In order to fulfil the requirements for the MSc in Health Services Management students must also carry out a research project, this may include a:

i) Piece of empirical research utilising quantitative or qualitative methods

ii) Secondary analysis of routine data or datasets collected as part of a larger study or utilising routine health service data

iii) A comprehensive and original literature review on a relevant subject

iv) A health policy report of an issue using evidence from the literature and/or from original sources to draw conclusions and make policy recommendations.

v) A health service quality improvement project utilising quantitative or qualitative methods.

The research project is an independent piece of work which students take under the supervision of a member of the academic staff and/or an external supervisor.

Supervisors meetings to be arranged between student and supervisor - suggested to be an hour every two weeks during semester 2 and the summer period.

None

Assessment

Students will submit a significant piece of written work (10,000 to 12,000 words) (85%) plus an oral presentation (15%) detailing the research process and subsequent findings with recommendations.

This course aims to provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate leadership, initiative and originality as well as their extensive understanding of the theory and practice of health services management through the design and development of a specific research proposal and the completion of a research project within a specific area.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

i) Formulate and critically evaluate research questions for a health services management and develop relevant project designs to answer these 

ii) Critically evaluate and synthesise research evidence.

iii) Take responsibility for own learning and research and conduct independent and effective study.

iv) Develop skills in managing research-based work in health service management

v) Communicate complex ideas associated with health services management to a wide range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.

vi) Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.

vii) Write a concise report account of their project work in an academic style detailing the research process, subsequent results with recommendations for future work.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.