Research Ethics and Governance

The module is suitable for professionals from a wide range of health and social care backgrounds, as well as students from other academic disciplines. Learning is online with flexible delivery around work and family commitments.

A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

The module aims to:

• Develop an advanced awareness of the need to consider and address the legal/regulatory and ethical responsibilities of researchers during all stages of the research process.
• Provide an opportunity for students to fully appreciate the key principles of good clinical practice in research as expected by external bodies including funding agencies, user groups and professional organisations nationally and internationally.
• Promote a critical understanding of the complexities of research ethics and governance within a healthcare setting including key historical developments in this area and current good practice guidance.
• Provide opportunities for students to critically consider issues of ethics and governance in the planning, conducting and reporting of research studies.
• Promote a critical understanding of the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of research participants and the consequences of research ethical and governance misconduct.

The module is delivered online so you can study at times which suit you. No campus attendance is required.

There are real-time online teaching sessions but these are optional and recorded so can be listened to later.

You will be expected to participate in online discussions/problem solving sessions. Students access electronic learning resources such as podcasts.

This module is delivered within the virtual classroom via podcasts, written materials and online interactive teaching sessions. Assessment will be by an essay on research ethics and governance related to a research project and topic identified by you as relevant to your own practice/interests.

Professor Anne Whittaker

The majority of our students are already working in health or social care prior to commencement and remain employed throughout the duration of their studies.

Our students develop a wide range of transferable skills during their study that make them attractive to other employers e.g.

• team working;
• IT skills;
• literature searching;
• critical appraisal;
• presentation skills;
• writing and data analysis.

Career opportunities

The MRes Health Research is designed for students who wish to pursue a variety of different careers in health where research is a core component. Students wish to make a contribution to applied research in a range of contemporary health and social contexts.

Most of our students are employed as health professionals whilst they study part-time with us. When they complete their studies most students will stay in their clinical speciality but use their enhanced research skills/knowledge in their roles e.g. by conducting their own research or service evaluations.

Some students wish to use their Masters study as preparation for a PhD. Our students have been very successful in gaining recognition for their research work and for winning funding for PhD study.