MRes - Co-designing Interprofessional Problem-Based Learning Cases, with AI-Generated Alternatives, for Delivering Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Summary

Interprofessional education (IPE) and problem-based learning (PBL) are key components in modern medical education, aiming to enhance collaboration and problem-solving skills among students. This project will explore the integration of these two approaches—Interprofessional Problem-Based Learning (IPBL)— to improve students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards working with other healthcare professionals.
This project aims to introduce an innovative approach to delivering IPE through the co-design and validation of IPBL cases. The first stage of the study will involve a review of the existing literature to identify best practices, key design principles, and learning outcomes associated with successful IPBL implementation. These findings will form the foundation for case development.
In the next stage, academic clinicians from multiple healthcare professions will collaborate to co-design and validate IPBL cases that are relevant, inclusive, and grounded in authentic clinical practice. These cases will be tailored to promote meaningful interprofessional learning and a deeper understanding of roles, responsibilities, and collaborative care. In parallel, the project will explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the co-design process
The results of this study will be valuable for educational institutions aiming to update their curricula and enhance their teaching strategies. It will inform solutions for effectively integrating interprofessional education (IPE) within Health Professions programs, addressing both institutional and global needs. By improving how students learn to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, we aim to contribute to better patient care and more effective healthcare teams.
The ideal candidate should be conversant in IPE principles and models, evaluation methods and curriculum design. The studentship will allow the successful applicant to develop and enhance their quantitative & qualitative skills. It would be suitable for applicants from either healthcare, education or a related background.

Specific skills requirements of the applicant:  The ideal candidate should have a relevant background and demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders which will be key for the development and implementation of the IPBL cases. Familiarity with AI applications in education and a willingness to explore emerging technologies in curriculum design are also essential.

Important Information: Applications for more than one MRes studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one MRes project within Medicine, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a MRes studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This opportunity is open to UK/ROI applicants only.

MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900. All applicants will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship. Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.

Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for an award. Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.