Learn to design effective, rigorous and ethical healthcare research projects.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods for Health will prepare you to carry out healthcare research.
You’ll develop the skills and confidence to design and undertake research in your own workplace, and be more competitive in securing external funding for research projects.
You’ll learn to:
- critically appraise research evidence (including systematic reviewing)
- develop a research question and justify an appropriate study design
- select the most suitable statistical method for analysis
- interpret your findings.
You’ll be supported by internationally experienced active researchers. Their work informs government and healthcare organisations. They’ll share their experience and expertise with you as you build your skills.
This PgCert is designed to help healthcare professionals, policymakers and early-career researchers improve their research qualifications in their spare time. Studying part-time online, there’s no need to relocate or take a career break.
What will I study?
You can choose to study for a:
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- or start with one of the short courses that make up this PgCert (15 credits).
How will I study?
Research Methods for Health is delivered part-time, 100% online.
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- podcasts
- discussion boards
- journal articles
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Your tutors
This online PgCert is designed and led by our Institute of Applied Health Sciences. You’ll learn from a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers. Each course has its own specialised coordinator.
We actively encourage engagement with other students, so you’ll also learn from your peers across countries and disciplines.
Assessments
This degree is assessed entirely online. We use several types of assessment, including multiple-choice quizzes, short online tests, essays, presentations and peer review.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Professor Amanda Lee
Amanda is the programme coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about course content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Clare McHattie
Clare is part of the School’s postgraduate teaching support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Nicola Brand
Nicola heads our Online Learning support team. If you have any questions right now about this degree or studying online, get in touch with Nicola.
Ask Nicola a questionWhere will this take me?
Towards a PgDip and Masters
This PgCert underpins many of our online degrees. You can use it to continue on to our:
- PgDip and MSc in Clinical Nutrition
- PgDip and MSc in Health Economics for Health Professionals
- Master of Public Health (MPH).
You can also use your PgCert as the first stage in gaining an MSc in Applied Health Sciences (specialisation). You could specialise in areas including substance abuse, health economics or sexual and reproductive health.
Careers
Your qualification will be recognised by healthcare employers and learning institutions around the world. Your PgCert will give you the skills to:
- confidently carry out health research and lead improvements in your workplace
- be more competitive in securing external funding for projects to improve health and reduce health inequalities.
You’ll also have broadened your network of professional contacts.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study, and for up to five years after you graduate.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
Fees and funding
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2020/21 academic year.
We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% per year for the next three academic years (2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23). The indicative fees above include these 5% fee rises.
Pay as you go
Don’t worry, you do not have to pay the full PgCert fee upfront.
You can pay for your PgCert one term at a time. This gives you a flexible way to spread the cost.
Why study health research online with the University of Aberdeen?
1st in Scotland
First for research in Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework.
Real-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legalisation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people around the world.
Our research impact
Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health services research over the last 40 years.
Entry requirements
PgCert
- A 2:2 (lower-second) health-related honours degree
- or be able to demonstrate evidence of equivalent experience in healthcare practice or research.
These are our minimum entry requirements. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.
Postgraduate Certificate - 60 Credits
You’ll work through four 15-credit courses to gain your PgCert.
You can start your studies in January or September and progress at a pace that suits you.
Duration
It takes a minimum of 9 months to complete the PgCert. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. You’re welcome to take a study break between courses.
Introduction to Online Learning
We want to make sure you’re confident and comfortable with the online way of working from day one. So you’ll start with this course that guides you through our learning platform and how online study works.
You’ll strengthen the academic skills you need to excel in online learning. You’ll also find out about School procedures, all the support available to you and how to access help throughout your studies.
We will endeavour to make all these courses available, but they are subject to change. Read our policy on changes to degree programmes and courses.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 Credits
Indicative cost
£3,700
This indicative cost is calculated on the basis of 30 credits of study per term.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- INDICATIVE COST
- £3,700
This indicative cost is calculated on the basis of 30 credits of study per term.
Apply via our Applicant PortalNot ready? Add to My List
