In this Master's level unit, you will explore and evaluate a range of models and approaches to public involvement in research from shaping your research idea and through each stage of the research cycle. You will identify a strategy for public involvement (what, why and how) that will best fit your research study allowing you to gain an appreciation of how collaborating with people with lived experience (public, patients, carers, service users and potential users)  can enhance your research. In this unit, you will explore and evaluate a range of models and approaches to public involvement in research with members of the BU PIER (Public Involvement in Education and Research) Partnership. Specific emphasis will be placed on strategies for engaging and collaborating with marginalised groups so as not to reinforce social and health inequalities and inequities.  

This course requires 100% attendance.

This unit is for Health and Social Care professionals.

Normally students may enter Level 7 (Master's level) study if they have been awarded:

• A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2
• An equivalent qualification (the learning outcome of which are demonstrably appropriate in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills) equivalent to 120 credits at Level 6.
• Experience of related clinical work/study/research is usually required. Health professionals with non-traditional academic backgrounds will also be considered

If you do not meet this criteria, you are still able to apply for this unit but we may ask you to complete a study skills handbook to familiarise yourself with academic writing at Master's degree level. The study skills handbook will be sent to you when we have received your application form.

Fees and funding:

You will need to pay or indicate employer support of payment for unit or course fees to the university.

Applicants should contact their employing organisation for further details.

Pre-purchased places

The Faculty of Health & Social Sciences has contractual arrangements with NHS organisations for pre-paid places on specified modules including NHS South of England. If you work within Dorset & Somerset or Hampshire & Isle of Wight you may be able to access the pre-paid places. These arrangements allow NHS Trusts to nominate the staff they wish to send on each unit or course.

The pre-arranged agreements allow individuals, such as yourself, a route to access appropriate professional development opportunities that are seen as strategically important to your organisation (in consultation with your Line Manager/Education Co-ordinator). All requests for pre-paid places must first be agreed by your organisation’s Education Lead prior to completing an application.

The unit coursework comprises of a conference poster with Q&A addressing each of the intended learning outcomes (please see below).

1. Explore and critically evaluate different models and approaches to public involvement in research
2. Design a strategy that would best fit their own research, project or public involvement role, including what, why and how it will be conducted and evaluated
3. Plan and conduct at least one session engagement activity with people with lived experience/patients/members of the public
4. Critically reflect on own research or practice based on feedback from people with lived experience/patients/members of the public
5. Consider inclusive methods and tools for involving groups currently under-served by research
6. Develop resources suitable for a wide audience

Course review:

In order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in practice to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.  These changes will come into effect for all new students from September 2025. Applicants will be notified by our admissions team of any changes.