Program Overview

Research Project MRes Child Health (CHLD0038)

Key Information

The Research Project is a module aimed at developing specific skills in a research field of the student's own choosing, as well as a range of transferable research methodologies.

• Faculty: Faculty of Population Health Sciences
• Teaching department: UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
• Credit value: 120

Restrictions

• The Research Project is only open to MRes in Child Health Students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Summary

The Research Project is designed to help students develop specific skills in a research field of their choice, as well as a range of transferable research methodologies, including literature searching, statistical analysis, and written and verbal communication.

• Projects may be based in epidemiology, analyzing cohort or registry data to determine patterns of health inequality or risks to child health or development.
• Alternatively, students may choose to focus on mechanistic research in a laboratory setting.
• The project takes place throughout the academic year or is spread over two academic years for part-time students.
• It is expected that students will have started their project by November and will complete it in late August.
• Approximately 19 weeks should be spent on data collection and 5 weeks on writing up.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Conduct an appropriate literature search to support a research project.
2. Gain appropriate statistical knowledge to support critical appraisal and simple study design.
3. Report research results to publication standard, including critical thinking and the implications for child health and/or healthcare policy.
4. Exhibit good oral communication and justification of the project's results and methodology.
5. Demonstrate reflective appraisal of their management and academic skills.

Who is this Module for?

This is a compulsory module for all MRes Child Health students.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching and learning will be through one-to-one discussions with allocated supervisors and self-directed learning.

Assessment

The project is assessed by a 20,000-word dissertation, a poster presentation, and a viva examination.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

• Calendar Year
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 70% Dissertations, extended projects, and reports
  • 20% Viva or oral presentation
  • 10% Other form of assessment
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on the module in the previous year: 10
• Module leader: Dr. Claire Smith

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.