Overview

What is the difference between evaluation and research? What are the evaluative approaches used in the health and care services today? How does evidence-based research influence healthcare practice?

On this course you’ll ask these key questions and many more as you master the basics of research design, ethics and how to design a research protocol. You'll cover key areas in this field including the formative, process and summative research, realistic evaluation, case study design and evaluation methods, action research and participatory methods. 

You’ll also learn about the techniques of trial design and the role and importance of discrete projects for the demonstration of ‘proof of concept’, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness. You’ll gain a broad grounding in applied research and evaluation each week and examine research articles for discussion in seminars/workshops. 

On completion of your studies, you'll have the expertise to evaluate research appropriately, using your knowledge and understanding of the relationship between research, evidence and practice.

CHSS is a centre of research excellence which undertakes high quality research into a wide range of health and social care systems and health and care services issues at local, national and international levels.

Prioritising a creative, inclusive research culture, we build the evidence base for policy and practice to prevent ill-health, promote well-being and meet needs for care, focusing on primary and community services, public health and social care working with academic collaborators across the UK and the world.

If you are interested in studying for a PhD with us, please contact a potential supervisor with your ideas and draft a short proposal. The proposal should include an introduction, theoretical framework with relevant references, research design and methods, sample, research questions, ethical considerations, and a timeline. 

For submitting a full application, you will need to apply online. For full details on the application process, please see our how to apply pages.