Program Overview

Approaches to Systematic Review Synthesis (SOCS0095)

Key Information

• Faculty: IOE
• Teaching department: Social Research Institute
• Credit value: 15

Restrictions

This online module is compulsory for students enrolled on MSc Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) and is optional for students on MSc Social Research Methods with Data Science, MSc Sociology, and MSc Sociology and Social Inequalities. This module is also open to students from other departments, but priority will be given to students in the Social Research Institute. This module is aimed at those who have either studied SOCS0060: Digital Technologies for Research Evidence Synthesis module or have a basic understanding of systematic reviews.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

This module equips students with a systematic understanding of knowledge, a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in the approach and methods of synthesizing research results from multiple primary studies in the context of systematic review. Students will learn how to critically evaluate and apply different approaches to research synthesis to answer research questions as part of a systematic review process. Students will learn how to apply Configurative (qualitative) and Aggregative (quantitative) syntheses and to critically evaluate a range of synthesis types including Meta-Analysis, Framework Synthesis, Realist Synthesis, and Meta-Ethnography.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 2
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: Online
• Methods of assessment:
  • 50% Fixed-time remote activity
  • 50% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 9
• Module leader: Dr Mark Newman

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.