Clinical Research (MClin Res)
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Teaching and learning
The programme is primarily delivered online to maximise access and increase flexibility. A variety of summative assessment methods are utilised which enable the integration of theory and practice and build on continuous formative assessment exercises which are part of each module with a variety of interactive, stimulating online exercises with regular self-assessment and feedback being a key feature.
Online components of the programme are complemented by opportunities for face-face learning and networking between students, programme and research staff through two 4-day campus-based introductory and winter study schools and 2 mid-semester study days.
These study schools include workshops and seminars delivered by research experts from a range of disciplines. The winter study school includes a research conference, with key note speakers/concurrent sessions presenting overviews of recent and ongoing studies with an emphasis on the process and methods of conducting these studies as well as the outcomes.
Progression and assessment
A variety of summative assessment methods are utilised which enable the integration of theory and practice and build on continuous formative assessment exercises which are part of each module materials - a variety of interactive, stimulating online exercises with regular self-assessment and feedback.
Online communication and academic support
The relationship and communication between academic staff and students is recognised as an essential element of the learning process. High standards of supervision and communication are facilitated on the course in a variety of ways:
- Web-based audio-visual meetings and tutorials: individual and group
- Synchronous and asynchronous text-based discussion boards
- Telephone
- Personal web-based collaboration areas
- Shared digital documents
- Peer-peer support through course specific discussion boards and chat rooms
Digital communication technologies have been extensively used by the School for the support of postgraduate students since 2001. Evaluation has demonstrated the benefits of such in ensuring regular, frequent and rewarding communication between postgraduate students and academic staff and supervisors.
Facilities
The School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work is based in a new state-of-the-art building housing seminar rooms, IT facilities, clinical and interpersonal skills laboratories and lecture theatres.
The wider facilities of the University are of an excellent standard, with one of the best library collections and resources in Europe. The School has extensive experience and good practice in online learning with dedicated e-learning technologists and rich online audio/video technologies.
The School was the one of the first in the UK to develop a distributed learning PhD/MPhil programme undertaken by a wide range of health and social care practitioners from the UK and overseas.