Primary Health Care MSc/PgDip/PgCert: Online distance learning
What our students say
What our students say
The following are comments from students who studied the MSc in Primary Care on-campus so although online learning will involve a different experience the overarching aims and learning outcomes of the programme remain the same and involve the same members of academic staff.
Why did you undertake the degree?
- To increase my understanding of primary care, multidisciplinary working and research.
- At the time of starting, I was new to primary care, having worked in acute for over 20 years. The course helped me gain confidence and theoretical knowledge for my post.
- For interest, and to broaden my horizons on the job front.
How well did it meet your expectations?
- The degree gave me theoretical information but, more importantly, it provided the opportunity to discuss real live issues with colleagues from a range of backgrounds - fantastic!
- Enjoyed the opportunity to listen, reflect, learn and be inspired.
- Each course achieved its aims and objectives. The department was supportive in every way and my research supervisor was exceptional.
How relevant did you find it to your professional/educational needs?
- The range and depth of subjects has equipped me with skills and ideas to develop within my own practice.
- Having this degree has helped reinforce my CV and has been noted in interviews.
- Enjoyed the emphasis on applying theory/research findings to the workplace. The research project in particular allows students to explore their own interests in more detail.
- It addressed broader themes than I would otherwise have the opportunity to study in such depth.
In what ways do you consider that your employer has benefited from your undertaking this degree?
- Improved application of theory to practice, especially in population health and inequalities.
- Skills gained have been utilised in carrying out job as prescribing advisor and in teaching of students and GPs.
- I can offer more "academic" solutions/contributions to organisational challenges.
- Having masters-level education is gold standard in the NHS! I think this should be mandatory for primary care staff involved in strategic decision-making!
In what ways has this degree changed the way you approach your practice?
- I now approach patient care, and encourage staff to do so, from a much broader perspective.
- I now take a more considered approach to problem solving. I more readily seek evidence to support practice because I can rapidly search for and appraise available evidence.
- Much more likely to look at latest research around the relevant area of work, and feel confident about processing various strands of evidence and from various disciplines.
- Improved consideration of inequalities and addressing widening gap when reviewing and redesigning services.
- Gained a broader perspective. Helped with communication with colleagues and patients. Completing the research project has improved my skills in report writing.
- Able to consider the true holistic needs of patients and families, and the wider requirements from a social and healthcare perspective.
- It has put ethical issues to the forefront of all thoughts.
What did you like best about this degree?
- Access to brilliant thinkers and the opportunity not just to be taught, but to engage with them and discuss issues in a non-threatening environment.
- Networking and time out from work to reflect.
- Different teaching methods held my interest and standards of teaching very high.
- The reading, the learning, the sharing...all of it!
What about the organisation/administration of the programme?
- Most impressed by the support and warmth of the "team".
- Well organised with excellent online support making participation for part-time students as accessible as possible.
- I have nothing but praise for the organisation, helpfulness and patience of the staff.
In what ways may this degree help to further your career?
- Promotion on the back of master’s work.
- It has given me the confidence to pursue further career opportunities.
- May consider a PhD.
- Has clarified my passions, and put me on a steady and defined course for career progression.
What was your overall experience/impression of this degree?
- The knowledge of the academic staff was exceptional and overall the culture within the department was open, friendly, and approachable.
- A well-balanced programme with a good choice of course and taste of doing some original research.
- Excellent - without doubt the most exciting and challenging course I have ever undertaken.
Have you recommended/would you recommend this degree to colleagues?
- Yes, and frequently do!
- All the time!
- I would recommend this degree to anyone who has a true interest in primary care and personal development.
Computer requirements for studying online
Broadband internet connection
- 3 mbps or higher
Internet Browsers
Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:
Desktop:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Internet Explorer
Mobile:
- MobileSafari
- Google Chrome
For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date.
Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser
Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:
- Internet Explorer 10 and below
- Safari 7 and below
Computer specifications
- Processor: 2GHz
- Operating system (minimum):
- Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
- Windows 7
- Mac OS X v10.4.11+
- Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
- Hard disk: 300GB
- Sound card and microphone
- Speakers or headphones
- Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher
Mobile device specifications
- iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
- Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome
Other software
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
- Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
- Anti-virus software
Advised hardware / software
- Microsoft Office 2010
- Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
- Webcam