Healthcare Research Skills and Methods PGCert

Two core modules—Research Methods and Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits each) provide advanced training in laboratory and computer-based biomedical research, mainly in the autumn term. A specialist module (30 credits) tailored to each pathway prepares learners for in-depth research in their chosen field. To enhance critical thinking, student-led journal clubs run from October to March, offering the opportunity to critically appraise scientific papers with tutor guidance.

• Research methods (15 credits)

  This module looks at a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research study designs and approaches, their advantages and disadvantages. We focus on good research practice, designing studies using tools and approaches to minimise bias and maximise scientific rigour.

• Statistics (15 credits)

  This module provides an introduction to modern data analysis techniques and statistical approaches, equipping you with the skills to critically analyze quantitative data and draw meaningful conclusions for your research project. The focus is on understanding the language and logic of statistical investigation rather than complex formulas or calculations. You will develop confidence in interpreting and discussing statistical methods used in biomedical, healthcare, clinical research, and scientific literature.

• Practical Data Analysis (15 credits)

  This module will enable you to develop skills in understanding, critically interpreting and extracting data. You will be taught appropriate qualitative and quantitative data analysis methodologies, and how to communicate and present results appropriately in plain English. You will learn about both quantitative and qualitative data. Topics covered include graphs and descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, tests, regression, and the practical collection of qualitative data using interviews and focus groups.

• Critical Appraisal (15 credits)

  This module will teach you how to critically appraise research literature relevant to your field of study, covering the principles of critical appraisal, techniques and models for critiquing papers, as well as reviewing relevant research designs and analysis methods and appraisal of key papers in the relevant specialist field, including educational research.

Students will select one 15-credit elective module to complement their core and specialist modules. These modules will provide essential research skills for interpreting and applying clinical and biomedical data while offering a broad understanding of research governance and ethics. Elective modules may be subject to availability.

• Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

  This module prepares you for conducting and managing a research project and includes ethical, legal, safety and time management aspects of research. You will learn how to identify and appropriately address any ethical and legal issues in your project, as well as safety issues when working with hazardous substances, organisms or equipment. This will also include lectures on writing up scientific work.

• Implementation and Improvement Science: Principles for Practice (15 credits)

  This module examines the practice of generating evidenced-based innovations and approaches to facilitating and sustaining effective implementation of policy and interventions in practice. It will enable you to critically explore a range of strategies to help translate research findings into practice, considering them in the context of an ever-changing working environment and policy landscape.

• Negotiated Independent Learning (15 credits)

  In this module you will identify a topic that is of interest to you or pertinent to your practice or clinical role, in consultation with the module leader. You will complete tasks which will help you to critically examine and apply key technological, clinical and theoretical principles related to your topic, synthesising information from a variety of sources and considering their implications for professional practice.