Course overview
You develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform evidence-based medicine and clinical research, which is relevant to all specialist areas of practice. It also enhances your commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging you to develop an inquisitive approach to clinical practice.
We take a flexible approach to course delivery. You can take this one-year course either by attending classes, by distance learning (no attendance required) or by flexible learning (a combination of some attendance and some distance learning). On successful completion of this award you can choose to progress onto an MCh or MSc.
Supporting information for applicants
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Course details
You study three modules throughout this award to develop your knowledge and skills in evidence-based medicine, research methods and statistics. You are encouraged to apply this to your own specialist area of practice.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Develop the knowledge and skills you need to design and manage primary or secondary research, audit or evaluation project relevant to your practice, preparing you for dissertation. You also cover research governance and ethics, to prepare you to apply for ethical approval or release.
You are assessed through a written 4,000-word proposal for a research, audit or evaluation study, which is worth 100% of the module marks and should be submitted in week 13.
You enhance your skills as a professional practicing evidence-based health care. This module also helps your transition to postgraduate study. You develop key skills that are transferable to subsequent modules, such as literature searching and using advanced critical appraisal skills as an integral part of decision making in health and social care. You also learn how to apply the principles of change management to implement evidence in practice. We use a variety of approaches to teaching including e-learning, formal lectures, seminars and practical activities.
You gain a solid grounding in the statistical concepts needed in analysing basic health and medical data. The indicative content provides an overview of the basic concepts in statistics. It leads you from understanding basic fundamentals up to multivariate analysis.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You can choose to study all modules by attending classes, distance learning or a combination of both. Attendance learning includes key lectures, group discussions group seminars, practical activities, computer lab work and individual tutorial support. Distance learning is supported electronically through the virtual learning environment and includes written learning materials, narrated PowerPoint presentations, interactive learning materials, electronic discussion forms and email or Skype tutorial support.
How you are assessed
We use a range of learning and teaching methods throughout including a written report, statistical analysis and a research proposal.
Entry requirements
You must hold a recognised medical degree and must be currently working as a medical doctor within any specialist area of practice. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 or above (or equivalent).
Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credits for previous study or related work experience which can be credited towards the course you want to study. Find out more about RPL.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
This award supports your career progression by giving you the knowledge and skills to undertake research and to become an evidence-based practitioner.