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.

Course aims

The MSc in Translational Health Sciences aims to provide:

• An introduction to theory and method in the ‘downstream’ phases of translational health sciences the human, organisational and societal issues that influence the adoption, dissemination and mainstreaming of research discoveries
• A coherent overview of how, with a pragmatic orientation to real-world issues, different academic disciplines can inform problem-solving and guide action in translational health sciences
• A rigorous interdisciplinary training that develops advanced intellectual and research skills and prepares students who want to progress to doctoral study.

To be eligible for the course you should: Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course; Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field. As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject. Successful completion of a professional training course or professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field may also be considered.