MSc in Translational Health Sciences

The Social Science of Innovation: This new course takes an interdisciplinary and applied approach to the challenges of implementing innovations and research discoveries in a healthcare setting

Turning innovations into practical solutions for healthcare needs is an imperative – and one that can only become more urgent as demands on health systems increase. Our key focus in this Master's programme will be the ‘downstream’ phases of translational health sciences – the human, organisational and societal issues that impact on the adoption, dissemination and mainstreaming of research discoveries. We will address these issues using robust, interdisciplinary and practice-based approaches in this highly applied course.

This MSc is ideal for researchers who want to study scientific and technological innovation in a healthcare setting and research managers looking to run clinical trials or promote the uptake of research findings. It will also assist entrepreneurs (from an industry or clinical background) who seek to improve patient care through innovation and policymakers (local and national) wishing to support research and its translation to improve services. For students interested in undertaking doctoral research, the MSc will prepare them to apply for a DPhil in Translational Health Sciences. We expect all our students to have some relevant past experience in a work environment.

Translational science is inherently interdisciplinary, and we anticipate a vibrant, international cohort from multiple sectors, allowing the sharing of ideas and experience for the benefit of all our students.

To complete the course, you must take one compulsory module, five modules that you choose from approximately nine options, and complete a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

Each module typically involves:

• preparatory reading
• structured individual and group activities (delivered online)
• a one-week intensive residential course with lectures, small group activities and presentations
• an online follow-up to support you in writing your module assignment.

Assessment for each module is based on performance in a group presentation and a 4,000-word essay.

Our teaching model aims to make full use of our students’ real-world experience and diversity. Once you have covered key principles and topics, you will be encouraged to immerse yourself in case studies (some of which can be from your own experience) and to contribute actively and critically to group discussions. Your learning will be further enriched with input from visiting lecturers, experts-in-residence and organisations outside academia (potential examples would include biotech and software companies, policy bodies such as NICE and patient charities).

The course is delivered by research-active tutors from the University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, led by Professor Trish Greenhalgh.

The MSc in Translational Health Sciences is a part-time course. There is one compulsory module, five option modules and a dissertation. Please contact us for information on fees.