Program Overview
The Research Ethics and Governance module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of legal, regulatory, and ethical principles in health and social care research. Through online delivery and optional real-time sessions, students learn to apply these principles, safeguarding research participants' rights and promoting ethical research practices. The module is suitable for health professionals, social care workers, and students from various disciplines seeking to enhance their research skills or pursue a PhD in health research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The module, Research Ethics and Governance, is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements in health and social care research.
- Develop an advanced awareness of the need to consider and address the legal/regulatory and ethical responsibilities of researchers during all stages of the research process.
- Provide an opportunity for students to fully appreciate the key principles of good clinical practice in research as expected by external bodies including funding agencies, user groups and professional organisations nationally and internationally.
- Promote a critical understanding of the complexities of research ethics and governance within a healthcare setting including key historical developments in this area and current good practice guidance.
- Provide opportunities for students to critically consider issues of ethics and governance in the planning, conducting and reporting of research studies.
- Promote a critical understanding of the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of research participants and the consequences of research ethical and governance misconduct.
Assessment:
Assessment for this module is through an essay on research ethics and governance related to a research project and topic identified by the student as relevant to their own practice/interests.
Teaching:
The module is delivered online, allowing students to study at their own pace. There are optional real-time online teaching sessions, which are recorded for later viewing. Students are expected to participate in online discussions and problem-solving sessions. They also have access to electronic learning resources such as podcasts.
Careers:
The MRes Health Research is designed for students who wish to pursue a variety of different careers in health where research is a core component. Students wish to make a contribution to applied research in a range of contemporary health and social contexts. Most of the students are employed as health professionals whilst they study part-time. Upon completion of their studies, most students will stay in their clinical speciality but use their enhanced research skills/knowledge in their roles, such as conducting their own research or service evaluations. Some students wish to use their Masters study as preparation for a PhD. The program has a strong track record of students gaining recognition for their research work and winning funding for PhD study.
Other:
The module is suitable for professionals from a wide range of health and social care backgrounds, as well as students from other academic disciplines. Learning is online with flexible delivery around work and family commitments. The module is part of the MRes Health Research (Online). Students can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:
- Qualitative Research and Analysis
- Quantitative Research and Analysis
- Skills for Knowledge Enquiry
- Study Design for Health Research
University of Stirling
Overview:
University of Stirling is a public university located in Stirling, Scotland. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with a focus on providing a flexible and engaging learning experience. The university is known for its commitment to research and its dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a welcoming environment for new students, offering a variety of welcome activities to help them adjust to life at Stirling. The campus is known for its beautiful setting and offers a range of facilities and resources for students, including accommodation, sports facilities, and a library.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexible undergraduate degree courses:
The university offers over 170 flexible undergraduate degree courses.Commitment to research:
The university is dedicated to research and its impact on the world.Focus on sport:
Stirling is known as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, offering a strong combination of sport and education.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has a Strategic Plan 2030 that outlines its vision for the future. The plan aims to make a difference in people's lives and be a force for good in the world.
Entry Requirements:
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
