Single Module Research Methods 7 (30 credits)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Research Methods (Level 7, 30 credits)
Overview
This module is ideal for health and social care professionals looking to develop a rigorous approach to a research project. It is also offered as part of the School’s MSc degree programmes.
Course Details
All about the course
This module will explore:
- Contemporary issues and debates in research
- Theories/paradigms of research
- Ethics of research
- Reviewing literature and the critical analysis of existing research
- Developing a research question/hypothesis
- Designing appropriate research
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in research (PPIE)
- Role and function of the pilot study
- Developing a research proposal
- Access and sampling
- Methods of data collection
- Fundamentals of frequently used statistical tests
- Presentation, analysis and interpretation of data
- Uses and application of ICT and information retrieval
- Dissemination and publication of research
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
What will I be doing?
This module is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, seminars, videos, discussion, case scenarios, reflective practice and individual tutorial support.
Assessment
5,000 word written piece of work.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
Employment and Stats
What about after uni?
This module can be taken as stand-alone for the purposes of continuing professional development.
On completion of this module you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to design, implement and analyse research methods and results. You will be able to apply what you have learnt to undertake your own research project and may choose to undertake further postgraduate study.
Career Links
We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector which in turn help you provide a better service.
Requirements
What you need to know
Full time, In-person Research Methods: for this option, we offer the module in both Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 as follows lasting for one trimester.
- Trimester 1 - Between September and January.
- Trimester 2 – Between January and May.
Part-time, Online Research Methods: for this option, we offer the module in Trimester 3 lasting for one trimester.
- Trimester 3 – Between June and August.
This module is suitable for all health and social care professionals interested in advancing their skills and knowledge of research methods.
Entry requirements
Previous study and experience
You must be:
- A registered professional working in health and social care.
- A graduate or graduate equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Fees
Type of study
Type of study | Year | Fees
---|---|---
Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,530 per 30 credit module
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This module explores contemporary issues and debates in research, including:
- Theories/paradigms of research
- Ethics of research
- Reviewing literature and the critical analysis of existing research
- Developing a research question/hypothesis
- Designing appropriate research
- Role and function of the pilot study
- Developing a research proposal
- Access and sampling
- Methods of data collection
- Fundamentals of frequently used statistical tests
- Presentation, analysis and interpretation of data
- Uses and application of ICT
- Dissemination and publication of research
- Develop a rigorous approach to the research process
- Prepare students to complete a dissertation or research project
- Explore contemporary issues and debates in research
Outline:
This module is delivered in a variety of ways including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Videos
- Discussion
- Case scenarios
- Reflective practice
- Individual tutorial support
Assessment:
- 5,000 word written piece of work
Careers:
On completion of this module, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to:
- Design, implement and analyse research methods and results
- Apply what you have learnt to undertake your own research project
