Applied Health and Care Research

Entry requirements

A good honours degree in the social sciences, and interest in the chosen topic area and a clear idea of your proposed thesis topic. We will also consider with professional qualifications alone and/or relevant experience in the health service.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

What is the difference between evaluation and research? What are the evaluative approaches used in the health and care services today? How does evidence-based research influence healthcare practice?

On this course you’ll ask these key questions and many more as you master the basics of research design, ethics and how to design a research protocol. You'll cover key areas in this field including the formative, process and summative research, realistic evaluation, case study design and evaluation methods, action research and participatory methods.

You’ll also learn about the techniques of trial design and the role and importance of discrete projects for the demonstration of ‘proof of concept’, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness. You’ll gain a broad grounding in applied research and evaluation each week and examine research articles for discussion in seminars/workshops.

On completion of your studies, you'll have the expertise to evaluate research appropriately, using your knowledge and understanding of the relationship between research, evidence and practice.

About the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS)

CHSS is a centre of research excellence which undertakes high quality research into a wide range of health and social care systems and health and care services issues at local, national and international levels.

Prioritising a creative, inclusive research culture, we build the evidence base for policy and practice to prevent ill-health, promote well-being and meet needs for care, focusing on primary and community services, public health and social care working with academic collaborators across the UK and the world.

If you are interested in studying for a PhD with us, please contact a potential supervisor with your ideas and draft a short proposal. The proposal should include an introduction, theoretical framework with relevant references, research design and methods, sample, research questions, ethical considerations, and a timeline.

Information for international students

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Please note that international fee-paying students cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Fees and funding

For further information about funding, including scholarships, please visit our funding web pages.