University of Kent

Applied Health and Care Research - MSc

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

What is the difference between evaluation and research? What are the evaluative approaches used in the health and care services today? How does evidence-based research influence healthcare practice?

On this course you’ll ask these key questions and many more as you master the basics of research design, ethics and how to design a research protocol. You'll cover key areas in this field including the formative, process and summative research, realistic evaluation, case study design and evaluation methods, action research and participatory methods. You’ll also learn about the techniques of trial design and the role and importance of discrete projects for the demonstration of ‘proof of concept’, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness.

You’ll gain a broad grounding in applied research and evaluation each week and examine research articles for discussion in seminars/workshops. On completion of your studies, you'll have the expertise to evaluate research appropriately, using your knowledge and understanding of the relationship between research, evidence and practice. CHSS is a centre of research excellence which undertakes high quality research into a wide range of health and social care systems and health and care services issues at local, national and international levels.

Prioritising a creative, inclusive research culture, we build the evidence base for policy and practice to prevent ill-health, promote well-being and meet needs for care, focusing on primary and community services, public health and social care working with academic collaborators across the UK and the world. If you are interested in studying for a PhD with us, please contact a potential supervisor with your ideas and draft a short proposal. The proposal should include an introduction, theoretical framework with relevant references, research design and methods, sample, research questions, ethical considerations, and a timeline.

For submitting a full application, you will need to apply online. For full details on the application process, please see our how to apply pages.

Key highlights

  • Covers research design, ethics and writing a research protocol
  • Explores realistic evaluation, case study design and action research
  • Includes trial design and feasibility, efficacy and effectiveness testing
  • Weekly seminars and workshops discussing published research articles
  • Taught within a centre undertaking local, national and international research
  • Graduates can evaluate research and link evidence to practice

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — to include the social sciences; or above

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Careers this course leads to

  • Health services researcher
  • Research associate
  • Evaluation officer
  • Clinical research coordinator
  • Public health analyst
  • Health policy officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 per year | International: £19,300 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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