Starting Out in Health and Social Care Research (FutureLearn)

Get advice on how to formulate a research question and take your first steps as a researcher

There are many ways to get involved with research. First, you need to decide what you’re interested in researching, and how much time you can devote to the task.

In the first half of the course, you’ll cover the basics of starting out as a researcher. You’ll learn how to manage your time, balance work and research commitments, and begin formulating that all-important research question.

Learn more about research funding and how to get approval for research projects

To turn your idea into a fully-fledged project, you’ll need to secure funding and apply for approval. In Weeks 5 and 6, you’ll delve into the nitty gritty of research funding, research ethics, and research governance.

Focussing on specific procedures within health and social care, you’ll be advised on how to get research approved and by whom.

Explore ways of sharing research and boosting public engagement

Patient and public involvement and engagement is a vital part of health and social research today. In the final two weeks of the course, you’ll explore ways of involving the public in your project and ensuring its results reach as many people as possible.

From planning to publication, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of key milestones in the research process.

Syllabus

Week 1: Getting started

Week 2: Balancing work and research commitments

Week 3: Getting involved in research

Week 4: Developing a research idea

Week 5: Finding and securing research funding

Week 6: Obtaining approvals for research

Week 7: Involving members of the public in research

Week 8: Sharing research with others

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Explain why research is important to health and social care

- Reflect on the benefits and challenges of blending existing roles with research

- Investigate different opportunities to get involved in research

- Compare different research questions and types

- Identify and examine research funding opportunities

- Discuss the role and function of research governance

- Assess the contribution members of the public make to research

- Explore different ways in which research is shared with others

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for health and social care professionals in any field who are planning to get involved in research.

Whether you’re a brand new or a returning researcher, you’ll gain the guidance you need to enter the world of research with confidence and insight.