The course was not only highly educational but also a genuinely supportive and enriching experience.

Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to apply for an MSc in Health and clinical research delivery? 

Through the completion of my clinical psychology doctorate, I developed a strong alignment with the scientist–practitioner model. It was during this training that my motivation to remain research active began to take shape. Since 2021, I have worked clinically with individuals experiencing Long COVID. For this population, the limited development of research informing psychological interventions remains apparent.

The Health and Clinical Research Delivery MSc therefore represented a valuable opportunity to further develop and embed research within my clinical service. I saw a potential to apply advanced research skills to enhance clinical practice and improve support for an underserved population, contributing to the growing evidence base guiding therapeutic support for those living with Long COVID. Further, I understood that the course would enable me to adopt a broader, more networked perspective on research.

What new skills or knowledge have you gained that you now use regularly in your role?

The MSc programme deepened my appreciation for embedding patient and public involvement and engagement at the heart of research activity, ensuring that the voices of those the research is designed to serve are amplified; this is a principle I will carry forward throughout my career. 

My understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies has been strengthened, and my ability to synthesise complex findings into meaningful narratives that inform clinical practice and service development has been further enhanced. In parallel, I gained experience in preparing research for publication and navigating peer review feedback, offering practical insight into academic dissemination. 

This knowledge and skill set has enhanced my effectiveness as a researcher and research supervisor, allowing me to guide supervisees’ work with greater confidence. I anticipate that this will support continued engagement in varied research-focused opportunities throughout my career.

What made you choose The University of Sheffield for this course? 

Choosing the University of Sheffield was advantageous due to its close partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research, as well as its esteemed reputation for world-class research.

The NIHR collaboration really stood out to me, as it shows how the university is directly involved in improving healthcare through collaborative research efforts that positively impact patients and communities. Additionally, the NIHR funding was crucial in enabling the continuation of my professional and academic development.

Being a member of the Russell Group, the University of Sheffield maintains a clear emphasis on producing high-calibre research. That combination of NIHR partnership and academic excellence gave me confidence that I’d be studying at a university that’s not only highly respected, but also actively contributing to new ideas and meaningful change in society.

How would you describe the support provided by the teaching and support staff on the course?

Course staff were consistently accessible and responsive. From the outset, our cohort was encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance without hesitation. Staff were readily available via email and during scheduled online sessions for group discussion. In my experience, additional one-to-one ad-hoc meetings were easily arranged, and I consistently received support that was both helpful and tailored to my individual needs (for which I remain sincerely grateful).

Is there anything about the course that particularly stands out or deserves highlighting?

I particularly valued the flexible delivery of the course, with high-quality online lectures and materials available to access at convenient times, which made it much easier to balance studies alongside a full-time work schedule. It also meant I could revisit content whenever needed to reinforce my learning. The course itself offered a positive balance of theory and practical application, especially through the research practice experience module, which afforded the opportunity to apply learning in real time.

Overall, the accommodating and inclusive approach of the course was beneficial. It allowed students from diverse professional backgrounds, with varying levels of research experience, to tailor assignments to their specific roles, making the learning highly relevant and practical. Additionally, the course cultivated a strong sense of community and actively encouraged peer support; students in my cohort were exceptionally friendly and supportive, and despite the potential challenges posed by distance learning, collectively fostered a positive and encouraging learning environment.

Where do you see the impact of the MSc taking you next? 

Moving forward, I see myself continuing to actively integrate the latest research into patient care and service development, while seeking opportunities to undertake and disseminate my own research to address key clinical questions. The course has equipped me with skills that will enhance my clinical practice as a psychologist and strengthen my ability to contribute to collaborative research initiatives.

Would you recommend this course to other students?

Yes, I certainly recommend completing the Health and Clinical Research Delivery MSc. Beyond the high-quality content and flexible delivery, one of its outstanding features was the strong collegial atmosphere created by both students and staff at the University of Sheffield. I found everyone approachable and responsive, consistently committed to supporting each other’s success. The course was not only highly educational but also a genuinely supportive and enriching experience.