Compulsory module:
Theory and Debate in Health and Medicine is the compulsory module. It takes the form of weekly 2.5 hour lecture/seminar/workshops (x10) in which the course tutors integrate their own presentation of course material with presentations from students, class discussions, and other modes of learning. Seminars are used in a variety of ways to support learning, involving: student led presentations; a student or tutor-led discussion; theoretical/research literature based discussions; and other organised activities such as debates, written exercises, or project work. Assessment of the module is via a 5,000 word essay.

Optional modules (40 credits overall):
Depth of knowledge in particular areas within health and/or social research is provided through the student's selection of two optional modules. These modules normally take the form of weekly 2.5 hour lecture/seminar/workshops (x10) in which the course tutors integrate their own presentation of course material with presentations from students, class discussions, and other modes of learning.

With it's flexible structure, online delivery and specialised pathway options - taught by some of the leading academics in each field - it will be of particular interest to professionals working in the health and disability services and in the related fields of health and social welfare across both national and international contexts. The programme will also be of interest to students interested in social scientific approaches to health, illness and disability.

Core modules in the autumn and spring terms of the first year introduce key concepts and approaches in health research:

• Health Research: Questions, methods and choices
  The first shared core module focuses on methodological issues and includes five units on learning that equip students with knowledge on varying methods used in health research today. The focus is enhancing students’ understanding of the problems and possibilities inhering in different methodological approaches
• Health Research: Knowledge, Evidence, Policy and Practice

The summer term of year one allows students to specialise in their chosen area through one of the pathway modules:

• Health Research: This pathway offers students the opportunity to move on from the core, and more generic teaching on research methods, to develop a greater critical understanding and working knowledge of analysing qualitative data in the context of health research. Students are also guided through the principles and practice of quantitative data analysis, using data analysis software.
• Disability Study: The emergence of these new ways of understanding disability, anchored by the social model of disability, is considered in social and cultural context. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which ideas have developed in opposition to traditional modes of research and professional practice in disability arenas - in medicine, health and social care services, national and local policy, and in social science disciplines such as medical sociology and psychology.
• End of Life Care: This pathway is aimed at hospice and palliative care practitioners of all disciplines who are interested in the use of social science methods to further research. It will also be relevant to managers, policy-makers and grant makers involved in non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations and those working in charities and private foundations concerned with end of life issuess.
• Intellecutal Disability: We believe that services and supports for people with intellectual disabilities should be based on a clear set of values that reflect the importance of promoting self-determination and independence, and combating discrimination and social exclusion. We also believe that services and supports should be based on evidence about what is and is not likely to be effective in achieving these goals.
• Public Health: The aim of the pathway in public health is to provide training for those working in public health practice who wish to develop a greater level of competency in public health research. It is expected that the degree will be of value to those wishing to continue in public health practice or to those interested in developing a research career in public health.

Students working towards the PG Dip or MRes qualifications continue in year two with a focus on their research project. The taught component in the second year includes generic and pathway-specific training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, through a range of research method mini-modules. The project/dissertation is undertaken with individual supervision throughout the second year.