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Social Sciences Research for Healthcare

MSc

Duration
Start date
Location

Suitable for applications.

Overview

This innovative MSc in Social Sciences Research for Healthcare is mapped against the following quality criteria:

  1. The Economic and Social Research Council Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines
  2. The White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership requirements
  3. Health and Care Professions Council objectives
  4. Vitae Researcher Development Framework

The programme is suitable for graduates from a broad range of disciplines and is also ideal for healthcare professionals interested in developing a portfolio of social sciences research skills.

Additionally, it provides a thorough research training programme in preparation for a PhD application.

It includes 60 credits to select Master's modules from across the University portfolio including psychology and sociology, health care, health technology and public health to meet individual development needs.

The programme provides a unique opportunity to build an understanding of the principles of research design and strategies in a multidisciplinary environment, created by staff and students from various healthcare professions.

You will discover a variety of advanced research skills and analytical techniques relevant to your field of study, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods. You will also learn about research management and dissemination and impact consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics.

Entry requirements

  • GCSE or equivalent English and Maths at minimum of C (or 4)
  • Undergraduate degree, at least 2.1 or international equivalent in relevant subject

We may consider lower qualifications if you have appropriate professional experience, in which case we will review a written work sample with your application and hold an interview. 

English language requirements

Non-UK applicants need to achieve IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

The programme is designed around four core modules:

In addition, you can choose to expand your interests, selecting from the range of approved modules (subject to module availability and meeting required pre-requisites) spanning across the University.

The programme leader, Dr Mel Cooper will advise you on specific discipline-related modules to ensure your optional modules meet your professional development requirements. You can email Dr Mel Cooper at m.cooper2@bradford.ac.uk.

Learning and assessment

You will learn through lectures, workshops, debates, case–based interdisciplinary problems and collaborative learning. You will also be able to attend training at our White Rose Doctoral Programme training partner institutions to develop further your networks and interdisciplinary research skills.

Much of your learning time will be dedicated to directed study, related to your own subject area. This will give you the opportunity to practice and develop the knowledge, skills and practices necessary to become an independent researcher. The learning process will be supported by formative and summative feedback, reflection on learning experiences and tutorials.The programme aims to make use of your own experiences, allow choice in learning and your dissertation module (M4 Independent Research Project).

You will receive regular support from your personal academic tutor to receive formative feedback on your work, identify your learning needs and set your personal learning objectives.

We utilise our virtual learning environment to ensure materials are accessible and our eportfolio system enables you to demonstrate your development over time.

Official programme specification

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2025

  • Home: £4,732

Additional costs

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

Graduation from this programme may provide a route to obtaining externally funded PhD studentships in healthcare and/or social sciences research.

The programme will suit, among others:

  • public health professionals
  • social and/or health researchers
  • social/healthcare professionals who are interested in pursuing clinical academic research for their professional development
  • academics and those preparing for a career in academia
  • those working in public/private research institutes and organisations where data-gathering and analysis are key

If you are seeking a career in social or healthcare institutions (NHS, HCPC professions), evidencing advanced skills in knowledge generation and appraisal can be beneficial.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.