Program Overview

Public Health Research

Overview

Public health draws on a science base that is multidisciplinary, relying on knowledge from diverse fields such as medicine, epidemiology, sociology, psychology, criminology, education, and economics.

In this module, you will develop your confidence in understanding, interpreting, and communicating public health research findings, and in thinking critically about the impact of those findings. You’ll also be able to recognize the features, characteristics, and elements of good quality public health research. This will help you to be able to plan or commission research that will inform public health policy or practice.

Key Facts

• Module code: NURP023
• Start date: 1 Jun 2026
• Application deadline: 18 May 2026
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Credit value SCQF: 20
• SCQF level: Level 11
• Fees: £1,289
• Mode of study: part-time
• Delivery: online

Entrance Requirements

• A minimum of a second-class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent in any subject.
• Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.

Objectives

By the completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

• LO1: Explain public health research to non-specialized audiences
• LO2: Describe and critically evaluate the potential uses and value of public health research
• LO3: Critically compare the methods commonly used in public health research and their suitability to respond to different public health issues
• LO4: Discuss and critically evaluate the ethical issues facing public health research
• LO5: Critically appraise the ‘impact agenda’ in research and its potential influence on how public health research is done

Structure and Content

The module is delivered online, so you can study at times that suit you. No campus attendance is required. There are real-time online teaching sessions, but these are optional and recorded, so can be listened to later. You will be expected to participate in online discussions/problem-solving sessions. Students access electronic learning resources through Canvas that include a range of audio, visual, and written materials, with additional links to ‘deep-dive’ into specific topics.

In this module, you will learn about the importance of research in public health; what good quality public health research looks like; and the variety of research that is conducted to inform public health policy and practice. The module will cover topics on study design, stakeholder engagement, critical thinking and bias, theories, hypotheses, and models, research ethics, and research impact. Content is illustrated through numerous and diverse examples of research conducted by members of the Faculty, presented as ‘case studies’. You will also explore key research designs such as trials, action research, and implementation science, in depth.

Indicative content:

• Public health research priorities
• Literature reviews/evidence syntheses
• Appraisal tools for evaluating public health research
• Key stages in the planning and design of public health research
• Managing ethical research
• Data for public health research
• From research to impact

Delivery and Assessment

The module consists of 10 units across 12 weeks. In each unit, you will explore a different topic through pre-recorded lectures, reading, and discussion boards. There will also be a live webinar for each unit, to look back over the previous week’s material and discuss any questions that have emerged.

There is a single written assessment for this module, which must be passed with at least 50% to pass the module.

Module Coordinator

Dr. Erica Gadsby

Employability

The module will help you develop an understanding of current public health priorities and areas of work, which will be directly applicable to the working environment, either within policy, practice, or research settings. The majority of our students are already working in health or social care prior to commencement and remain employed throughout the duration of their studies. Our students develop a wide range of transferable skills during their study that makes them attractive to other employers, e.g.:

• Team working
• IT skills
• Literature searching
• Critical appraisal
• Presentation skills
• Writing
• Data analysis