Postgraduate Taught

Health Research

Faculty of Health & HYMS Students outside Allam Medical Building

Advance your career in health and social care by developing the research skills needed to drive evidence-based change.

From ethics and governance to data management and inclusive research, you’ll explore every stage of the research journey.

Apply your knowledge to an independent project, creating new insights in your chosen area of healthcare research.

Designed for working professionals, this flexible MSc fits around your career while preparing you for clinical academic roles.

Join a supportive research community and gain the expertise to shape the future of healthcare and social care practice.

This course is in the process of validation. Applications will open in April when approval is confirmed.

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.

Get 20% off tuition fees

with our Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship
Learn in our £28-million

Allam Medical Centre
Flexible teaching

for working professionals
Develop essential skills

for clinical academic positions
Explore your interests

in a supervised dissertation

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Course overview

Module options

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.

Health, Nursing and Midwifery students outside the Allam Medical Building

HYMS Subject Page Problem based learning in the Allam Medical Building

Choose your modules

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.

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

7 Modules

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.

See more academics for this subject

Featured academic

Dr Andrea Hilton

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.

Featured academic

Dr Clare Whitfield

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.

Entry requirements

UK
International

What do I need?

Typical offer

2:2 in relevant subject area

UK: Applicants will hold a recognised undergraduate degree such as BSc in health or allied health (e.g., nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, physiotherapy, etc). If the student is a pharmacist this will usually be MPharm.

It would be usual to have at minimum of 2:2 degree classification, but individuals with less than this will be assessed on a case by case basis and relevant experience considered.

UK based students should be registered with their regulatory body namely the NMC, HCPC, GPhC etc.

International students: Applicants will hold a recognised undergraduate degree such as BSc in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, physiotherapy etc.

It would be usual to have at minimum of 2:2 degree classification or equivalent but individuals with less than this will be assessed on a case by case basis and relevant experience considered.

The University minimal IELTS score must be achieved.

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.

What do I need?

Typical offer

2:2 in relevant subject area

It would be usual to have at minimum of 2:2 degree classification, but individuals with less than this will be assessed on a case by case basis and relevant experience considered.

UK based students should be registered with their regulatory body namely the NMC, HCPC, GPhC etc.

International students: Applicants will hold a recognised undergraduate degree such as BSc in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, physiotherapy etc.

It would be usual to have at minimum of 2:2 degree classification or equivalent but individuals with less than this will be assessed on a case by case basis and relevant experience considered.

The University minimal IELTS score must be achieved.

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

UK
International

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
Optional field trips
Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
Student visas (international students)
Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
Printing and photocopying
Professional-body membership
Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our 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

Find out more about our scholarships

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.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students.

To find out more and see if you're eligible, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Take a look at our facilities

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well as more than a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, over 400 open-access PCs and one amazing view.

Health Campus

Our home for the healthcare professionals of the future. Equipped with a simulated hospital ward, intensive care unit, resuscitation unit, and more.

Hospital Ward

Get hands-on in our mock hospital ward and practise a range of scenarios in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Study Rooms

You'll find over 1,000 work spaces in our library. From boardroom-style meeting venues with big-screen PCs, to informal group-study areas and interactive whiteboards.

See more in our virtual tour

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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.

Your next steps

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.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

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.

Discover more

Health Research

About this course