In this module you will complete a project involving health data analysis, which may be related to your work. This gives you the opportunity to frame your own research questions and carry out a significant piece of research, often within a real clinical environment. The project is carried out over 8 months, and is researched and written under the supervision of a member of academic staff. You will scope the topic area and develop the research question, undertake detailed planning for your research project, including finding out about ethical considerations, and submit a project proposal. Following feedback on your proposal, you will then carry out your research project. The module provides a structure for taught and independent study to enable you to explore the theoretical principles, approaches and methods of research using health data analysis. You will also learn how to manage the practicalities of research, such as project planning, and gain experience in writing a proposal. You will write up your work in a reflective and scholarly way and learn how to prepare your work for publication. Most of your individual work will be in conjunction with your supervisor, however the dissertation team also run a number of workshops to develop generic skills and for you to progress your work with additional researchers and with your peers.

At the end of this module you will:

1. Know how to undertake an original research project in health data analysis

2. Be able to explore and contribute to the academic literature on research in one specific area relevant to health analysis

3. Be able to undertake independent research particularly in relation to:

Critical reviewing of the relevant literature

Planning and application of one or more appropriate research techniques

Managing time and resources to meet a deadline

Addressing ethics issues where appropriate

Data analysis

Evaluation of the results

Effective presentation of research findings

4. Develop higher level academic skills relevant to the preparation of a proposal and publication

5. Develop project and time management skills

The module is delivered through web-based distance learning in the UCL Virtual Learning Environment plus eight face-to-face days across the academic year.