Advanced concepts in research: methodology and methods

Module details

This module enables students to develop their knowledge of research methodologies and research methods, including the development of knowledge and skills in critical appraisal, synthesis and application to their own area of practice.

Students will apply their research knowledge to the development of a proposal for a literature review, a research project by data collection or a substantive professional project.

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on the module:

• You ideally will have previously studied to graduate level.
• Individuals without a degree may be eligible to apply providing they have appropriate practice-related experience relevant to the programme they wish to undertake.

Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit (PDU). Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

Learning outcomes

• Critically evaluate the fundamental philosophical, epistemological and ontological underpinnings for a range of research methodologies.
• Demonstrate depth of knowledge of research methods appropriate for qualitative and quantitative research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies and methods for practice improvement.
• Critically discuss ethical principles which underpin best research practice.
• Critically discuss the value of patient and public involvement in research.
• Apply a detailed knowledge of factors influencing research rigor (reliability, validity, plausibility, credibility etc) to the critical appraisal of published primary research as appropriate to the methodology of the research reviewed.
• Synthesise findings / results from a range of published research and draw conclusions.
• Develop an evidence based proposal for a researchable question for a literature review, a research project or a substantive professional project.

Module dates

Delivery 1

15, 22, 29 September, 6, 13, 20 October, 10 November and 15 December 2020. 

Delivery 2

30 March, 20 April, 4, 11, 18, 25 May, 15 June and 13 July 2021. 

Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change - always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.

In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.

Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

Fees

Please visit our Professional Development fees page.

Module lead

The lead for this module is Sarah Neill. 

COVID-secure module delivery

The University is adhering to government guidance relating to COVID-secure operation. For this reason, modules are being delivered in a variety of formats, with much content delivered online, either in an interactive manner (i.e. requiring participation at the allotted times), or sometimes in a passive manner (i.e. you may be able to conduct some of the study outside of the typical taught hours of 09:00–17:00).

Some sessions, particularly clinical assessments, will continue to be delivered face-to-face with appropriate risk-mitigating measures in place. Others may allow you the option of attending face-to-face or synchronously engaging on-line with peers who attend face-to-face.

When you receive confirmation of your enrolment on a module, you will be granted access to our Digital Learning Environment (DLE or Moodle). You should access this prior to the start of your module to determine the teaching format of the module’s sessions.