. To develop an in-depth critical awareness of the principles of community development and social justice.
2. To synthesise theoretical frameworks that foster sustainability of communities, maintenance of independence and empowerment, to enable effective partnerships in delivering public health interventions.
Management of Global Pharmaceutical Supply
1. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to develop in-depth awareness and understanding of the processes and strategies for the sourcing of medicines and its relevance to the availability of affordable quality medicine and healthcare provision.
2. Students will have a critical awareness of the pharmaceutical supply chain composition, stakeholders, and associated challenges to the safe delivery of medicines to patients.
3. Students will be able to draw on their professional experience and knowledge of public health theory/practice to position the role of the pharmacist and the pharmaceutical supply chain in public health policy and promotion.
Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists
This module aims to support pharmacists to develop and apply the skills to undertake independent prescribing in practice. Team-based learning facilitates this by ensuring students have a strong peer support network throughout the programme.
Areas of focus include: the professional skills, clinical reasoning and knowledge required to prescribe; providing person-centred care; professionalism; governance and collaborating effectively with others including the multidisciplinary team, services users and their carers.
This module is General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited to prepare pharmacists for registration as an independent prescriber. Students must have a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP), an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice and undertake a period of learning in practice of at least 90 hours. Following completion of the module, separate registration with the GPhC is required for annotation on the register and the legal eligibility to prescribe.
Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals (Level 7)
1. Prepare nurses, midwives and relevant allied health professionals to prescribe as independent and supplementary prescribers; prepare diagnostic radiographers to prescribe as supplementary prescribers.
2. Allow experienced healthcare practitioners to enhance their knowledge and gain critical awareness of contemporary issues in order to become safe, competent and effective prescribers, within current legal and professional guidelines.
3. Enable practitioners to continue to advance prescribing practice.
Social Psychology and Lifespan Development (DL)
In this module you will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a socio-cultural context. You will also acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding developmental issues and individual differences in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life.
You will engage with a range of topics of relevant to contemporary social psychology and developmental psychology. Amongst these, you will explore critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a social setting. The nature of groups will be considered from a micro level (e.g., friendships and work networks) to a macro level (e.g., communities and cultures). Substantive content will range from traditional social psychological theories and methods to more critical reflection on the replication crisis in social psychological research. Topics will include the areas of group processes and intergroup relations, social cognition, attitudes, and attribution.
You will consider the relationship between developmental psychology and cognate disciplines such as biology and sociology and individual differences across the lifespan. Content will include theories of development and critical evaluation of the historical approaches to research from birth to death, Topics will include areas such as attachment in infancy, typical and atypical development, cognitive and language development during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, ageing and end of life.
In addition, the combined approaches of social psychology, lifespan, and individual differences will cover topics such as the development of the self, identity, personality, and intelligence. Diversity across all these areas will be explored. Ethical issues in social psychological and developmental psychology research will be a key theme throughout the programme. You will consider multiple perspectives of relevant ethical and socio-cultural issues within real-life situations throughout the life span.
Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing (DL)
The objectives of this module are to foster a critical appraisal of clinical psychology as a discipline interested in promoting people's mental health wellbeing and relieving mental distress. You will also consider historical, ethical, and socio-cultural issues in mental health and examine diverse perspectives and contemporary viewpoints. In addition, you will consider the practical implications of working in this field and the ethical obligations and codes of conduct that clinical psychologists and mental health practitioners work within. This module will enhance your understanding of the basic psychological topics covered in the other modules in the MSc Psychology.
You will acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding mental health difficulties and disorders. You will develop knowledge of a variety of clinical approaches (e.g., behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, positive, and humanistic), used to provide a conceptualisation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis) and neurodevelopmental disorders. Diagnostic criteria will be described, and clinical research, theory and practice will be reviewed to improve the understanding of the factors impacting on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Independent Study
To enable the student to identify a topic of personal interest and professional relevance in which to develop higher level skills which will be specifically related to their professional practice/area of employment.
All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.
First year
Core
M1 Research Design, Philosophy & Working Beyond Disciplines
This module aims to develop your detailed critical knowledge of designing research in health and social sciences, gaining a range of experience of methods in preparation for doctoral level study.
You will develop an understanding that research designs are underpinned by philosophical frameworks that inform research methods and methodologies, and practise critical analysis of the assumptions inherent in social and health research methodologies.
You will also develop your understanding of interdisciplinary working and its challenges and opportunities as the future of research.
We will introduce you to relevant frameworks for professional researchers in order to begin the transition to independent research.
M2 Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative methods for use in social and healthcare research, including ways of collecting and analysing data.
On completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques used to manage and analyse data generated in research and apply these using appropriate software.
You will also be able to critically evaluate methods and methodologies for use in designing your own research project, and critically reflect on your experience of using computer-assisted data analysis software following practical work.
M3 Professional Skills for Researchers
This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key contemporary and professional issues within research-as-a-career.
This includes development of key concepts in professional research skills relating to the national Researcher Development Framework, professional and personal development planning, and career management. This includes an introduction to research integrity, ethical research, project planning and dissemination of research.
M4 Independent Research Project
This module aims to enable you to independently design a project that investigates a topic from your subject area, based on knowledge/experience gained in the taught modules.
You will critically evaluate and synthesise relevant ideas, approaches, theories/models of social/healthcare research, utilising literature relating to your topic, to develop appropriate research questions and evidence-based answers. You will need to apply appropriate aspects of research integrity, relevant to your project.
This module will provide you with an opportunity to practice writing-up scholarly research
Optional
Understanding the me in dementia
This module aims to provide students with
1. An understanding of dementia from the experiences of people who live with dementia.
2. The ability to challenge the stigma and common stereotypes of dementia to realise that once you've met one person with dementia, you've met one person with dementia.
3. The ability to value people with dementia as individuals and understand their unique skills, abilities, needs, wishes, personal preferences and aspirations.
4. The skills and knowledge to identify and critically appraise a range of strategies for enhancing language and communication with and about people living with dementia to support inclusion.
Evidence-based Dementia Practice
This module will enable you to -
1. Independently source, critically review and evaluate evidence (research, clinical, direct experience) in relation to dementia practice.
2. Synthesise a range of evidence to develop an informed critical understanding of a selected area of dementia practice.
3. Forefront the value of evidence from those with lived experience of dementia, multidisciplinary working, and inclusion and diversity in interpreting the value of evidence.
4. Communicate findings and recommendations for practice change and future research based on a review of evidence.
Postdiagnostic support and living well with dementia
To provide students with
1. A critical appreciation of a holistic assessment of need for people living with dementia and their supporters.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the range of post diagnostic support available to enable people to live well with dementia including social, cognitive, emotional/psychological and technological approaches.
3. An understanding of factors that precipitate, limit and enhance access to and use of post diagnostic support.
4. The ability to engage in complex evaluation of post diagnostic support for people living with dementia.
Evaluating Dementia Practice
The broad aims of this module are to provide you with:
1. Advanced critical skills to evaluate examples of dementia care practice.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in the evaluation of an area of practice.
3. A critical appreciation of the role of a leader in evaluating service provision.
4. The ability to forefront the involvement of a range of stakeholders in evaluating practice.
5. A comprehensive understanding and critical appreciation of a range of evaluation methods and their application in practice-based evaluation.
Health and Social Care Leadership
On completing the module you will understand a range of theories in relation to leadership and leadership styles, be able to understand the leadership context and select and apply appropriate leadership approaches.
Managing People in Health and Social Care
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy
On completing the module, you will be able to; critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Health and Social Care Leadership (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.
Managing People in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Trauma Informed Maternity Care
To develop the practice of midwives providing trauma informed midwifery care through understanding the physiology of and causes of trauma, methods to support and preserve physical and psychosocial wellbeing, recognising vicarious trauma experienced by health professionals and strategies to optimise the approaches that can inform service delivery.
Learners will evaluate and critically appraise evidence-based models of understanding, research and policy which influence care, exploring innovative solutions to barriers to deliver best practice.
Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion
This module aims to introduce students to key concepts, principles and theories in the field of public health and health promotion. The module is aimed at students new to the field and those who are more experienced. It will introduce students to key definitions and theoretical concepts, as well as an introduction to practice and evaluation within public health domain. Students will also develop their knowledge of careers within public health and their knowledge of the wider public health workforce.
Social Policy, Public Health and Leadership
1. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the key concepts of social policy using policy analysis frameworks.
2. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the impact of social policy initiatives for public health policy and implications for development of effective leadership and management strategies necessary for future practice
3. To develop an in - depth critical understanding of the impact of contemporary policies on the health and well being of specific populations and groups.
4. To develop critical insight into the policy drivers employed necessary to strengthen public health systems in different contexts.
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Communicable Diseases
To enable the student to develop the theoretical knowledge base and practical skills required to interpret research evidence from quantitative study designs, with a focus on epidemiological research and communicable disease control.
To undertake statistical analyses for relatively simple study designs.
Working with Communities to Improve Health
1. To develop an in-depth critical awareness of the principles of community development and social justice.
2. To synthesise theoretical frameworks that foster sustainability of communities, maintenance of independence and empowerment, to enable effective partnerships in delivering public health interventions.
Management of Global Pharmaceutical Supply
1. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to develop in-depth awareness and understanding of the processes and strategies for the sourcing of medicines and its relevance to the availability of affordable quality medicine and healthcare provision.
2. Students will have a critical awareness of the pharmaceutical supply chain composition, stakeholders, and associated challenges to the safe delivery of medicines to patients.
3. Students will be able to draw on their professional experience and knowledge of public health theory/practice to position the role of the pharmacist and the pharmaceutical supply chain in public health policy and promotion.
Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists
This module aims to support pharmacists to develop and apply the skills to undertake independent prescribing in practice. Team-based learning facilitates this by ensuring students have a strong peer support network throughout the programme.
Areas of focus include: the professional skills, clinical reasoning and knowledge required to prescribe; providing person-centred care; professionalism; governance and collaborating effectively with others including the multidisciplinary team, services users and their carers.
This module is General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited to prepare pharmacists for registration as an independent prescriber. Students must have a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP), an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice and undertake a period of learning in practice of at least 90 hours. Following completion of the module, separate registration with the GPhC is required for annotation on the register and the legal eligibility to prescribe.
Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals (Level 7)
1. Prepare nurses, midwives and relevant allied health professionals to prescribe as independent and supplementary prescribers; prepare diagnostic radiographers to prescribe as supplementary prescribers.
2. Allow experienced healthcare practitioners to enhance their knowledge and gain critical awareness of contemporary issues in order to become safe, competent and effective prescribers, within current legal and professional guidelines.
3. Enable practitioners to continue to advance prescribing practice.
Social Psychology and Lifespan Development (DL)
In this module you will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a socio-cultural context. You will also acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding developmental issues and individual differences in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life.
You will engage with a range of topics of relevant to contemporary social psychology and developmental psychology. Amongst these, you will explore critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a social setting. The nature of groups will be considered from a micro level (e.g., friendships and work networks) to a macro level (e.g., communities and cultures). Substantive content will range from traditional social psychological theories and methods to more critical reflection on the replication crisis in social psychological research. Topics will include the areas of group processes and intergroup relations, social cognition, attitudes, and attribution.
You will consider the relationship between developmental psychology and cognate disciplines such as biology and sociology and individual differences across the lifespan. Content will include theories of development and critical evaluation of the historical approaches to research from birth to death, Topics will include areas such as attachment in infancy, typical and atypical development, cognitive and language development during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, ageing and end of life.
In addition, the combined approaches of social psychology, lifespan, and individual differences will cover topics such as the development of the self, identity, personality, and intelligence. Diversity across all these areas will be explored. Ethical issues in social psychological and developmental psychology research will be a key theme throughout the programme. You will consider multiple perspectives of relevant ethical and socio-cultural issues within real-life situations throughout the life span.
Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing (DL)
The objectives of this module are to foster a critical appraisal of clinical psychology as a discipline interested in promoting people's mental health wellbeing and relieving mental distress. You will also consider historical, ethical, and socio-cultural issues in mental health and examine diverse perspectives and contemporary viewpoints. In addition, you will consider the practical implications of working in this field and the ethical obligations and codes of conduct that clinical psychologists and mental health practitioners work within. This module will enhance your understanding of the basic psychological topics covered in the other modules in the MSc Psychology.
You will acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding mental health difficulties and disorders. You will develop knowledge of a variety of clinical approaches (e.g., behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, positive, and humanistic), used to provide a conceptualisation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis) and neurodevelopmental disorders. Diagnostic criteria will be described, and clinical research, theory and practice will be reviewed to improve the understanding of the factors impacting on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Independent Study
To enable the student to identify a topic of personal interest and professional relevance in which to develop higher level skills which will be specifically related to their professional practice/area of employment.
All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.
First year
Core
M1 Research Design, Philosophy & Working Beyond Disciplines
This module aims to develop your detailed critical knowledge of designing research in health and social sciences, gaining a range of experience of methods in preparation for doctoral level study.
You will develop an understanding that research designs are underpinned by philosophical frameworks that inform research methods and methodologies, and practise critical analysis of the assumptions inherent in social and health research methodologies.
You will also develop your understanding of interdisciplinary working and its challenges and opportunities as the future of research.
We will introduce you to relevant frameworks for professional researchers in order to begin the transition to independent research.
M2 Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative methods for use in social and healthcare research, including ways of collecting and analysing data.
On completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques used to manage and analyse data generated in research and apply these using appropriate software.
You will also be able to critically evaluate methods and methodologies for use in designing your own research project, and critically reflect on your experience of using computer-assisted data analysis software following practical work.
M3 Professional Skills for Researchers
This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key contemporary and professional issues within research-as-a-career.
This includes development of key concepts in professional research skills relating to the national Researcher Development Framework, professional and personal development planning, and career management. This includes an introduction to research integrity, ethical research, project planning and dissemination of research.
M4 Independent Research Project
This module aims to enable you to independently design a project that investigates a topic from your subject area, based on knowledge/experience gained in the taught modules.
You will critically evaluate and synthesise relevant ideas, approaches, theories/models of social/healthcare research, utilising literature relating to your topic, to develop appropriate research questions and evidence-based answers. You will need to apply appropriate aspects of research integrity, relevant to your project.
This module will provide you with an opportunity to practice writing-up scholarly research
Optional
Understanding the me in dementia
This module aims to provide students with
1. An understanding of dementia from the experiences of people who live with dementia.
2. The ability to challenge the stigma and common stereotypes of dementia to realise that once you've met one person with dementia, you've met one person with dementia.
3. The ability to value people with dementia as individuals and understand their unique skills, abilities, needs, wishes, personal preferences and aspirations.
4. The skills and knowledge to identify and critically appraise a range of strategies for enhancing language and communication with and about people living with dementia to support inclusion.
Evidence-based Dementia Practice
This module will enable you to -
1. Independently source, critically review and evaluate evidence (research, clinical, direct experience) in relation to dementia practice.
2. Synthesise a range of evidence to develop an informed critical understanding of a selected area of dementia practice.
3. Forefront the value of evidence from those with lived experience of dementia, multidisciplinary working, and inclusion and diversity in interpreting the value of evidence.
4. Communicate findings and recommendations for practice change and future research based on a review of evidence.
Postdiagnostic support and living well with dementia
To provide students with
1. A critical appreciation of a holistic assessment of need for people living with dementia and their supporters.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the range of post diagnostic support available to enable people to live well with dementia including social, cognitive, emotional/psychological and technological approaches.
3. An understanding of factors that precipitate, limit and enhance access to and use of post diagnostic support.
4. The ability to engage in complex evaluation of post diagnostic support for people living with dementia.
Evaluating Dementia Practice
The broad aims of this module are to provide you with:
1. Advanced critical skills to evaluate examples of dementia care practice.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in the evaluation of an area of practice.
3. A critical appreciation of the role of a leader in evaluating service provision.
4. The ability to forefront the involvement of a range of stakeholders in evaluating practice.
5. A comprehensive understanding and critical appreciation of a range of evaluation methods and their application in practice-based evaluation.
Health and Social Care Leadership
On completing the module you will understand a range of theories in relation to leadership and leadership styles, be able to understand the leadership context and select and apply appropriate leadership approaches.
Managing People in Health and Social Care
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy
On completing the module, you will be able to; critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Health and Social Care Leadership (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.
Managing People in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Trauma Informed Maternity Care
To develop the practice of midwives providing trauma informed midwifery care through understanding the physiology of and causes of trauma, methods to support and preserve physical and psychosocial wellbeing, recognising vicarious trauma experienced by health professionals and strategies to optimise the approaches that can inform service delivery.
Learners will evaluate and critically appraise evidence-based models of understanding, research and policy which influence care, exploring innovative solutions to barriers to deliver best practice.
Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion
This module aims to introduce students to key concepts, principles and theories in the field of public health and health promotion. The module is aimed at students new to the field and those who are more experienced. It will introduce students to key definitions and theoretical concepts, as well as an introduction to practice and evaluation within public health domain. Students will also develop their knowledge of careers within public health and their knowledge of the wider public health workforce.
Social Policy, Public Health and Leadership
1. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the key concepts of social policy using policy analysis frameworks.
2. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the impact of social policy initiatives for public health policy and implications for development of effective leadership and management strategies necessary for future practice
3. To develop an in - depth critical understanding of the impact of contemporary policies on the health and well being of specific populations and groups.
4. To develop critical insight into the policy drivers employed necessary to strengthen public health systems in different contexts.
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Communicable Diseases
To enable the student to develop the theoretical knowledge base and practical skills required to interpret research evidence from quantitative study designs, with a focus on epidemiological research and communicable disease control.
To undertake statistical analyses for relatively simple study designs.
Working with Communities to Improve Health
1. To develop an in-depth critical awareness of the principles of community development and social justice.
2. To synthesise theoretical frameworks that foster sustainability of communities, maintenance of independence and empowerment, to enable effective partnerships in delivering public health interventions.
Management of Global Pharmaceutical Supply
1. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to develop in-depth awareness and understanding of the processes and strategies for the sourcing of medicines and its relevance to the availability of affordable quality medicine and healthcare provision.
2. Students will have a critical awareness of the pharmaceutical supply chain composition, stakeholders, and associated challenges to the safe delivery of medicines to patients.
3. Students will be able to draw on their professional experience and knowledge of public health theory/practice to position the role of the pharmacist and the pharmaceutical supply chain in public health policy and promotion.
Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists
This module aims to support pharmacists to develop and apply the skills to undertake independent prescribing in practice. Team-based learning facilitates this by ensuring students have a strong peer support network throughout the programme.
Areas of focus include: the professional skills, clinical reasoning and knowledge required to prescribe; providing person-centred care; professionalism; governance and collaborating effectively with others including the multidisciplinary team, services users and their carers.
This module is General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited to prepare pharmacists for registration as an independent prescriber. Students must have a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP), an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice and undertake a period of learning in practice of at least 90 hours. Following completion of the module, separate registration with the GPhC is required for annotation on the register and the legal eligibility to prescribe.
Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals (Level 7)
1. Prepare nurses, midwives and relevant allied health professionals to prescribe as independent and supplementary prescribers; prepare diagnostic radiographers to prescribe as supplementary prescribers.
2. Allow experienced healthcare practitioners to enhance their knowledge and gain critical awareness of contemporary issues in order to become safe, competent and effective prescribers, within current legal and professional guidelines.
3. Enable practitioners to continue to advance prescribing practice.
Social Psychology and Lifespan Development (DL)
In this module you will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a socio-cultural context. You will also acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding developmental issues and individual differences in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life.
You will engage with a range of topics of relevant to contemporary social psychology and developmental psychology. Amongst these, you will explore critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a social setting. The nature of groups will be considered from a micro level (e.g., friendships and work networks) to a macro level (e.g., communities and cultures). Substantive content will range from traditional social psychological theories and methods to more critical reflection on the replication crisis in social psychological research. Topics will include the areas of group processes and intergroup relations, social cognition, attitudes, and attribution.
You will consider the relationship between developmental psychology and cognate disciplines such as biology and sociology and individual differences across the lifespan. Content will include theories of development and critical evaluation of the historical approaches to research from birth to death, Topics will include areas such as attachment in infancy, typical and atypical development, cognitive and language development during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, ageing and end of life.
In addition, the combined approaches of social psychology, lifespan, and individual differences will cover topics such as the development of the self, identity, personality, and intelligence. Diversity across all these areas will be explored. Ethical issues in social psychological and developmental psychology research will be a key theme throughout the programme. You will consider multiple perspectives of relevant ethical and socio-cultural issues within real-life situations throughout the life span.
Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing (DL)
The objectives of this module are to foster a critical appraisal of clinical psychology as a discipline interested in promoting people's mental health wellbeing and relieving mental distress. You will also consider historical, ethical, and socio-cultural issues in mental health and examine diverse perspectives and contemporary viewpoints. In addition, you will consider the practical implications of working in this field and the ethical obligations and codes of conduct that clinical psychologists and mental health practitioners work within. This module will enhance your understanding of the basic psychological topics covered in the other modules in the MSc Psychology.
You will acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding mental health difficulties and disorders. You will develop knowledge of a variety of clinical approaches (e.g., behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, positive, and humanistic), used to provide a conceptualisation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis) and neurodevelopmental disorders. Diagnostic criteria will be described, and clinical research, theory and practice will be reviewed to improve the understanding of the factors impacting on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Independent Study
To enable the student to identify a topic of personal interest and professional relevance in which to develop higher level skills which will be specifically related to their professional practice/area of employment.
All module information is for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change.
First year
Core
M1 Research Design, Philosophy & Working Beyond Disciplines
This module aims to develop your detailed critical knowledge of designing research in health and social sciences, gaining a range of experience of methods in preparation for doctoral level study.
You will develop an understanding that research designs are underpinned by philosophical frameworks that inform research methods and methodologies, and practise critical analysis of the assumptions inherent in social and health research methodologies.
You will also develop your understanding of interdisciplinary working and its challenges and opportunities as the future of research.
We will introduce you to relevant frameworks for professional researchers in order to begin the transition to independent research.
M2 Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative methods for use in social and healthcare research, including ways of collecting and analysing data.
On completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques used to manage and analyse data generated in research and apply these using appropriate software.
You will also be able to critically evaluate methods and methodologies for use in designing your own research project, and critically reflect on your experience of using computer-assisted data analysis software following practical work.
M3 Professional Skills for Researchers
This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key contemporary and professional issues within research-as-a-career.
This includes development of key concepts in professional research skills relating to the national Researcher Development Framework, professional and personal development planning, and career management. This includes an introduction to research integrity, ethical research, project planning and dissemination of research.
M4 Independent Research Project
This module aims to enable you to independently design a project that investigates a topic from your subject area, based on knowledge/experience gained in the taught modules.
You will critically evaluate and synthesise relevant ideas, approaches, theories/models of social/healthcare research, utilising literature relating to your topic, to develop appropriate research questions and evidence-based answers. You will need to apply appropriate aspects of research integrity, relevant to your project.
This module will provide you with an opportunity to practice writing-up scholarly research
Optional
Understanding the me in dementia
This module aims to provide students with
1. An understanding of dementia from the experiences of people who live with dementia.
2. The ability to challenge the stigma and common stereotypes of dementia to realise that once you've met one person with dementia, you've met one person with dementia.
3. The ability to value people with dementia as individuals and understand their unique skills, abilities, needs, wishes, personal preferences and aspirations.
4. The skills and knowledge to identify and critically appraise a range of strategies for enhancing language and communication with and about people living with dementia to support inclusion.
Evidence-based Dementia Practice
This module will enable you to -
1. Independently source, critically review and evaluate evidence (research, clinical, direct experience) in relation to dementia practice.
2. Synthesise a range of evidence to develop an informed critical understanding of a selected area of dementia practice.
3. Forefront the value of evidence from those with lived experience of dementia, multidisciplinary working, and inclusion and diversity in interpreting the value of evidence.
4. Communicate findings and recommendations for practice change and future research based on a review of evidence.
Postdiagnostic support and living well with dementia
To provide students with
1. A critical appreciation of a holistic assessment of need for people living with dementia and their supporters.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the range of post diagnostic support available to enable people to live well with dementia including social, cognitive, emotional/psychological and technological approaches.
3. An understanding of factors that precipitate, limit and enhance access to and use of post diagnostic support.
4. The ability to engage in complex evaluation of post diagnostic support for people living with dementia.
Evaluating Dementia Practice
The broad aims of this module are to provide you with:
1. Advanced critical skills to evaluate examples of dementia care practice.
2. A comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in the evaluation of an area of practice.
3. A critical appreciation of the role of a leader in evaluating service provision.
4. The ability to forefront the involvement of a range of stakeholders in evaluating practice.
5. A comprehensive understanding and critical appreciation of a range of evaluation methods and their application in practice-based evaluation.
Health and Social Care Leadership
On completing the module you will understand a range of theories in relation to leadership and leadership styles, be able to understand the leadership context and select and apply appropriate leadership approaches.
Managing People in Health and Social Care
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy
On completing the module, you will be able to; critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Health and Social Care Leadership (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to; critically discuss a range of leadership theories and approaches; analyse the health and social care environment and apply theory to identify and communicate solutions to problems in relationship to the changing health and social care context; evaluate your own leadership approach and your impact on others; and identify areas for development.
Managing People in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: analyse the the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for managing people; to critically evaluate different theories and approaches that can be used to plan, recruit, manage and develop the workforce; and critically apply different approaches to managing people.
Understanding Health and Social Care through Policy and Strategy (Distance Learning)
On completing the module you will be able to: critically analyse the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy and policy; apply and evaluate different theories and models that can be used to develop and implement strategy and policy; consider the current national and international health and social care environment and the implications for strategy and policy. Also, evaluate strategy and policy after implementation using robust approaches.
Leading Change and Service Improvement in Health and Social Care (Distance Learning)
On completing this module, you will be able to:
* Diagnose where change is needed and select and apply a range of strategies and methods for managing change successfully.
* Analyse, select, and apply a range of quality and service assessment and improvement tools, techniques and methods to improve the quality and delivery of your service.
* Manage the more complex behavioural and organisational issues of change and service improvement. Lead individuals and teams to deliver change and improvement across diverse professional, functional and hierarchical boundaries.
Trauma Informed Maternity Care
To develop the practice of midwives providing trauma informed midwifery care through understanding the physiology of and causes of trauma, methods to support and preserve physical and psychosocial wellbeing, recognising vicarious trauma experienced by health professionals and strategies to optimise the approaches that can inform service delivery.
Learners will evaluate and critically appraise evidence-based models of understanding, research and policy which influence care, exploring innovative solutions to barriers to deliver best practice.
Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion
This module aims to introduce students to key concepts, principles and theories in the field of public health and health promotion. The module is aimed at students new to the field and those who are more experienced. It will introduce students to key definitions and theoretical concepts, as well as an introduction to practice and evaluation within public health domain. Students will also develop their knowledge of careers within public health and their knowledge of the wider public health workforce.
Social Policy, Public Health and Leadership
1. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the key concepts of social policy using policy analysis frameworks.
2. To develop an in-depth critical understanding of the impact of social policy initiatives for public health policy and implications for development of effective leadership and management strategies necessary for future practice
3. To develop an in - depth critical understanding of the impact of contemporary policies on the health and well being of specific populations and groups.
4. To develop critical insight into the policy drivers employed necessary to strengthen public health systems in different contexts.
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Communicable Diseases
To enable the student to develop the theoretical knowledge base and practical skills required to interpret research evidence from quantitative study designs, with a focus on epidemiological research and communicable disease control.
To undertake statistical analyses for relatively simple study designs.
Working with Communities to Improve Health
1. To develop an in-depth critical awareness of the principles of community development and social justice.
2. To synthesise theoretical frameworks that foster sustainability of communities, maintenance of independence and empowerment, to enable effective partnerships in delivering public health interventions.
Management of Global Pharmaceutical Supply
1. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to develop in-depth awareness and understanding of the processes and strategies for the sourcing of medicines and its relevance to the availability of affordable quality medicine and healthcare provision.
2. Students will have a critical awareness of the pharmaceutical supply chain composition, stakeholders, and associated challenges to the safe delivery of medicines to patients.
3. Students will be able to draw on their professional experience and knowledge of public health theory/practice to position the role of the pharmacist and the pharmaceutical supply chain in public health policy and promotion.
Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists
This module aims to support pharmacists to develop and apply the skills to undertake independent prescribing in practice. Team-based learning facilitates this by ensuring students have a strong peer support network throughout the programme.
Areas of focus include: the professional skills, clinical reasoning and knowledge required to prescribe; providing person-centred care; professionalism; governance and collaborating effectively with others including the multidisciplinary team, services users and their carers.
This module is General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited to prepare pharmacists for registration as an independent prescriber. Students must have a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP), an identified area of clinical or therapeutic practice and undertake a period of learning in practice of at least 90 hours. Following completion of the module, separate registration with the GPhC is required for annotation on the register and the legal eligibility to prescribe.
Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals (Level 7)
1. Prepare nurses, midwives and relevant allied health professionals to prescribe as independent and supplementary prescribers; prepare diagnostic radiographers to prescribe as supplementary prescribers.
2. Allow experienced healthcare practitioners to enhance their knowledge and gain critical awareness of contemporary issues in order to become safe, competent and effective prescribers, within current legal and professional guidelines.
3. Enable practitioners to continue to advance prescribing practice.
Social Psychology and Lifespan Development (DL)
In this module you will gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a socio-cultural context. You will also acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding developmental issues and individual differences in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life.
You will engage with a range of topics of relevant to contemporary social psychology and developmental psychology. Amongst these, you will explore critical understanding of the concepts and methods used in explanations of human behaviour when these are applied to individuals and groups in a social setting. The nature of groups will be considered from a micro level (e.g., friendships and work networks) to a macro level (e.g., communities and cultures). Substantive content will range from traditional social psychological theories and methods to more critical reflection on the replication crisis in social psychological research. Topics will include the areas of group processes and intergroup relations, social cognition, attitudes, and attribution.
You will consider the relationship between developmental psychology and cognate disciplines such as biology and sociology and individual differences across the lifespan. Content will include theories of development and critical evaluation of the historical approaches to research from birth to death, Topics will include areas such as attachment in infancy, typical and atypical development, cognitive and language development during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, ageing and end of life.
In addition, the combined approaches of social psychology, lifespan, and individual differences will cover topics such as the development of the self, identity, personality, and intelligence. Diversity across all these areas will be explored. Ethical issues in social psychological and developmental psychology research will be a key theme throughout the programme. You will consider multiple perspectives of relevant ethical and socio-cultural issues within real-life situations throughout the life span.
Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing (DL)
The objectives of this module are to foster a critical appraisal of clinical psychology as a discipline interested in promoting people's mental health wellbeing and relieving mental distress. You will also consider historical, ethical, and socio-cultural issues in mental health and examine diverse perspectives and contemporary viewpoints. In addition, you will consider the practical implications of working in this field and the ethical obligations and codes of conduct that clinical psychologists and mental health practitioners work within. This module will enhance your understanding of the basic psychological topics covered in the other modules in the MSc Psychology.
You will acquire an advanced understanding of the role of theory and research in understanding mental health difficulties and disorders. You will develop knowledge of a variety of clinical approaches (e.g., behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic, positive, and humanistic), used to provide a conceptualisation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis) and neurodevelopmental disorders. Diagnostic criteria will be described, and clinical research, theory and practice will be reviewed to improve the understanding of the factors impacting on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Independent Study
To enable the student to identify a topic of personal interest and professional relevance in which to develop higher level skills which will be specifically related to their professional practice/area of employment.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will learn through lectures, workshops, debates, case–based interdisciplinary problems and collaborative learning. You will also be able to attend training at our White Rose Doctoral Programme training partner institutions to develop further your networks and interdisciplinary research skills.
Much of your learning time will be dedicated to directed study, related to your own subject area. This will give you the opportunity to practice and develop the knowledge, skills and practices necessary to become an independent researcher. The learning process will be supported by formative and summative feedback, reflection on learning experiences and tutorials.The programme aims to make use of your own experiences, allow choice in learning and your dissertation module (M4 Independent Research Project).
You will receive regular support from your personal academic tutor to receive formative feedback on your work, identify your learning needs and set your personal learning objectives.
We utilise our virtual learning environment to ensure materials are accessible and our eportfolio system enables you to demonstrate your development over time.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will learn through lectures, workshops, debates, case–based interdisciplinary problems and collaborative learning. You will also be able to attend training at our White Rose Doctoral Programme training partner institutions to develop further your networks and interdisciplinary research skills.
Much of your learning time will be dedicated to directed study, related to your own subject area. This will give you the opportunity to practice and develop the knowledge, skills and practices necessary to become an independent researcher. The learning process will be supported by formative and summative feedback, reflection on learning experiences and tutorials.The programme aims to make use of your own experiences, allow choice in learning and your dissertation module (M4 Independent Research Project).
You will receive regular support from your personal academic tutor to receive formative feedback on your work, identify your learning needs and set your personal learning objectives.
We utilise our virtual learning environment to ensure materials are accessible and our eportfolio system enables you to demonstrate your development over time.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will learn through lectures, workshops, debates, case–based interdisciplinary problems and collaborative learning. You will also be able to attend training at our White Rose Doctoral Programme training partner institutions to develop further your networks and interdisciplinary research skills.
Much of your learning time will be dedicated to directed study, related to your own subject area. This will give you the opportunity to practice and develop the knowledge, skills and practices necessary to become an independent researcher. The learning process will be supported by formative and summative feedback, reflection on learning experiences and tutorials.The programme aims to make use of your own experiences, allow choice in learning and your dissertation module (M4 Independent Research Project).
You will receive regular support from your personal academic tutor to receive formative feedback on your work, identify your learning needs and set your personal learning objectives.
We utilise our virtual learning environment to ensure materials are accessible and our eportfolio system enables you to demonstrate your development over time.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will learn through lectures, workshops, debates, case–based interdisciplinary problems and collaborative learning. You will also be able to attend training at our White Rose Doctoral Programme training partner institutions to develop further your networks and interdisciplinary research skills.
Much of your learning time will be dedicated to directed study, related to your own subject area. This will give you the opportunity to practice and develop the knowledge, skills and practices necessary to become an independent researcher. The learning process will be supported by formative and summative feedback, reflection on learning experiences and tutorials.The programme aims to make use of your own experiences, allow choice in learning and your dissertation module (M4 Independent Research Project).
You will receive regular support from your personal academic tutor to receive formative feedback on your work, identify your learning needs and set your personal learning objectives.
We utilise our virtual learning environment to ensure materials are accessible and our eportfolio system enables you to demonstrate your development over time.
Fees, finance and scholarships
Tuition fee
- Home: £8,340
- International: £15,700
Tuition fee
- Home: £4,274.50
- International: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon
Tuition fee
- Home: £8,549
- International: Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed soon
Tuition fee
- Home: £4,170
- International: £7,850
Additional course costs
While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
Funding your studies
It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.
Funding is available for this programme for Health Professionals through the NIHR INSIGHT award.
Funding is also available for PhD applicants needing Master’s level study through the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.
Funding is available for this programme for Health Professionals through the NIHR INSIGHT award.
Funding is also available for PhD applicants needing Master’s level study through the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.
Funding is available for this programme for Health Professionals through the NIHR INSIGHT award.
Funding is also available for PhD applicants needing Master’s level study through the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.
Funding is available for this programme for Health Professionals through the NIHR INSIGHT award.
Funding is also available for PhD applicants needing Master’s level study through the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.
Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.
Scholarships
Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.
Career prospects
Graduation from this programme may provide a route to obtaining externally funded PhD studentships in healthcare and/or social sciences research.
The programme will suit, among others:
- public health professionals
- social and/or health researchers
- social/healthcare professionals who are interested in pursuing clinical academic research for their professional development
- academics and those preparing for a career in academia
- those working in public/private research institutes and organisations where data-gathering and analysis are key
If you are seeking a career in social or healthcare institutions (NHS, HCPC professions), evidencing advanced skills in knowledge generation and appraisal can be beneficial.
Career opportunities
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the careers section.
Support for your studies
At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions. We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment. In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.
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Terms and conditions of study
The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.
View our Student Contract for further details.
Transparency statement
Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.