Independent study (degree level) (HEAD361)

Build on existing research skills with a project related to your own area of professional practice
CPD for healthcare professionals
Working within the Institue of Biomedical and Clinical Research Facilities at Wonford and St Lukes

Independent study (degree level) (HEAD361)

Build on existing research skills with a project related to your own area of professional practice
CPD for healthcare professionals

Key features

This 40 credit degree-level module will enable you to build on your existing knowledge of primary and secondary research in order to search for, identify, collate and appraise a range of evidence relating to your field of professional practice. It will also give you the opportunity to develop your critical appraisal skills.

Module code

HEAD361

Credits

40

FHEQ level

Level 6 - bachelors degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

Working within the Institue of Biomedical and Clinical Research Facilities at Wonford and St Lukes

Assessment

The assessment for this module is an 8,000 word literature review of a practice focused research topic. Planned submission date for 2026/27: 28 June 2027
(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

Module dates

2026/27 Provisional dates: 11 January (face-to-face), 8 February (online) 2027
(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 – for further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.
This module is a core module for our BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care, as well as all other BSc (Hons) Professional Development pathways. 

Course details

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
  • identify your own learning needs and develop independent learning skills over the timespan of the module
  • investigate an area of healthcare practice using an analytical approach
  • develop further your ability to select and retrieve relevant literature
  • carry out efficient and effective search strategies to retrieve relevant literature
  • critically appraise a body of evidence including research and theoretical literature
  • demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of research evidence and subject area
  • critically appraise a body of evidence including primary and secondary resources (where available)
  • provide an analysis and synthesis of research evidence and discuss its relevance to professional practice.

Wendy Burt

Module Lead
“The module involves completing your own literature review on a topic of your choice. This gives great flexibility and freedom to develop your knowledge and increase your understanding of the evidence behind your own practice, in your own specialist area. With two start-up workshops, to get you started on your journey, the module then spans eight months, where monthly supervision support and guidance along with soft deadlines keep you on track, whilst you explore your own subject area. This module is an excellent way to prepare for postgraduate study, quality improvement or practice development projects or just to expand your own knowledge in an area of practice you are passionate about.”
Wendy Burt

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this module you must be either a registered health and social care professional or a health and social care worker in possession of previous study at level 5 or a foundation degree.
If you wish to undertake this module to achieve the BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care (or other pathway), you must also have completed 80 credits relevant to your chosen pathway.
Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation. 

Fees and funding

Fees

Funding

Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. Please contact your trust’s Educational Co-ordinator in the first instance. If you work in the private, independent or voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you accordingly.

Further information

Further information

For further information regarding this module, please contact:
Professional Development Unit
Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 6AB
Prospective student enquiries: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1752 586951
Current student enquiries: pdu@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1752 586950
 

Module lead

The module lead is Wendy Burt.