Why the Master of Science in Medicine (Applied Health Services Research) graduate program @ Memorial?

The Division of Population Health and Applied Health Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine hosts the Applied Health Services Research graduate program.  The MSc MED (AHSR) is offered through the Atlantic Regional Training Centre for Health Services Research (ARTC), a collaborative venture between Memorial University, St. Mary’s University, the University of New Brunswick, and the University of Prince Edward Island.

Its interdisciplinary approach to issues in health services research, prepares students with the necessary skills to tackle key issues in health service policy, administration, and delivery. This program is intended for students with little or no background in the healthcare field, and little or no experience in conducting research.  Since this program is offered through multiple institutional partners, synchronous and asynchronous web-based courses are used to provide a similar learning environment with standardized course content. Generally, a student's study time will take place in front of a computer using the Brightspace platform (based out of Memorial University of Newfoundland) to access course information, submit assignments and interact with the instructor and other students. Students from all four sites learn together in an online environment to gain practical, hands-on skills to prepare them for employment in program development, policy development, and research.

The Faculty of Medicine supports a visiting speaker program, teaching assistant (TA) opportunities, internal awards and scholarships (for full-time graduate students), administrative staff support and the Office of Research & Graduate Studies dedicated to medicine graduate student matters. The Health Sciences Library is located in the Health Sciences Centre, adjacent to the Faculty of Medicine.

Description of programs

The academic objectives of the Master of Applied Health Services Research are:          

• to provide graduate education at the Master’s level in applied health services research from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• advance reciprocal arrangements between academic communities and decision-maker organizations which facilitate the use of evidence in policy decisions affecting the health of Atlantic Canadians; and
• be the platform through which interchanges between decision-makers and health researchers, from academic communities, generate policy relevant research.

The learning outcomes of this program include:

• development of a critical mass of health services researchers who conduct applied health services research throughout Atlantic Canada;
• proficiency in interdisciplinary methodologies, and
• an understanding of how to communicate research to decision-makers such that it is used in public policy development.

The Master of Applied Health Services Research offers two innovative streams:

1. Under the Thesis stream, candidates complete and present original, scholarly research under the supervision of a Faculty member and Supervisory Committee. This is a two-year, thesis-route program (full-time).
2. The Professional stream includes a range of relevant course work, culminating in either a Practicum placement or completion of an Applied Health Services Capstone project. This is a one-year, course-route program (full-time).

Contact a faculty supervisor

The Applied Health Services Research graduate thesis-route program requires research project supervision by a primary graduate supervisor, or through a co-supervision arrangement. Interested applicants are strongly advised to connect with a potential faculty supervisor prior to application. Visit the PHAHS website for a list of faculty members to search their key research areas of interest. You may also search researcher profiles to find a potential supervisor. 

The School of Graduate Studies offers advice on how to search for and contact potential supervisors. Need more help? Try attending one of our webinars and information sessions for prospective graduate students.

Minimum admission requirements

Four-year bachelor’s degree or bachelor’s degree with honours or from a university of recognized standing with minimum of B+ (GPA 3.0/75%) average with satisfactory demonstration of English proficiency to Memorial University’s requirements.

Application deadlines

Students admitted to the professional course-route or thesis-route for Applied Health Services Research begin the program in the Fall term.  The deadline for thesis-route applications is January 31.   For the course-route, application reviews begin January 31 and continue until the program seats are filled. 

Potential career options and outcomes

Academic faculty member (university, college or private institution), research scientist (public or private laboratory), research assistant, health policy fellowship, physician, scientific writer, grants facilitator, entrepreneur (start-up company).