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    Health and Care - MRes

    Ideal for graduates interested in doctoral study or work as autonomous research staff and principal investigators, our MRes in Health and Care will equip you with a broad and complex understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of research. With access to Keele's Registered Clinical Trials Unit, Impact Accelerator Unit and strong links with the NHS, social care and third sector organisations, you will have the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world research environments whilst using big data. 

    Month of entry

    • September

    Mode of study

    • Full time, Part time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Counselling, Health and Rehabilitation, Life Sciences, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Radiography, Social Science, Social Science and Public Policy, Social work, Sport

    Fees for 2025/26 academic year

    • UK - Full time £12,700 per year. Part time £7,000 per year.
      International - £17,700 per year.

    Duration of study

    • 1 year full time, 2 years part time or up to 5 years modular
    Apply now

    Why study Health and Care at Keele University?

    80% Keele research rated world-leading or internationally excellent, (REF 2021)
    Access Keele's rich research practice environment and links with the NHS, social care, and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations
    Benefit from our international reputation in epidemiology with the potential to work with large datasets
    Undertake an empirical research project, a systematic review, or a research studentship application
    Develop skills related to your individual research project, using modules from across the university

    Course summary

    Our interdisciplinary-focused MRes draws from various fields to equip you with a broad and complex understanding of health and care issues. The programme offers the flexibility to tailor individual student research projects and elective modules to your discipline and area of interest, in discussion with the course director and your proposed supervisor. It also provides those interested in creating  a research portfolio to develop a thesis without the commitment of a full 3 or 4 year research project.

    During the programme you will undertake research methods training, research practice experience and have access to a variety of optional modules in fields including but not limited to, sociology, economics, engineering to develop your multi and inter-disciplinary training.  

    As a research-focused course, the bulk of your study is devoted to your research project, which you will begin preparing in the first semester and work on throughout the course under the supervision of an expert in an agreed field of interest. The research project offers an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate advanced knowledge and writing skills in your chosen research theme, preparing you to pursue a research career or further research study, such as a PhD.

    In the taught component of the course, you will explore:

    • A range of research methods including study design, statistics and qualitative analysis
    • Literature review and critical appraisal to develop your own research inquiry and get your research questions right
    • Research project management and governance
    • Research ethics and applying for ethical approval
    • The dissemination of research findings and writing for publications
    • Patient and public involvement in research
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion within research

    Practice based learning will include:

    • Practice modules that enable you to take part in research in your area of interest
    • Opportunities for involvement in existing research studies, whilst being supported under the supervision and mentorship of a senior researcher
    • Experience working in Keele's clinical trials unit and engagement in recruitment, informed consent, data collection and entry
    • Completing an Independent Research Project under the supervision of a senior researcher

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    Practical research opportunities

    You will have access to our rich research practice environment here at Keele and from our health and care providers, collaborating universities, research teams, research support entities, charities, communities and/or industry. These opportunities will offer you exposure to teams working and modelling high quality research delivery.

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    Course structure

    Our MRes offers a hybrid model of delivery and is normally completed within 1 year full time or two years part time. You will study 3 compulsory modules comprising of 2 taught (15 credit) modules and a (120 credit) Research Project. You will also have the flexibility to choose 2 elective modules to the value of 30 credits.

    A high proportion of the credits are devoted to the research project (120/180 credits) which will encourage discipline-based research training and collaborative working with a Project Supervisor and other relevant networks. Academic counselling will be used to guide you in the choice of research project and identification of your development needs. This will commence from the interview stage and continue throughout the programme.

    • Full-time students will complete the programme in 12 months (1 year), with work spread evenly across the year. You will start the planning work on your research project and dissertation from the start of the programme.
    • Part-time students will complete the programme over 24 months (2 years). Preparation of the research project will begin in your first year of study and continue over the final 12 months.
    • Students studying via the modular route can accumulate their degree credits over a period of maximum 5 years (including the dissertation, any re-assessments and periods of leave of absence).

    Modules

    The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

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    Entry requirements

    • Prospective students will also need to hold a current first level Professional Registration with a relevant regulatory body e.g., Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), General Medical Council (GMC), Social Work England, British Association Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Academy for Healthcare Science, General Chiropractic Council, General Dental Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, UK Public Health Register.
    • All students who have applied and meet the entry requirements will be invited to an interview with the Programme Director.
      The interview will focus upon the programme modules and future research project.  
    • International students require IELTS 6.5 with no subset lower than 6.0. The University also accepts a range of internationally recognised English tests.

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    Entry requirements

    The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

    Typical offer

    Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

    Typical offer: 2:2 degree in a health or social care related subject Additional criteria apply

    Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

    UK

    2:2 degree in a health or social care related subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Bangladesh

    60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health or social care subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health or social care subject from a private university
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Canada

    70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    China

    70% in a degree in a health or social care subject or 65% in a degree in a health or social care subject from a '211' university
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Ghana

    Second class degree in a health or social care subject,
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    India

    55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Kenya

    Second class degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Nepal

    60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Nigeria

    Second class degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Pakistan

    We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information

    or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

    South Africa

    Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a health or social care subject
    or
    Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Sri Lanka

    55% in a special bachelor's degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Uganda

    Second class degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Zimbabwe

    Second class degree in a health or social care subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
    • Prospective students will also need to hold a current first level Professional Registration with a relevant regulatory body e.g., Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), General Medical Council (GMC), Social Work England, British Association Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Academy for Healthcare Science, General Chiropractic Council, General Dental Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, UK Public Health Register.
    • All students who have applied and meet the entry requirements will be invited to an interview with the Programme Director.
      The interview will focus upon the programme modules and future research project.  
    • International students require IELTS 6.5 with no subset lower than 6.0. The University also accepts a range of internationally recognised English tests.

    English language requirements

    All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

    References

    Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

    Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

    Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

    RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

    General information

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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    Mature students discussing project sitting at table

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    Funding

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

    Scholarships

    Keele University has partnered with the University of Birmingham to offer a scholarship opportunity for students interested in our Healthcare MRes programme.

    The Insight West Midlands (WM) programme provides a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded opportunity.

    Click here for full eligibility criteria and further information.

    For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.

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    Your career

    On successful completion of this programme you will be well prepared to practise within the local or national research workforce, engaging in high-quality research that improves health and care. You will also have acquired and secured the necessary academic and clinical research skills to continue to doctoral study.

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    Methods of teaching

    Modules are delivered through a variety of learning and teaching methods using a blended learning approach. The differing modes of delivery, such as online and distance learning, also encourages inclusivity if you are at a distance from the university and cannot attend campus regularly. 

    Teaching methods include: 

    • Discussions
    • Individual presentations
    • Keele's virtual learning environment (KLE)
    • Lectures
    • Microsoft Teams
    • One-to-one supervision
    • Small group work

    Methods of assessment

    Assessment methods include:

    • Examinations
    • Oral presentation
    • Problem-solving exercises
    • Reports
    • Research dissertation
    • Written assignments

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    Keele Postgraduate Association

    Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

    KPA interior

    Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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    Our expertise

    Teaching staff

    You will benefit from academic staff who are specialists from across the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. There are a significant proportion of staff with a PhD or Professional Doctorate, and almost all the remaining staff hold Master’s level qualifications. Postdoctoral staff have expertise across quantitative, qualitative, mixed method and participatory methodologies, and laboratory-based research. 

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    Facilities

    Registered Clinical Trials Unit

    Keele Clinical Trials Unit is a multidisciplinary team, led by Dr Ivonne Solis-Trapala, working in partnership with clinical colleagues to provide professional services to investigators conducting research. The CTU specialises in the development and delivery of high-quality multicentre clinical trials, designed to test new treatments and therapies, and other high-quality clinical studies, including large cohort studies.

    Impact Accelerator Unit

    Keele University has a specialist unit called the Impact Accelerator Unit (IAU), which aims to accelerate the uptake of health and care research into policy and clinical practice – so that people can benefit from the latest treatments quicker and valuable research knowledge is not wasted. The IAU is collaborative and multidisciplinary - it is made up of clinicians (GPs, nurses, physiotherapists), researchers, knowledge mobilisers, race equality experts and patients and the public, who all work together to co-design and co-produce innovations that are based on the latest health research. The unit works with strong NHS networks and communities to adapt these innovations for use in practice and ultimately improve treatment and quality of life for patients in the UK and beyond.

    Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Research and Innovation Excellence (CeNREE) UHNM 

    The mission of the Centre for NMAHP Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE) UHNM is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, practitioners, and learners can do what they do best: improve clinical outcomes and experience through access to clinical research for staff and patients. Excellence will be applicable across the wider NHS through leadership and excellence in nursing, midwifery and allied health professional education, research and practice.

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