PGCert in Health Research
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Health Research is designed for medical and dental trainees with the potential to become independent researchers, and to be taken part-time alongside work commitments, normally over one or two years.
Applications are still open. Up to a week's notice of closure will be provided on this page - no other notification will be given.
- Expected length:
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- Part time: 1-2 years
- Expected start date:
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- Part time:
- English language level:
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- Higher level required
A nurse holding a test tube (University of Oxford Images / Angel Sharp Studios)
About the course
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research will help you to:
- develop skills of research, design and data analysis in both qualitative and quantitative research;
- critically evaluate health research;
- apply the principles of evidence-based practice in healthcare settings;
- plan how to implement the findings of research to improve healthcare; and
- use theories and principles underpinning clinical research to inform your own research practice.
By the end of the course, it is anticipated that you will be able to:
- demonstrate a knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques appropriate for solving evidence-based health and care problems and be able to translate that understanding into good clinical practice;
- demonstrate a range of research skills enabling you to complete research successfully, either as part of a research team or as an individual; and
- acquire, interpret and analyse information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use through the study of the existing primary literature in the field.
But the end of the course, you should know and understand:
- health care organisations, their management and the changing context in which they operate;
- the ethical issues in health research and research governance;
- methods to integrate and synthesise different sorts of information, from diverse sources, when making both individual patient and health-policy decisions in a wide range of situations;
- the key issues for evidence-based practice in your own professional area or specialty; and
- how to work comfortably in situations of uncertainty and make sound judgements in the absence of definitive evidence.
The course is delivered through Oxford Lifelong Learning, with the expertise in curriculum design and teaching drawn from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and the Clinical Academic Graduate School.
Course structure
The Postgraduate Certificate is normally completed between one to two years. It consists of three assessed taught modules and includes thorough introductions to the principles of evidence-based practice in health, and to study design and research methods.
You will take two compulsory modules and an option module. The majority of modules are run over either an eight, or fifteen week learning cycle.
Most modules are either delivered fully online or in a blended format, however, some modules are only delivered with a blended format that includes a five day attendance in Oxford, and some are only run entirely online. In any given year, not all delivery formats for a module may be available.
Modules are spaced throughout the academic year, allowing a choice of options to be taken over the one to two years students attend the course.
Blended format
An initial period of self-directed study is spent on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is followed by a week spent in Oxford for supported face-to-face teaching, and then a further period of Post-Oxford activities (a mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission.
Fully online format
These are delivered through the VLE with the first week allocated to self-directed introductory activities.
For some modules, you will have a number of units to work through which are released week by week. Each unit includes a mixture of supported and self-directed learning with discussion forums, tasks and activities. You will then have five weeks of self-directed personal study with use of a revision forum and the requirement to submit an assignment electronically the following week. These modules usually run over a 15 week period.
For other modules, five consecutive days of synchronous and asynchronous teaching sessions will be followed by a further period of activities (A mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission. These modules usually run over an eight week period.
Core components
You will take two core modules.
Option modules
You will choose one option module.
Course details
Entry requirements
For entry in 2026-27