Program Overview

Introduction to the Health Research Methods MSc / PGDip / PGCert

The Health Research Methods MSc / PGDip / PGCert program at the University of Birmingham is designed to develop students' skills in understanding and undertaking critical elements in planning, performing, analyzing, and applying research in non-laboratory healthcare and health-related settings. This program is taught by leading researchers in applied healthcare and is suitable for individuals looking to begin or enhance their career in healthcare and health-related fields.

Course Overview

The program allows students to tailor the course to their individual interests and needs through a wide range of optional modules. Students can also take some modules from other programs, such as Public Health. The skills developed in this program are vital for anyone working in or aspiring to work in healthcare and health-related settings, including clinical and allied health professionals, healthcare providers, health and biomedical researchers, and those working in pharmaceutical and healthcare industries or in public and charity sector organizations.

Course Structure

This course can be studied full-time, part-time, or for up to five years in a flexible learning pattern. International students can only study this course full-time. Teaching takes place in one-week blocks, and students will study compulsory modules before choosing from a wide range of optional modules. A non-assessed introductory week at the beginning of the course introduces key concepts.

Term 1

Term one begins with a non-assessed Introductory Week, ensuring students have a firm grasp of key concepts in health and health research, as well as discovering the rich study environment at the University. Further core modules provide students with a detailed understanding of applied health research methods, including epidemiology, study designs, and analysis, developing and applying quantitative and critical evaluation skills.

Term 2 and 3

Students continue to develop their skills and knowledge in health research methods, with a focus on specialized areas such as qualitative research methods, clinical trials, and systematic reviews and evidence synthesis.

Module Information

The modular multidisciplinary program in Health Research Methods offers a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), and a Masters in Health Research Methods (180 credits). For the master's course, students complete the core modules (40 credits), a dissertation (60 credits), and a variety of optional modules (80 credits) to provide the total of 180 credits.

• Core Modules:
  • Practical Epidemiology and Statistics (20 credits)
  • Epidemiology, Statistics, and Research Methods (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
  • Health Information and Health Informatics (10 credits)
  • Advanced Statistical Methods (10 credits)
  • Clinical Trials (20 credits)
  • Economic Evaluation in Health Care (20 credits)
  • Health Economics (10 credits)
  • Introduction to Health Economics (20 credits)
  • Health System Policy, Planning, and Programming in Global Health (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics (20 credits)
  • Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)
  • Mixed Methods Research Design (20 credits)
  • Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis (20 credits)

Teaching Staff

The program is taught by leading researchers in applied healthcare, including:

• Dr. David Moore, Senior Lecturer
• Professor G. Neil Thomas, Professor of Epidemiology and Research Methods

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer.

• A 2:1 Honours degree or higher. Exemptions considered.
• Relevant work experience or compelling rationale for enrolling are considered for lower degrees and where degrees are not in life/biological/medical/health science.
• Applications also welcome from UK medical students who wish to intercalate.

English Language Requirements

If students are international, they will need to demonstrate they have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking, and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.

• Home fees:
  • MSc (full-time): £11,250
  • MSc (part-time): £5,625 (per year)
  • PG Diploma (full-time): £7,500
  • PG Diploma (part-time): £3,750 (per year)
  • PG Certificate: £3,750
• International fees:
  • MSc (full-time): £25,830
  • MSc (part-time): £12,915 (per year)
  • PG Diploma (full-time): £17,220
  • PG Diploma (part-time): £8,610 (per year)
  • PG Certificate: £8,610

Scholarships

To help students afford their studies, the University has put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. The Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate program, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is 28 August 2026.

Career Opportunities

The knowledge, skills, and experience gained on the Health Research Methods program are vital for anyone wanting to begin or enhance their career in healthcare and health-related fields. This course can also open a variety of avenues to further career development, including a basis for study into PhD.

Careers Network

The University's Careers Network offers a range of events and support services, including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students' university experience isn't just about studying. They will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The University offers a huge variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside studies, as well as all the support and advice needed.

• Accommodation: Coming to Birmingham to study might be students' first time living away from home. The University's student accommodation will allow them to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
• Living in Birmingham: As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Student Support: Whoever students are and wherever they come from, the University is committed to providing the best possible support to all students so that they can get the most out of their university experience.
• Campus Life: The University's green and spacious campus is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialize. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK's second city.