This module will examine the epistemology of research, the principles of ethical research and a critical analysis of how it is used in practice. Key aspects of content will address data collection and analysis methods and concepts of validity, reliability, rigour and trustworthiness. It will also incorporate other forms of evidence including audit and service evaluation. The emphasis throughout this module will be on the use and relevance of research skills to practitioners seeking to assess, improve or evaluate services. The module will harness students existing personal and life skills and knowledge of care as a basis for developing learning that is relevant and focussed on their practice needs and stage of professional development.

You should be a qualified health care professional currently working in an appropriate area of practice. 

Applicants will normally need a degree in a health-related discipline. Applicants with evidence of professional development or academic proficiency equivalent to level 6 (degree level) study will be considered but will first need to meet with the admissions tutor, Aileen Wilson, to discuss their application. Applicants with no previous level 6 study, or equivalent, will be required to complete a level 6 bridging module.                                                           

If you have non-UK academic qualifications you will need to supply evidence of comparability. The organisation ECCTIS will supply this for a reasonable fee https://www.enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx.

You should also have current professional registration (e.g NMC, HCPC etc) and be employed as a health care professional in an appropriate setting.

The assessment for this module is a presentation which critically appraises research relevant to a clinical issue from the student’s own area of practice. The presentation should demonstrate a critical awareness of how research may be used to refine understanding of the clinical issue and facilitate evidence-based practice. 

Knowledge and Understanding:

Successful students will typically: 

Critically evaluate and discuss qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and relevant research theories.

Demonstrate a critical awareness of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, resource, and ethical implications.

Critically discuss how research generates new knowledge and addresses shortfalls in existing knowledge in practice.

Demonstrate understanding of how a complex web of evidence may be applied in professional practice

 
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:

Successful students will typically:

Conduct a literature search and retrieve a range of international and national research evidence relevant to professional practice.

Utilise a systematic and integrative approach to evidence, applying theories where appropriate

 Recognise the complex interactions between evidence, resources, and other organisational constraints