Overview
The Master of Research (MRes) in Health Sciences and Services at HSU is a flexible, online programme designed for professionals who want to develop applied research capability in health and care contexts. It provides a rigorous grounding in research methods, evidence-based practice, research design, ethics, integrity, dissemination and independent research.
The first year comprises two 30-credit taught units, which also form the PG Certificate in Research Methods for Health Sciences and Services. Unit 1, Knowledge and Practice, develops students’ understanding of epistemology and ontology, evidence hierarchies, evidence-based medicine and practice, critical appraisal, and knowledge access and evaluation.
Unit 2, Research Design and Integrity, focuses on research paradigm and design alignment, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods and literature-based approaches, research ethics and integrity informed by UKRIO guidance, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), and knowledge transfer and dissemination.
MRes students then progress to a substantial 120-credit independent research project in Year 2, applying the knowledge and skills developed in the taught units to a substantive study in a health or care context.
Flexible online delivery, combining synchronous sessions with asynchronous study, is designed to accommodate clinical, academic and professional commitments without compromising academic rigour.
Course Details
What you will learn on the course
You will develop a comprehensive, critically grounded understanding of healthcare research methods from foundational principles through to the design of rigorous, independent research. In Unit 1 (Research Knowledge and Practice), you will explore the philosophical underpinnings of knowledge production – epistemology and ontology – and how these shape approaches to evidence-based medicine and practice. You will develop expertise in evidence hierarchies, systematic literature searching, and critical appraisal frameworks applicable to diverse forms of healthcare evidence, including grey literature, audit, and service evaluation. You will also engage with the principles of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) and develop the scientific and academic writing skills. Alongside frameworks such as PICO and PEO, you will encounter the DEPTh model (Diagnosis, Etiology, Prognosis, Therapeutics) as one of several complementary, approaches to classifying research questions and linking them to appropriate designs — applicable across clinical, service and organisational contexts, including health management and health business decision-making.
In Unit 2 (Research Design and Integrity), you will develop the ability to align research questions, paradigms and study designs, with in-depth coverage of qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and literature-based (including systematic review) methodologies.
You will develop a deep understanding of research ethics and integrity – including UKRIO standards and open research practices – alongside PPIE frameworks and strategies for knowledge transfer, impact, and dissemination.
You will then complete a 120-credit independent original research project, applying the skills acquired in both taught units to a substantive study in health and social care.
Each of the two taught units carries a single coursework assessment, ensuring that assessment reflects authentic research practice rather than examination performance. For Unit 1, you will produce a background literature appraisal – a critical synthesis of the existing evidence base relevant to a research question of your choosing within a healthcare context. This demonstrates your ability to identify, evaluate, and interpret evidence drawn from multiple source types. For Unit 2, you will develop a full research proposal. This document – structured as one might submit for ethical approval or a funding application – will articulate your research question, justify your chosen methodology, address ethical considerations and PPIE, and outline a plan for knowledge transfer and dissemination. You will complete a substantial independent research project, assessed through a research paper and supporting documentation.
Feedback is provided formatively throughout each unit as well as summatively on assessed work.
Each 30-credit unit represents 300 hours of notional study, of which approximately 60 hours are scheduled contact time. Students typically engage in around 4–6 hours of taught content per week (synchronous or asynchronous) and small-group tutorials and seminars. The remaining study time involves independent reading, critical reflection, and assessment preparation, allowing you to integrate learning with your existing professional commitments. The programme is designed to be manageable alongside part-time clinical or academic work. This is followed by a 120-credit research project, representing 1,200 hours of notional study.
Find out more about this course by reading the course specification below:
Course Specification: Master of Research (MRes) in Health Sciences and Services Â
Unit Breakdown
Unit 1: Knowledge and Practice (30 credits, FHEQ Level 7) Year 1 (PG Cert & MRes) 
Epistemology and ontology in healthcare research; evidence-based medicine and practice; evidence hierarchies; systematic literature searching; critical appraisal frameworks; grey literature, audit, and service evaluation; question-classification frameworks (PICO, PEO and the DEPTh model); patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE); scientific and academic writing. Assessed by a background literature appraisal (80%) and an oral presentation with Q&A (20%).
Unit 2: Research Design and Integrity (30 credits, FHEQ Level 7) Year 1 (PG Cert & MRes)
Research question, paradigm and design alignment; qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and literature-based methodologies; research ethics and integrity (UKRIO standards, information governance); open research; PPIE; knowledge transfer, impact, and dissemination, scientific writing and grant/research proposal writing. Assessed by a research proposal (80%) and an oral presentation with Q&A (20%).
Unit 3: Research Project (120 credits, FHEQ Level 7) – MRes only Year 2 (MRes only)
An independent, original empirical research study in a health or social care context, supervised by a member of the academic team. Assessed through a research paper and supporting documentation.
Facilities
- Moodle (BONE) – HSU’s virtual learning environment, providing access to all course materials, recorded sessions, discussion forums, and formative activities.
- Online library resources – access to databases via HSU’s library services. Specialist support from the HSU Library team for systematic searching and critical appraisal.
- Synchronous online teaching platform – live seminars, group tutorials, and collaborative workshops via video conferencing on Teams.
- Research ethics and integrity resources – including access to UKRIO guidance and HSU’s own ethics framework, supporting students through the ethics application process.
- Statistical software – access to appropriate quantitative analysis tools.
- Qualitative analysis software – access to appropriate tools to support qualitative data management and analysis.
Why study an MRes in Heath Sciences and Services at HSU?Â
HSU is the UK’s specialist health sciences university, and this programme reflects that singular focus. Unlike generic postgraduate research methods courses, every element of the curriculum – from the clinical evidence frameworks in Unit 1 to the PPIE and UKRIO-aligned ethics content in Unit 2 – has been designed with healthcare research in mind. Our teaching team combines academic expertise with active healthcare research practice, ensuring that you learn not just the theory of research methods but how those methods function in the messy, ethically complex, and professionally consequential world of health and social care. The programme is designed to support progression towards research-related roles and pathways, including: preparation for doctoral study, academic-clinical pathways, research-active clinical roles, service evaluation, healthcare management, commissioning, and academic roles in health education and research . Delivered online with flexible scheduling, the programme is designed to work alongside clinical and professional commitments – because we understand that our students are not solely students.
What do graduates typically go on to do?
Graduates of the MRes will be equipped to pursue a range of research-related roles and progression pathways, including doctoral study, academic-clinical pathways, research-active clinical roles, service evaluation, healthcare management, commissioning, and academic roles in health education and research.
- Doctoral study, including PhD or professional doctorate routes
- Research-active clinical roles in health and care settings
- Service evaluation, audit and improvement roles
- Academic or teaching roles in healthcare education
- Healthcare management and commissioning roles requiring research literacy
Key learning highlights
By completing this course, you will undertake a research project within your own professional context, enabling you to investigate a practice-based issue that is relevant to your role and organisation. You will develop skills in critical inquiry, research design, and ethical research practice, while gaining experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. You will learn to critically evaluate literature, apply theory to practice, and use evidence to inform decision-making and improvement initiatives. Throughout the research process, you will strengthen your reflective practice, problem-solving, and professional communication skills, culminating in a research project that generates meaningful insights and contributes to your professional development, workplace practice, and wider field of expertise.
Collaboration across disciplines
The deliberately broad intake of this programme – spanning clinicians, allied health professionals, doctoral students, academic staff, and health business professionals – means that every cohort is itself an interdisciplinary learning community. Learning alongside colleagues from different professional backgrounds is intended to enrich students’ understanding of how research is used and valued across the health system.
Staff
Course Leader
Prof Steven Vogel DO (Hons)
Professor
Professor of Musculoskeletal Health and Care at the UCO School of Osteopathy at HSU, Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine and Past President of the Society for Back Pain Research.
Full bio
Head of Research & Knowledge Exchange and Director - NCOR
Principal Research Fellow & Doctoral Programme Leader
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
Essential requirements
A UK undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in a health-related discipline, or equivalent professional qualification. Applicants with substantial relevant clinical or healthcare research experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Is there anything else that’s required?
Is there anything else that’s required?
A personal statement demonstrating motivation for research methods study and its relevance to your professional practice. You will also need to upload a research proposal (no longer than 750 words, excluding references).
International Students
International Students
International applicants are welcome. The programme is delivered fully online, accommodating different  time zones and international healthcare contexts. English language requirements: follow the University’s standard taught postgraduate threshold for non-native English speakers (IELTS 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0, or equivalent).
No placement requirements that would affect visa eligibility.
How do I apply?
Applications are made directly through the HSU admissions portal
Still have questions about applying?
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