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Students using the nursing clinical observation suite

Health Research MRes (PGCert PGDip)

  • Intro
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
  • Entry
    criteria
  • Fees
  • Location and
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Intro

The Health Research MRes is based in the vibrant research environment of the School of Sport and Health Sciences and provides extensive health research training for professionals working in a health environment.

The course is suitable for those working in a health-related field, clinical or non-clinical, who meet the entry requirements.

You will be prepared for a leadership role in research and may be able to progress to doctoral-level studies.

Note this course is based at either Falmer or Eastbourne, depending on your supervisor and chosen modules. 

If you have questions or need more information, the course team will be happy to help. Email them at mresandhealthsciencesinternships@brighton.ac.uk.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Falmer or Eastbourne

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2–6 years

In allied health professions, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy, 100% of our research environment is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Course content

Course structure

As a research degree, the research component is greater than the taught part of the course. The course is made up of four taught modules in the early part of the course, and a supervised clinical research project.

The taught component involves a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, and the research component is supported by a series of workshops and individual tutorials.

Areas of study

You'll receive a wide-ranging introduction to qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis, and research ethics and governance in health. In addition to this, you will choose to study specific research methodologies in depth, allowing you to focus on those of most relevance to your practice and research interests.

In order to undertake and lead health-related research, one of the core modules focuses on areas such as public and patient involvement in research, the production of evidence to support decision-making by policy makers, the legislative requirements of undertaking clinical trials and the ethical and economic issues influencing health research.

You will have the opportunity, via a supervised research project, to undertake a piece of health-based research within your own area of practice. This allows the research undertaken to directly contribute to your current practice and feeds directly into service provision.

Clinical education students

Syllabus

Core modules

  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Qualitative Research
  • Research Ethics and Integrity in Health and Social Care
  • MRes Health Research Dissertation

Options*

Choose one from:

  • Research Theory and Application for Health Professionals
  • Mixed Methods Research
  • Essential Statistics for Health and Medical Research
  • Epidemiology
  • Research Methods and Critical Appraisal

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Health sciences postgraduate education
This course is part of our postgraduate education programme. The programme allows you to sign up for one module at a time and build your qualification as you go. It also gives you access to interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects.

Research students

Research facilities

The School of Sport and Health Sciences is a vibrant research environment for staff and students and embraces research activities of allied health professionals.

We aim to produce research that is sustainable and improves the quality of life for the individual and society, while supporting and sustaining the health professions that we represent.

The human movement laboratory

The human movement laboratory is used widely for research and teaching within the school, as well as commercial consultancy activities. You will benefit from our state of the art resources, which include:

Force plates or force platforms are instruments designed to detect forces and movements applied to their top surface. Traditionally they are used to assess forces during walking or running. They are a very versatile piece of equipment and can be used to measure a number of other effects such as balance. By using custom made jigs their usefulness can be further extended for example they can be used to measure forces applied during manual therapy.

The CODA (Cartesian Opto-electronic Dynamic Anthropometer) is a three dimensional movement-measuring system developed over the course of the last 20 years by Charnwood Dynamics Limited. The CODA has been used for a wide range of three dimensional analysis applications and is now an accepted method of determining the spatial and temporal parameters of movement. The system allows rapid and accurate measurement of human movement using light weight markers attached to the skin.

Fastrak is an electromagnetic tracking system suitable for measuring human movement. The system comprises up to four sensors whose position and orientation in space can be monitored in real time. Example clinical and research applications included monitoring the range of movement of joints, evaluating sitting or standing posture and monitoring the transition between the two, for example the sit to stand movement.

Xsens is another instrument suitable for measuring 3D human movements, and is based on inertial sensor technology, for example miniature accelerometers and gyroscopes. It is relatively small, light and very portable and therefore can be used outside the laboratory setting such as in homes and offices.

Electromyography (EMG) is used to measure the activity of muscles. Electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscle to be measured and the electrical activity of that muscle is recorded. This data can be used to look at the time at which the muscle turns on and off, the amount of electrical activity it is producing and whether the muscle is becoming fatigued.

The isokinetic dynamometer can be used for muscle and joint function assessments for either performance or rehabilitation purposes. Being initially developed for rehabilitation purposes, isokinetic dynamometry is one of the safest forms of exercise and testing. The isokinetic dynamometer measures muscular torque during isolated joint movements.

Ultrasound is used for the scanning of soft tissue structures within the body. Originally developed for foetal scanning, it is now used for scanning a wide array of structures including internal organs, muscle and joint structures and nerves. It utilises high frequency sound waves which pass into the underlying tissues and reflect back to produce an image of the underlying tissue.

F-Scan Insole system for studying foot pressure.

Electrogoniometers are designed for the measurement of joint angular movements. The sensors are attached across the joint with double-sided medical adhesive tape. The joint angles can be stored or displayed using various pieces of equipment. The sensors and instruments are lightweight, allowing data of human activity to be displayed or recorded while leaving the subject to move freely in the normal environment.

GAITRITE for studying walking patterns.

The Vibrameter is used to assess the nerve conduction of specific sensory nerve fibres. It is often used in a clinical setting to test for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury (RSI). A probe is placed on the area to be tested and a vibration stimulus is produced, the subject is asked to let the operator know when they first feel the sensation of vibration. The vibration stimulus is then turned down and the subject is asked to report when the sensation disappears.

Electronic algometer - Pressure algometry is well documented in scientific literature as an efficient, objective physical component for evaluating point tenderness, pain syndromes and patients' pain perceptions. JTECH algometry systems enable you to objectively quantify pressure pain thresholds and tolerances for establishing a diagnosis, evaluating efficacy of pain-relieving modalities and medications, tracking progress, and evaluating pain perception.

The laboratory also has equipment required for conducting cardio-pulmonary investigations including Cosmed metabolic system and spirometry.

Staff profiles 

Dr Nina Dunne, Course Leader and Principal Lecturer

Nina has a background in child health and, in particular, long term conditions. She has worked in the NHS managing intensive care and paediatric dialysis units as well as working in service user development, access to health care services initiatives and shared decision-making policies.

Nina was awarded a scholarship for her PhD at the University of Manchester, which was completed in 2011 and focused on adherence in children on dialysis.

As course leader, she supports all disciplines of allied health professionals undertaking masters research. She is currently involved in research exploring decision-making competence in children.

Dr Nina Dunne

Dr Kay Aranda, Reader and Postgraduate Research Coordinator

Kay has a background in community health, working in the NHS in community nursing, primary care and women’s health, as well as community development, health activism and health promotion in the voluntary sector. 

As Postgraduate Research Coordinator (PGRC), she supports all levels of postgraduate research, and is the first point of contact for the school for enquiries and PHD applications.

Kay is currently involved in research exploring inequalities related to ageing, gender, sexuality, as well as healthcare and dignity. 

Dr Kay Aranda

Careers

The course gives you the opportunity to develop your health research career by developing your research leadership skills.

Many of our students go on to join the NIHR Clinical Academic Training Pathway.

The course also acts as a platform for progression to doctoral-level research for some graduates.

Health studies seminar

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience

  • This course is open to allied health professionals, midwives, nurses and other professionals working in clinical practice.
  • You should hold current registration with an appropriate regulatory body and meet NHS Trust workforce requirements.
  • Normally you will have a first or upper second class degree in your area of professional practice.

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through our Extended Masters programme.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 8,100 GBP

International (full-time) 14,300 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Health Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Where health course includes a placement
    • UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
    • Overseas students are not covered by the NHS scheme, this means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/ travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
  • An initial set of specialist clothing and uniforms, where required, are included in the course fees.
  • DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £100 if buying your own copies.
  • In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
  • For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
  • The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. 7,000 students are based here taking subjects including criminology, English, education, nursing and medicine, paramedic science, psychology and sociology. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. Psychology students learn in our applied cognition and flexible creative method labs.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes, and a students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls are on Falmer campus and offer a range of rooms
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Private renting
There's plenty of support if you opt for private renting. This is an option which offers choice and flexibility – enabling you to choose where you live and who with. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

School of Sport and Health Sciences
01273 644087
MResAndHealthSciencesInternships@brighton.ac.uk

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