Learn to design effective, rigorous and ethical healthcare research projects.
Join an online Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods for Health that 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
- choose the right methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data
- 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.
Who is this online PgCert for?
This distance-learning 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.
Fits around full-time work
This PgCert is designed to fit around work. With part-time hours and 24/7 study access.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
NHS and alumni discounts
NHS staff get 10% off this qualification. University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off.
What you’ll 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 you’ll study
Research Methods for Health is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
Online learning
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 co-programme coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about course content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Dr Kirsty Kiezebrink
Kirsty is co-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 this will take you
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.
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 fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2021/22 academic year.
We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% for the next academic year (2022/23). The indicative fee above includes this 5% fee rise.
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.
Short course route to PgCert Research Methods for Health
If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full PgCert, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into the PgCert instead.
Find out about our short course route to entryPostgraduate 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.
Start with a short course
Not ready for the full PgCert? You can start with a short course that’s part of the PgCert instead.
You’ll earn credits for each course you complete. You can study any course stand-alone, or build your way up to the full PgCert one short course at a time.
NEW: Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£4,570
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in January 2022.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- January or September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £4,570
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in January 2022.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
