The aim of the module is to equip students with knowledge and critical understanding of social science methodologies including issues of research design and ethics. The module introduces students to principles of research design and of data collection and analysis in selected research methods and develops students ability and skills to apply these methods rigorously and reflexively in research practice.

​Through this module students undertake a project of public health research on a topic of their own choosing. Students can choose one of the following formats: empirical study collecting primary data (qualitative and/or quantitative), empirical study using secondary data publicly available in official data repositories (e.g., UK Data Service), library-based studies, policy-review or theory-led (including PhD proposals).

​With the support of an academic supervisor and a programme of dissertation workshops, produced work will show a detailed understanding of their chosen topic through the application of relevant knowledge, theories and concepts acquired throughout the course and through their own independent study. Students will demonstrate their ability to plan and conduct public health research with rigour and to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision.

​The module provides students the opportunity to work with a project partner in the private or public sector to deliver a research project related to public health. Based on a brief by the project partner, students will conduct and write an original study that solves a real-world problem or addresses a research need by the partner organisation. 

​The module equips students with academic skills needed for conducting their research project. In addition, it fosters employability skills through careers-related training, fostering professional communication, networking and other workplace-related skills.​