Program Overview

Overview of the Applied Health Sciences (MSc by Research) Program

The Applied Health Sciences (MSc by Research) program at the University of Huddersfield is a one-year, full-time research degree that allows students to explore a research topic in-depth. This program contains little to no formal taught component, giving students the chance to work independently on their research project.

Key Features of the Program

• The program is available as full-time, part-time, and distance learning.
• Students choose a specific project to work on and have a greater degree of independence in their work compared to a taught Master's course.
• A main supervisor, who is part of a supervisory team, advises and supports students on their project.
• At the end of the project, students write up their findings in the form of a short thesis of around 25,000 words, which is then examined.

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirements for enrollment on an MSc by Research is an upper second honors degree (2:1 or above) from a UK university or a qualification of an equivalent standard, in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed program to be followed. If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification, with the minimum for IELTS being 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent.

Start Dates and Application Deadlines

• Start dates: 1 October 2025, 12 January 2026, 20 April 2026.
• Application deadlines vary by start date and student status (International, Scholarship, Home Students).

Duration and Study Mode

• The maximum duration for an MSc by Research is 1 year (12 months) full-time or 2 years (24 months) part-time, with an optional submission pending (writing-up) period of 4 months.
• Sometimes, it may be possible to mix periods of both full-time and part-time study.
• Part-time students must establish close links with the University and spend normally not less than an average of 10 working days per year in the university, excluding participation in activities associated with enrollment, re-registration, and progression monitoring.

Research Areas

Several research topics are available for this degree, including but not limited to:

• Determinants of ankle muscle strength
• Perceptions of Spiritually Competent Practice and Availability and Vulnerability in Healthcare
• Reinterpreting healthcare records for an electronic context
• Statistical analysis of complex health-related data
• The effect of shoe type on foot pressure distribution
• The effects of training on load carriage performance
• The mechanics and energetics of load carriage

Supervisors and Funding

Each research topic has designated supervisors and information on funding or studentship options available.

Teaching and Assessment

• A research degree has no compulsory taught element.
• Self-directed study is to be agreed in liaison with the supervisor.
• Feedback, normally written, is provided on all assessments following submission.

Fees and Finance

• In 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £5,050.
• In 2025/26, the part-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £2,525.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University.

Why Choose the University of Huddersfield?

• The University ranks first in England for the proportion of teaching staff with higher degrees and teaching qualifications.
• The average salary of postgraduates fifteen months after graduating is £36,101.44.
• 97% of postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating.

Research Environment

• The University is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.
• Three-quarters of all research is world-leading and internationally excellent.
• The University provides a thriving research culture, world-leading facilities, advanced research skills training, and expert careers advice.