Still undecided on studying a health course? Read on to uncover the answers to frequently asked questions to help you decide if health is the right route for you.

 

1. Why should I study a health course?

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing sectors, which means there are excellent graduate employability rates. Working in healthcare will never be a dead-end job; there are so many places and roles you can take on and once you train in one subject, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills and advance into new areas.

Healthcare education in the UK is also very advanced, so your new-found skills would ensure you’re competent when working overseas too.

Our courses are built around all the above and are distinctive for three reasons: the flexibility of study, focus on employability and subject matter coverage – which allows you to opt for a clinical pathway, non-clinical holistic pathway or a combination of both.

 

2. How will I be assessed?

Good news – there are no exams! Assessments take place through discussion forums, peer presentations, essays, case studies and project proposals – as well as a dissertation if you’re studying a Masters degree.

Assessments bring a real-life work element to our courses and encourage you to use your very own experiences.

 

3. Career pathways

• Healthcare professional
• Education manager
• HR manager
• Business manager
• Social care professional
• Public health professional
• Holistic therapist
• Commissioning manager
• Policy advisor
• Specialist mental health practitioner
• Health service manager
• Mental health/ wellbeing advisor
• Human resources
• Coaching/ mentoring
• Specialist nurse/ AHP Manager
• Researcher

 

4. Why Essex Online?

There are many reasons to study with the University of Essex Online:

• study through our cutting-edge learning environment, available 24/7 wherever you are in the world
• receive comprehensive support from tutors, study skills team, the academic team and student support team
• receive your qualification from the University of Essex, a top 40 UK university (CUG 2023)
• our courses provide an opportunity to gain knowledge from a global perspective; international students form over 50% of the student cohort

 

5. How do I pay for the course?

There are various ways to pay for the course – for example by monthly or yearly instalments, or full payment upfront.

There are also discounts and scholarships available, and if you decide the course isn’t for you, we offer a 21-day moneyback guarantee.

 

6. How long is the course?

The indicative study duration of our Masters degrees is two years. If you’re looking for shorter courses, we also offer PG Cert and PG Dip courses, which have an indicative study duration of 16 months and 8 months respectively. Both shorter courses are respected standalone qualifications and can also be used as a stepping stone towards the full Masters degree.

Each course is made up of modules, with most running for 12 weeks and the dissertation for 26 weeks. We also allow students to double up on modules, should they have the time and wish to complete the programme quicker.

 

7. Can I study a course as part of my CPD?

Yes, we offer postgraduate-level online professional courses in Epidemiology, Healthcare Leadership in Practice and Topics in Public Health, each worth 20 credits at level 7. These can be studied in as little as 13 weeks and are fully accredited by The CPD Certification Service.

 

8. Can I take a break from my studies?

Students can take a break from their studies at any time during the programme. However, a full MSc must be completed within five years.

 

9. Will I have an opportunity to meet with my peers?

There are several opportunities for you to meet with your peers via the student lounge. This is a virtual forum space where you can discuss your progress in the module and engage in peer learning via student forums, assessments, live seminars and a monthly journal club.

 

10. Do I get to meet the tutors?

Our tutors have six live seminars per module and are available during office hours, which are twice per week during each module.

 

11. What does a typical module involve?

To keep it brief, a typical 20 credit module would contain the following:

• twelve weeks divided into twelve units
• six lecturecasts
• formative activities such as reflective questions
• six synchronous group-tutor session or seminar hosted by the module tutor
• specified tutor office hours per module, where students can arrange to speak to their module tutor on a one-to-one basis
• reading lists

 

12. Do I need to purchase books?

One core textbook per module is provided as a free eBook for all students to keep and access. The eBook can also be accessed offline.

All essential books, journal articles, reports and website links are available online via the University of Essex library. You can access essential and recommended reading via the module eBook or through the library’s catalogues or open access materials

All books, journal articles, reports and web sites are available online via the University of Essex library link.

 

13. What does teaching entail?

Learning materials are available in various formats to suit different learning styles and preferences, as well as enhancing accessibility. You’ll have access to these before beginning a module and are provided with tailored academic support resources. What’s more, assessment activities are ground in your own life and work experiences. Any queries you have – whether academic, administrative or technical – are responded to within 24 hours during the week and 48 hours at weekends.

 

14. Is there an induction period?

You’ll undergo an initial induction of two weeks, allowing you to meet fellow students and get used to online study.

 

Hopefully that answered all the queries you may have! If you’re interested in studying with us – browse our health courses here or download a prospectus.