Skills for Knowledge Enquiry draft

Program Overview

This online MRes Health Research module provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in systematic reviews of evidence and research critical appraisal. Participants will learn the systematic review process steps and apply them to a topic of interest, developing transferable skills in teamwork, IT proficiency, and critical thinking. The module is designed for professionals in health and social care, as well as students from various disciplines.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This module offers knowledge and skills in conducting systematic reviews of evidence and critical appraisal of research.
You will learn the key steps in the process of systematic review such as developing a review question, devising a search strategy, searching electronic databases, screening, critical appraisal and report writing.
• Objectives: The module is designed to:
• introduce the fundamentals of systematic review methodology and distinguish between systematic and other types of reviews;
• outline key steps in the systematic review process and highlight the importance of methodological rigour, transparency, critical thinking and critical reflection;
• develop the key practical skills required to conduct a systematic review (developing a research question, devising a search strategy, systematic searching using research databases, reporting search outcomes, screening, and critical appraisal including quality assessment).
• Program Description: This short course forms part of the MRes Health Research (Online).
You can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:
• Qualitative Research and Analysis
• Quantitative Research and Analysis
• Research Ethics and Governance
• Study Design for Health Research

Assessment:

• Methods: The module is assessed through coursework.
Assessment will be by a systematic literature search and an annotated bibliography relating to an area of relevance to the student: learning a key research skill.

Teaching:

• Methods: The module is available solely online.
• Faculty: Dr Louise Hoyle (Module Coordinator)

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: The MRes Health Research is designed for students who wish to pursue a variety of different careers in health where research is a core component.
Students wish to make a contribution to applied research in a range of contemporary health and social contexts.
• Opportunities: Most of our students are employed as health professionals whilst they study part-time with us.
When they complete their studies most students will stay in their clinical speciality but use their enhanced research skills/knowledge in their roles e.g. by conducting their own research or service evaluations.
• Outcomes: Some students wish to use their Masters study as preparation for a PhD.

Other:

• Target Audience: It is suitable for professionals from a wide range of health and social care backgrounds, as well as students from other academic disciplines.
• Transferable Skills: You will develop a wide range of transferable skills during your studies, which will make you attractive to other employers.
For example:
• team working;
• IT skills;
• literature researching;
• critical appraisal;
• presentation skills;
• writing and data analysis.
• English Language Requirements: If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.