Last modified: 15 Oct 2025 12:16
This course introduces you to health research methods, focusing on designing strong research proposals. You'll learn to formulate research questions, choose study designs, identify outcomes, and plan data collection.
We will explore key study designs, from experimental to observational, and master sampling and data collection for both qualitative and quantitative research. You'll also develop skills in critical appraisal and research ethics, equipping you to design rigorous and impactful research.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 0 credits (0 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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This course gives you a comprehensive introduction to health research methods, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to design, evaluate, and refine research proposals. Rather than just focusing on the final proposal, this course emphasizes the research design process, encouraging you to engage in an iterative learning journey—refining your research ideas through feedback, critical reflection, and methodological considerations.
You'll explore the key elements of research design, including how to formulate strong research questions, select appropriate study designs, identify relevant outcomes, and plan data collection strategies. The course covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches, helping you understand their strengths, limitations, and applications in health research.
Through interactive and practice-based learning, you’ll take part in hands-on activities, case studies, and discussions that deepen your understanding of research design principles. Assessment isn’t just about producing a final research proposal—it’s about demonstrating your ability to critically reflect on the decisions you make throughout the research design process.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Self-assessed MCQ test with unlimited attempts. Correct answers will be provided at the end of the submission with a brief description of the justification. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Reflect on the strengths and limitations of research methodologies, demonstrating an understanding of how methodological choices influence research outcomes. |
| Procedural | Create | Demonstrate the ability to develop and refine a research question through an iterative process of study design selection, justification, & feedback incorporation. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Demonstrate the ability to critically assess potential ethical challenges, reflect on ethical decision-making, and refine research plans to maximise benefits and mitigate risks. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply principles of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in research design, to adapt and refine research to address issues of representation in research. |
| Reflection | Create | Develop and iteratively refine data collection strategies, incorporating feedback and critical reflection to improve data collection methods, and data management procedures. |
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