This programme is designed for healthcare professionals working in adult rehabilitation. The modules aim to develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge in the psychology of rehabilitation - appropriate for those working with adults. The focus is on specialist skills such as evaluating research or behaviour change and adaptation, providing a broad professional underpinning to practice, with a range of patient groups.
Developed by NHS healthcare professionals, the course is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of tutors including psychologists, counsellors, and hearing therapists, to ensure that each module draws on the most recent developments in theory and practice.
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Taught Modules
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Qualitative Research Methods for Health Services - this module develops knowledge and skills in designing, conducting and appraising qualitative research at a post graduate level. The module will link closely with Quantitative Methods and your dissertation.
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Theoretical Foundations of Rehabilitation - this module investigates models and theoretical constructs underpinning rehabilitation and their relationship to professional practice.
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Behaviour Change and Adaptation - This module considers psychological approaches for enabling behavioural change, to cope with specific difficulties in rehabilitation and communication.
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Dissertation – You will develop your skills in evaluating research, research design, analysis and interpretation. And acquire an in-depth, practical understanding of work that is at the forefront of research into rehabilitation. You will be supervised by an academic researcher at Aston University.
Option Choices
Two options to be chosen from the following:
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Counselling Skills – this module covers the person-centred approach and its application to counselling skills, audiology and the personal, ethical, and professional issues involved.
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Adult Aural Rehabilitation: Teaching Communication Skills - This module aims to provide audiologists with the knowledge, skills and resources to help hearing impaired patients develop their communication skills.
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Cognitive Functioning and Rehabilitation – You will explore the effects of cognitive impairments on everyday life and the numerous approaches to rehabilitation
Distance-Learning modules
Three of the core research-focused modules are delivered using computer aided distance learning:
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Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare - provides a comprehensive overview of the theories and methods used in behavioural healthcare research and an introduction to other methods. Students will become familiar with behavioural healthcare research at an advanced level and the relationship between theory and methodology within specific areas.
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Quantitative Analysis – you will be equipped with knowledge of statistical analyses for a range of research designs, practical experience of data handling and analysis in SPSS (specialist research software), experience of interpreting results to resolve research questions and evaluating quantitative research in Evidence Based Practice
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Evaluating Research – evaluating research to inform decision making in the rehabilitation field.
Applicants should be healthcare practitioners working with adult patients, or people wishing to embark on a career in this area.
Students should hold a degree in a relevant subject, and/or professional registration and evidence of relevant professional experience.
International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English language. They should meet our minimum English language requirement by taking one of the following tests:
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IELTS. Minimum requirement - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each area.
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TOEFL IBT. Minimum requirement - 100 overall, (21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking).
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Pearson Academic. Minimum requirement - 61 overall, 59 in each area.
We do not accept a Password test.
The programme is assessed through continuous assessment and coursework, with an emphasis on reflective practice, and a research dissertation.
The programme does not grant the student membership of a professional body or institute, but several individual modules are accredited by the British Association of Audiologists (BAA).
Recent graduates are all employed in NHS or overseas health service professions.
In addition to skills directly taught in courses (e.g. Counselling, Cognitive Stimulation, teaching communication skills), students will also acquire evidence based evaluation skills, report writing, quantitative evaluation (appropriate use of statistics), interviewing and evaluation of interviewing outcomes.
The course is taught by experienced academic researchers and health service practitioners, with a range of expertise. Further staff are available to supervise dissertations dependent upon expertise.
Staff and their key areas of expertise:
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Dr. C.A. Holland - Psychology of ageing and cognition, behavioural interventions, self efficacy and problem solving in adaptation, quantitative methods
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Dr. Ian James (external member of staff) - Cognitive Rehabilitation, Care pathways, mental capacity act.
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