An Introduction to Implementation Science: new online module

The CPD-accredited module was created by a team of implementation science experts working at NIHR ARC South London and the University of East Anglia. 

What is implementation science?

Implementation science is the study of methods to support the application of evidence and research findings in health and social care policy and practice. It seeks to understand the behaviours and practice of health and social care professionals, managers and policymakers, together with patients, service users and carers. The aim is to address the gap between the knowledge that can optimise health and social care services and what is actually delivered.  

Who is the module for?

This module is relevant for anyone interested in improving health and social care services, including researchers, service user researchers, and health and social care practitioners, who want to develop their understanding of implementation science. It focuses on the theoretical and scientific methodologies of implementation and how to apply these in practice. It will be delivered at master’s of science (MSc) level (or level 7). If you are unsure about your eligibility and whether you will be able to take full advantage of the course, please email: arcshortcourses@kcl.ac.uk 

Can I attend this module if I don’t live in London or the UK?

Yes, this module will be delivered online over six weeks. The content includes recorded lectures from our faculty at King’s College London, University of East Anglia, Kingston University and St George’s, University of London. There will also be weekly discussion boards, group work using case studies and a supporting teaching fellow and live seminars. (Live seminars will be held during UK daytime; we will attempt to accommodate students living outside the UK, but depending on your time zone, you may have to watch a recording of the seminar.)

What does the course cover?

The course covers the core scientific principles and investigative methodologies of implementation science, including quantitative, qualitative and econometric approaches. It has a strong theoretical underpinning, drawing on theories, frameworks and models that can be used in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of health and care interventions. Equally, it has a strong practical focus, providing you with ‘take-home’ tools, checklists and other resources that can help you to develop interventions in different health and care settings.

Course benefits

This introductory module in implementation science will provide you with the basic knowledge required to conduct implementation research or to apply the implementation theories and frameworks to their practice. The module could be taken as a standalone module.

If you take the module, you will also be able to access discounted rates to attend a practical two-day face-to-face Implementation Science Masterclass, that is run annually in July. The Masterclass includes lectures from world-renowned experts in the field and small-group interactive workshops facilitated by world-leading researchers, and the opportunity of more detailed advice on how to work more effectively on your own implementation projects.

Course outline

• Week 1: An introduction to implementation Science (26/03/24)
• Week 2: Implementation study design (16/04/24)
• Weeks 3 and 4: Frameworks and theories (23/04/24 and 30/04/24) 
• Week 5: Evaluation topics (14/05/24)
• Week 6: Engaging with stakeholders, scalability and sustainability (21/05/24)

Course fees

Full course fee: £1,875

Discounts are available:

• £1,400 for ARC South London members, NHS and social care staff, students and charity/NGO workers
• £950 for students at King's College London, Kingston University, St George's, University of London and the University of East Anglia
• £900 for middle-income country residents
• £450 for low-income country residents and service users

Book your place

Book your place via the King's College London website.

For more information, email: arcshortcourses@kcl.ac.uk

Frequently asked questions

• How many lectures/seminars are scheduled each week?  The lectures are recorded, we have about 1.5 hours - 2 of recorded lectures per week, that make up the general knowledge of the module, this is supported with reading lists to help understand the key frameworks/strategies etc. There are also live seminars – which are not obligatory to attend, but an opportunity to meet the researchers and ask them more specific questions in their field. We also will run informal drop-in sessions with our teaching fellows, where you can ‘drop in’ discuss your queries and ask for any extra advice you might have about the content. 
• How much work in your own time is estimated to be required e.g. for reading, course work or group work? The reading will involve the weekly recorded lectures (in your own time), and the relevant reading materials. We will also include supplementary sessions from our Masterclass from experts discussing their topics (but this is optional viewing).  The course work will involve working through a case study with a small group of your colleagues. We will be using the ImpRes tool, as we go through the weeks to help build your knowledge as you learn more about different frameworks and evaluations etc. We would recommend weekly meetings with your group. The teaching fellows will also be around for 1:1 sessions or drop-ins depending on the week. The weekly time commitment is about 10 hours. The only sessions that will be live will be group sessions, drop-in sessions, and the live webinars (which will be recorded).  
• Does all the work need to be done in the 6-week period, or can you work through materials in your own time afterwards? You will be able to access the reading materials and the online learning platform (Keats) for six months afterwards.  
• Is there any flexibility to attend some sessions and not others?  This is a CPD module and is not credit bearing, so you are not expected to attend all the seminars – some might be more relevant to you than others. There will be no requirement to submit an assignment.