About the course

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Health Research is designed for medical and dental trainees with the potential to become independent researchers, and to be taken part-time alongside work commitments, normally over one to three years.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Health Research will help you to.

• develop skills of research, design and data analysis in both qualitative and quantitative research;
• critically evaluate health research;
• identify, critically appraise and incorporate the results of medical and social science research into the day-to-day decision making of clinical, scientific and administrative practice;
• apply the principles of evidence-based practice in health care settings;
• plan how to implement the findings of research to improve health care; and
• use theories and principles underpinning clinical research to inform their own research practice.

The programme is delivered through the Department for Continuing Education, with the expertise in curriculum design and teaching drawn from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and the Clinical Academic Graduate School.

Assessment

Assessment for each module will be based on a written assignment of not more than 4,000 words.

Graduate destinations

Most who commence this programme are already in employment within the health sector. The programme offers opportunities for career enhancement through developing a better understanding of research tools and analytical skills, and of how to use these to inform research practice. Many also go on to study for MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care.