Research Methods Applied to Public Health (Level 7, 30 credits)
Part-time
One semester
September 2025
In a nutshell
You can take this course as a single module for continuing professional development or as part of our MSc Public Health or MSc Advanced Medical Imaging programmes.
You will:
- develop a rigorous approach to research
- prepare to complete a dissertation or research project
- explore contemporary public health issues
All about the course
In this module you will learn about contemporary issues and debates in research, the nature, role and context of research in health and social care and the theoretical issues and approaches to research. You will master developing research questions and hypotheses, search for evidence and information and form a critical review of existing research.
The University of Salford’s School of Health and Society is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER).
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
This module can be taken as stand-alone for the purposes of continuing professional development. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of a range of research techniques that can be applied to a variety of research situations.
Career Links
Lecturers on the MSc Public Health have close links with a range of national and international agencies and community partnership, most through research, with an ‘applied’ focus. Examples of these links include: The World Health Organisation’s Collaborating centre for Research in Oral Health in Deprived Communities; The Royal Society for Public Health; The NHS; Department of Health; Strategic Health Authority; and The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The benefits of these links to students include: research informed teaching; a strong applied focus to the programme; the opportunity to engage with key public health professionals and practitioners; and access to an exciting seminar series, including speakers of international renown.
What you need to know
This course is suitable for those who want to develop a comprehensive understanding of a range of research techniques that can be applied to a variety of research situations.
Previous study and experience
An Honours degree – normally 2.2 or above, preferably in a health related subject.
An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,470 per 30 credit module |
| Part-time | 2026/27 | £1,530 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.