Research Methods Applied to Public Health (Level 7, 30 credits)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Research Methods Applied to Public Health (Level 7, 30 credits)
Overview
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of research methods applied to public health. It can be taken as a single module for continuing professional development or as part of the MSc Public Health or MSc Advanced Medical Imaging programmes.
Course Details
All about the course
In this module, students will learn about contemporary issues and debates in research, the nature, role, and context of research in health and social care, and the theoretical issues and approaches to research. They will master developing research questions and hypotheses, searching for evidence and information, and forming a critical review of existing research.
What will I be doing?
The course will involve lectures, tutorials, case studies/problem-based scenarios, small group work, and guided independent study to facilitate the development of critical reasoning and foster participation and interaction.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on two strategies:
- Written assessment (20%)
- Written research proposal (80%)
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact. Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
Employment and Stats
What about after uni?
This module can be taken as stand-alone for the purposes of continuing professional development. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of a range of research techniques that can be applied to a variety of research situations.
Career Links
Lecturers on the MSc Public Health have close links with a range of national and international agencies and community partnerships, most through research, with an 'applied' focus. Examples of these links include:
- The World Health Organisation's Collaborating centre for Research in Oral Health in Deprived Communities
- The Royal Society for Public Health
- The NHS
- Department of Health
- Strategic Health Authority
- The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE)
The benefits of these links to students include:
- Research-informed teaching
- A strong applied focus to the programme
- The opportunity to engage with key public health professionals and practitioners
- Access to an exciting seminar series, including speakers of international renown
Requirements
What you need to know
This course is suitable for those who want to develop a comprehensive understanding of a range of research techniques that can be applied to a variety of research situations.
Standard entry requirements
- An Honours degree – normally 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject
- An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere
Alternative entry requirements
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry:
- The Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)
- The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
Fees
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,470 per 30 credit module |
Part-time | 2026/27 | £1,530 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs, which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Module title:
Research Methods Applied to Public Health (Level 7, 30 credits)
School:
School of Health and Society
Course length:
One semester
Next enrolment:
September 2024
Who can take this module:
- Individuals seeking continuing professional development
- Students enrolled in the MSc Public Health program
- Students enrolled in the MSc Advanced Medical Imaging program
Objectives:
- Develop a rigorous approach to research
- Prepare for a dissertation or research project
- Explore contemporary public health issues
- Develop research questions and hypotheses
- Critically review existing research
Description:
This module delves into contemporary research issues and debates, exploring the role and context of research in health and social care. Students learn about theoretical approaches to research, master the development of research questions and hypotheses, conduct evidence-based research, and critically analyze existing research. The University of Salford's School of Health and Society is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).
Outline:
This module focuses on contemporary research issues and debates, exploring the role and context of research in health and social care. Students learn about theoretical approaches to research, master the development of research questions and hypotheses, conduct evidence-based research, and critically analyze existing research.
Course schedule:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Case studies/problem-based scenarios
- Small group work
- Guided independent study
Assessment:
- Written assessment (20%)
- Written research proposal (80%)
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Case studies/problem-based scenarios
- Small group work
- Guided independent study
Faculty:
- Lecturers with expertise in public health research
- Practitioners from the field of public health
Unique approaches:
- Blackboard online platform for maximized learning potential
- Strong emphasis on real-world application of research methods
Careers:
Potential career paths:
- Public health researcher
- Epidemiologist
- Health policy analyst
- Health educator
- Health program manager
Opportunities:
- Research positions in government agencies, universities, and non-profit organizations
- Policy development and implementation roles
- Health education and promotion positions
- Opportunities to work with diverse populations and contribute to improving public health
Outcomes:
- Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous public health research.
- They will be able to apply research methods to real-world problems and contribute to improving the health of populations.
Other:
- This module can be taken as a standalone CPD opportunity.
- Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of a range of research techniques applicable to various research situations.
- The program features strong links with national and international agencies and community partnerships, providing students with an applied focus and access to key public health professionals and practitioners.
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Previous study and experience:
- An Honours degree – normally 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject.
- An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
International Overseas Students:
- Previous study and experience:
- An Honours degree – normally 2.2 or above, preferably in a health-related subject.
- An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
- Additionally, international students must meet the specific entry requirements for international students as outlined by the University of Salford. This typically includes:
- Evidence of English language proficiency through a recognized English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Meeting specific visa requirements and providing the necessary documentation.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English language proficiency:
- International students must demonstrate proficiency in English language through recognized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The specific score requirements may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and previous academic qualifications.