COURSE CURRICULUM

This postgraduate research-focused programme is designed to develop advanced research knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills while allowing students to specialise in a range of health, psychology, public health, social care, dementia, pharmacy, and leadership disciplines. The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in research methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and independent investigation. Students begin with M1 Research Design, Philosophy and Working Beyond Disciplines, which explores research philosophy, ethical practice, interdisciplinary approaches, and the development of robust research proposals. M2 Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods equips students with advanced skills in research design, data collection, statistical analysis, qualitative investigation, and mixed-method approaches, enabling them to conduct high-quality academic and professional research. M3 Professional Skills for Researchers develops competencies in academic writing, critical evaluation, project management, communication, and research dissemination while preparing students for professional and academic careers. The programme culminates in M4 Independent Research Project, where students undertake an extensive independent study addressing a real-world issue within their chosen field while demonstrating advanced analytical, investigative, and problem-solving abilities. Students can personalise their learning through a wide range of optional modules across multiple specialist areas. Psychology options include Social Psychology and Lifespan Development, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Understanding the Me in Dementia. Dementia-focused modules explore evidence-based practice, diagnostic support, living well with dementia, and the evaluation of dementia care. Leadership and management modules develop expertise in health and social care leadership, people management, policy development, organisational strategy, and leading service improvement, with several modules also available through distance learning. Public health options include Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion, Social Policy, Public Health and Leadership, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Communicable Diseases, Working with Communities to Improve Health, and Management of Global Pharmaceutical Supply. Healthcare professionals can also specialise in prescribing through Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists or Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals, while Trauma Informed Maternity Care provides advanced knowledge for maternity practice. Overall, the programme prepares graduates with advanced research capabilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and specialist professional knowledge for careers in research, healthcare, public health, social care, leadership, policy development, clinical practice, academia, and doctoral study across a wide range of health-related disciplines.