Learn to design effective, rigorous and ethical healthcare research projects.
Join an online Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods for Health that will prepare you to carry out healthcare research.
You’ll develop the skills and confidence to design and undertake research in your own workplace, and be more competitive in securing external funding for research projects.
You’ll learn to:
- critically appraise research evidence (including systematic reviewing)
- develop a research question and justify an appropriate study design
- select the most suitable statistical method for analysis
- choose the right methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data
- interpret your findings.
You’ll be supported by internationally experienced active researchers. Their work informs government and healthcare organisations. They’ll share their experience and expertise with you as you build your skills.
Who is this online PgCert for?
This distance-learning PgCert is designed to help healthcare professionals, policymakers and early-career researchers improve their research qualifications in their spare time. Studying part-time online, there’s no need to relocate or take a career break.
Fits around full-time work
This PgCert is designed to fit around work. With part-time hours and 24/7 study access.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
NHS and alumni discounts
NHS staff get 10% off this qualification. University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- or start with one of the short courses that make up this PgCert (15 credits).
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
How you’ll study
Online learning
Research Methods for Health is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
Your teaching
Your online teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- podcasts
- discussion boards
- journal articles
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Your tutors
This online PgCert is designed and led by our Institute of Applied Health Sciences. You’ll learn from a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers. Each course has its own specialised coordinator.
We actively encourage engagement with other students, so you’ll also learn from your peers across countries and disciplines.
Assessments
This PgCert is assessed entirely online. We use several types of assessment, including multiple-choice quizzes, short online tests, essays, presentations and peer review.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Professor Amanda Lee
Amanda is co-programme coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about course content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
View Amanda’s profile
Professor Kirsty Kiezebrink
Kirsty is co-programme coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about course content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
View Kirsty’s profile
Clare McHattie
Clare is part of the School’s postgraduate teaching support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Towards a PgDip and Masters
This PgCert underpins many of our online degrees. You can use it to continue on to our:
- PgDip and MSc in Clinical Nutrition
- PgDip and MSc in Health Economics for Health Professionals
- Master of Public Health (MPH).
You can also use your PgCert as the first stage in gaining an MSc in Applied Health Sciences.
Careers
Your qualification will be recognised by healthcare employers and learning institutions around the world. Your PgCert will give you the skills to:
- confidently carry out health research and lead improvements in your workplace
- be more competitive in securing external funding for projects to improve health and reduce health inequalities.
You’ll also have broadened your network of professional contacts.
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£5,420
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.
The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our indicative cost includes a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Why study health research online with the University of Aberdeen?
1st in Scotland
We’re rated 1st in Scotland for Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Real-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legislation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people.
Our research impact
Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health research over the last 40 years.
Why we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary PrizeEntry requirements
PgCert
- A 2:2 (lower-second) health-related honours degree
- or be able to demonstrate evidence of equivalent experience in healthcare practice or research.
These are our minimum entry requirements. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.
Short course route to PgCert Research Methods for Health
If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full PgCert, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into the PgCert instead.
Find out about our short course route to entryApply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- INDICATIVE COST
- £5,420
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
