Course description

These short courses cover both theoretical and practical aspects of applied health research. The teaching draws on the internationally renowned research of the Department of Population Health Sciences as well as other experts at the University of Leicester.

These courses offer a sound grounding in research methods, practice and theory in applied health research as well as developing key transferable skills in critical appraisal, academic writing, project management and communication.

These three short courses are also modules within the MRes in Applied Health Research and are also part of the MRes in Cardiovascular Science.

Please note: these short courses are delivered as part of the core modules on the MRes in Applied Health Research and are joined by students from several other programmes. Bringing together learners from across disciplines alongside short course participants creates a vibrant, collaborative environment that encourages lively discussion, diverse perspectives, and shared learning experiences.

Attendance only option

Each course can also be taken as 'attendance only' (ie. the same teaching but no assessment and no CPD credits) at a reduced rate. To register for the attendance only option please visit shop@le.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

Testimonials from our students

"I chose to study two MRes modules — Fundamentals of Applied Health Research and Introduction to Quantitative Methods — because they aligned closely with my professional development goals and offered the flexibility to study alongside my current role.

With support from my organisation, I was able to return to academic study after several years outside formal research practice, and both modules provided exactly the grounding I was hoping for. One of the aspects I valued most was the diversity of the cohort.

The mix of medical students, clinicians, and professionals returning to study from various backgrounds made discussions richer and highlighted how research benefits from a range of perspectives. The teaching experience was excellent. Each session was led by staff who were experts in their specific field, and hearing about their own career paths added useful context and relevance to the material.

I was also impressed by the level of support available. Even as a student taking individual modules rather than the full MRes, I was assigned a tutor for 1 to 1 guidance and feedback throughout the course, which made a meaningful difference to my learning experience.

Studying these modules helped me refresh and update key research skills, from understanding how modern tools like AI can support effective literature searching, to updating my quantitative research skills, including getting to grips with new (to me) software. Achieving a Merit in my first assignment gave me a welcome confidence boost and reaffirmed my decision to strengthen my skills through formal study.

I would highly recommend taking single MRes modules for CPD — especially for anyone looking to update or rebuild their research skills after time away from academia. The learning is well supported, practically focused, and immediately applicable to a range of professional contexts."

Fiona, Applied Health Science CPD student

"Having not formally studied for over a decade, I was a little unsure about taking on a full module, particularly as my degrees had been in a different discipline. However, the Qualitative module is so well structured and began with the basics, gradually building up knowledge in the relevant areas as the course progressed. I didn’t feel that I was at a disadvantage undertaking this module as a standalone CPD course rather than part of the wider MRes in Applied Health Research as the material was contained and relevant.

"There was a great balance between theory and practice, which allowed us to experience how concepts could be applied within the discipline. The timetabling of the sessions also gave me time to absorb what I’d learned in each teaching week before subsequent sessions. Both assessments were at an appropriate level, with enough support and contextual information to set us in the right direction. 

"For me personally, undertaking the module has reignited by passion to continue my own education with a clearer view of what I would like to achieve. It has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities that I had thought were outside of my scope and capability, with the module having acted as a bridge between my previous formal education in the Humanities and my new journey towards a research-focused career in Sociology and Health."

Sarah, Programme Co-ordinator