Health Policy, MPhil

COURSE OVERVIEW

Exploring the decision-making processes within health services in the UK and abroad, our research work supports policy changes that improve outcomes both for patients and healthcare practitioners

A MPhil in Health Policy gives you the opportunity to pursue your particular personal or professional research interests in this diverse field.

We have specific expertise in finance and service contracting, policy implementation studies, quality systems and public involvement.

Over the course of your studies, you will develop and enhance transferable skills such as problem-solving, project management, and critical thinking that are valued in any professional setting.

Recent research projects carried out by our students include purchaser-provider reforms, national health insurance system design, the UK private medical insurance sector, and public and patient involvement.

As a student at our College of Human and Health Sciences, you will benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines and develop links with organisations and policymakers both in the UK and abroad. As such, you can be confident that your research will inform and be informed by the wider healthcare environment.

According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2014-2021, over 75% of the research carried out at the college was of international or world-leading quality.

Programme Summary

This MPhil in Health Policy at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 60,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences.

Programme Aims

This Masters programme will provide students with:

The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

Entry and confirmation of candidature
Main body of research
Thesis and viva voce examination

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 2 years duration full time (4 years duration part time). Students may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).