This course provides learning opportunities to enable you to gain advanced knowledge and understanding of the social science disciplines related to health, illness and health care. We aim to produce graduates who can proceed to careers in research in universities, and the public or private sector.

Delivery

We deliver teaching via a mix of:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical sessions

This encourages active learning through discussion, problem solving and group work. Some sessions will involve student presentations, and preparatory or further reading and individual study will be required for others.

One third of the course involves undertaking a research project, which is developed in collaboration with academics in the Institute of Health and Society. You can choose from a wide range of projects put forward by our academic staff, or select your own project. Projects undertaken vary and can involve:

• primary data collection (quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods)
• secondary analysis of a wide range of available datasets
• a systematic review

In semester one you will develop your knowledge and understanding of research methods. We will provide you with regular research supervision throughout the course.

The course is research training recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) under its 1+3 system (Master's degree plus PhD) for funding postgraduate studies through the ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership.

Module changes

Module changes

Modules change annually to take account of:

• changing staff expertise
• developments in the discipline
• the requirements of external bodies and partners
• student feedback.

Most module information for 2018 entry will be available from mid-May 2018.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2018 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

English Language Requirements

To study this course you need to meet the following English Language requirements:

Direct Entry: IELTS 7.5 overall (with at least 7.0 in writing)

Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you live outside the UK/EU you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.