Research Studies

Our postgraduate module will give you a critical overview of the main methodologies and designs applied to research in health. You'll explore the theoretical dilemmas which underlie the process of inquiry and develop your knowledge in order to support effective, evidence-based practice.

Evidenced-based practice is now a central tenet of professional practice and aligns with the concepts of competence and quality of care. Our module will allow you to better understand the research you read to inform your practice, and to make judgements about its quality. It will also prepare you to undertake research at work or as part of a course of study.

Together, we'll explore the overarching research framework including both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection methods, issues of rigour and data analysis approaches. This will include an overview of descriptive and inferential statistical principles. We'll also look at reviewing published literature, critiquing studies and understanding the methodology of systematic reviews, and ethical issues relating to research conduct and use, and research governance.

At the end of the module you'll be able to:

• demonstrate a critical understanding of alternative epistemological perspectives relating to theory, design and analysis in research for health and social care, professional practice, regulation and policy
• critically analyse relevant literature to justify the significance of the proposed study and the appropriateness of the chosen research methodology
• critically debate the ethical issues related to research
• evaluate and apply principles of research design and strategy to formulate a research proposal.

This module is suitable for qualified health professionals from a range of different backgrounds. Prior knowledge of research equivalent to that found within a third year undergraduate research studies module is required for this module.