Dissertation in Health and Social Care Practice (45 Credits)
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026, January 2027, May 2027
- End date: August 2027, January 2028, May 2028
- Module leader: Kathryn Warren
- Level: 7
- Credits: 45
Introduction
Dissertation thesis is undertaken as the final module for MSc Programmes within the School of Health and Social Care.
This self-directed applied research enables Students to undertake evidence-based analysis of chosen research methods, data collection/ extraction techniques, thematic and statistical interpretation to demonstrate key themes within professional practice.
They will be able to critically demonstrate knowledge, skills and impact relevant to your chosen research question, through recommendations for practice and a dissemination strategy.
Students must gain all appropriate organisational ethical approval, and meet the standards for the University’s Research Ethics Committee (UREC) Processes PRIOR to any data collection.
Who is this course/module for?
- Health and Social Care Professionals working to complete Masters level Study.
- Practitioners from wide ranging clinical, educational, leadership and academic workplace settings - to include
- Advanced Clinical Practice, Musculoskeletal Management, Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sensory Integration, Advancing Professional Practice, Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health, Diagnostic Imaging, Health and Social Care Education, Medical Ultrasound, Public Health, Perinatal and Mental Health and Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care.
What you’ll learn
This applied module utilises previous learning from Research and Innovation in Healthcare Practice, or similar. You will explore research governance processes to successfully gain ethical approval, and through justification, you will undertake data collection and extraction to thematically or statistically interpret your findings.
Key learning points:
- Applied research methodologies
- Professional impact through recommendations and disseminate within your local, regional and national communities.
Skills you’ll gain
- Experience with supervised real world applied research
- Critically explore and justify structured research question with chosen research methodology
- Critically explore and utilise frameworks for data collection, data extraction, thematic analysis, statistical interpretation.
- Writing for Publication
How you’ll learn
This is a self-directed module with supervisor support. Following induction (recorded), you will be allocated a supervisor from within the academic and research team. You can seek supervision throughout the module, from preparing your UREC Form, through to submission; you can arrange time with your supervisor for meetings, email and phone communications.
You are advised to read widely and deeply in relation to your chosen methodology, tools and techniques: this includes data collection and extraction tools, as well as analysis and interpretation techniques. A wealth of resources are available through the module’s published reading list, Library Gateway, and within the Library.
Options for assessment:
6000 word thesis (Traditional/Literature based review or Service Evaluation) and ViVA (20 mins), or
4000 word article for publication plus 2000 word justification.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £2,735 EU/ International students: £2,790 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
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| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: |
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Entry requirements
Students with a relevant professional registration, who are studying for the MSc Award within their programme. They must have appropriate clinical, educational, leadership or academic workplace opportunities to undertake their planned research, and have appropriate organisational support, as they will require appropriate permissions prior to gaining the University's ethical approval.
Normally, Students will have completed the PGD Requirements (120 Credits at level 07) in order to progress for enrolment, but this may be authorised if students are waiting ratification of results or are working to completing previous modules. This is at the discretion of programme leads.
Students can consider importing previous level 07 Credits into an MSC programme, through Record of Prior Learning (RPL). This must be in accordance with University RPL process. Please contact the appropriate MSc Programme Lead.
International students require reliable internet access and to supply IELTS scores.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Distance learning (fully online, independent study). Delivered entirely online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with no live sessions. Students study independently using guided materials and activities, with online academic support available to help them stay on track.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
MSc Dissertation Induction will take place 7.00pm - 8.30pm on:
- Wednesday 16 September 2026
- Wednesday 13 January 2027
- Wednesday 12 May 2027
This will be recorded and uploaded to the relevant module sites for those unable to attend.
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Thesis
- Viva: typically, a combination of a presentation/demonstration to one or more academics, with discussion, questioning and oral feedback
- Written Report
Successful completion of this module will earn you 45 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Kathryn Warren - kathryn.warren@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: