Research is the key to transforming healthcare - be part of the change.
This MSc empowers health and social care professionals to develop essential research skills, breaking barriers to clinical academic careers. You’ll explore ethics, governance, data management, and research methodologies, applying your learning to a real world research project/output which could create new knowledge.
Designed for working professionals, this flexible course equips you to drive evidence-based practice, join research teams, or progress to doctoral study - shaping the future of healthcare. You can also undertake any of the modules offered on this course as stand-alone CPD modules.
About this course
Healthcare research is the driving force behind innovation in patient care. Be part of the next generation of researchers shaping the future of health and social care.
Despite their vital role, many healthcare professionals - nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and more - face barriers to research opportunities. This MSc is designed to change that, equipping you with the skills and confidence to conduct independent research and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Through five carefully structured modules, you’ll explore the full research journey—from ethics and governance to data management, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and inclusive research practices. You’ll also undertake a supervised dissertation, applying your learning to a real-world research project that creates new knowledge in your chosen field.
Designed to be flexible for working professionals, this course empowers you to advance your career, whether in clinical academic roles, research teams, or further study such as doctoral research. With expert guidance from a dedicated team of academics, you’ll join a supportive research community, gaining the skills to make a lasting impact on healthcare and social care practice.
Module options
For a full Masters degree, you'll study 180 credits over the duration of your course. However, all of these modules are available to students as stand-alone CPD modules. Please contact a.hilton@hull.ac.uk or c.Whitfield@hull.ac.uk for more details.
Filters
Managing the research process
This module is designed to provide students with the essential skills to carry out ethical research. It will include data management, integrity and governance, and regulatory requirements.
Students will undertake self-reflection using the VITAE framework.
core
20 credits
Literature Review and Critical Appraisal
This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to undertake a literature review applying systematic principles. In addition, students will undertake quality assessment and appraisal of literature relevant to their field.
core
20 credits
Quantitative Methods
This module introduces you to measurement, methods and analysis in quantitative methods. You will look at survey and experiments and basic statistical methods and the use of SPSS for data analysis.
core
20 credits
Qualitative Methods
This qualitative module is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of qualitative methods used in social research. You will gain a range of knowledge and skills critical to the responsible and ethical collection of qualitative data.
core
20 credits
Communication and Collaboration within research leading to impact
This module introduces students to the value of working collaboratively and building the team. The students will understand inclusive research, management and leadership. A key focus of this module are the strategies for effective, impactful dissemination.
core
20 credits
Dissertation
The dissertation is a major, student directed project which gives students an opportunity to synthesise learning gained in earlier stages of their programme, directing their scholarship towards the identification of a suitable, professionally-significant topic, planning and executing an investigation/literature review, and presenting findings of publishable quality in a suitable format to make a scholarly impact.
core
60 credits
Negotiated Learning
This module is student led and will be discussed with the programme director.
The student will have the option to look at further studies for example in advanced quantitative analysis or advanced qualitative analysis.
Students also have the opportunity for a work-based research experience.
optional
20 credits
Our academics
Our course is taught by leading researchers and experienced professionals in public health and clinical research. You'll learn from highly cited academics and expert educators, gaining practical research skills with real-world applications.
With a strong focus on hands-on learning, this program is designed to equip the next generation of health researchers with the expertise needed to drive meaningful advancements in the field.
Dr Clare Whitfield
Graduate Research Director; Deputy Chair Ethics (FHS); Lecturer Advanced Practice
Clare has 20+ years of experience teaching research and methodology. She researches distance care and has supervised 11 PhDs and 35+ MSc dissertations. As Graduate Research Director she oversees supervision and progress for health research students.
Dr Andrea Hilton
Reader
Andrea has 20+ years of research experience, focusing on clinical trials and applied health research. Her grant work includes NIHR and MRC-funded projects. She is an associate editor for Health Expectations and has reviewed for major funding bodies.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying for this Postgraduate Taught degree, you'll need an Undergraduate degree (or equivalent). For this course, you'll need a 2:2 from a relevant bachelor's degree.
The programme is designed for graduates who have a studied a subject that is relevant to this course.
If you’re an undergraduate student at Hull, you’re guaranteed a fast-track route to this postgraduate degree, as long as you meet the entry requirements.
In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved.
Typical offer
2:2 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Scholarships
We offer a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. They’re awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement and/or to help those on lower incomes.
Scholarships and bursaries are separate to student loans. And the best bit is, you don’t pay a penny back.
Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship
University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 20% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.
Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship page.
See more Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships and awards to students at the university to help with their financial load.
To view all of our scholarships and determine whether you're eligible, please visit our Scholarships and Awards page.
Health Research facilities
Future prospects
This MSc places you in an excellent position to pursue a range of exciting opportunities in healthcare research. Whether you're currently working or looking to transition into research, you’ll gain the skills needed to apply for research roles, join established research teams, or take on clinical academic positions.
The flexible nature of the course makes it ideal for professionals seeking career advancement while offering a pathway to further study, such as a PhD, preparing you for a future at the forefront of healthcare research and practice.
Take your career to the next level
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
Not ready to apply yet?
We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.
You may also be interested in...
All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.