Program Overview

Research in Practice

Module Overview

This module offers students the opportunity to develop a personal learning plan, identifying skills and knowledge they wish to develop, and to join an experienced existing research team.

Key Facts

• Module code: NURP010
• Start date: 19 Jan 2026
• Application deadline: 5 Jan 2026
• Duration: 22 weeks
• Time commitment: 200 hours over 2 semesters, including between 12 and 15 days of placement.
• Credit value SCQF: 20
• SCQF level: Level 11
• Fees: £900
• Mode of study: part time
• Delivery: online

Module Objectives

The learning outcomes for this module are:

• Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the complexity of contemporary health research in practice including ethical and regulatory issues such as data protection and confidentiality;
• Demonstrate an ability to meaningfully apply knowledge and skills in a health research setting;
• Demonstrate personal organisation, planning and evaluation skills, in a health research setting;
• Work effectively as part of a research team;
• Advanced oral and written communication/presentation skills;
• Problem-solving skills within a specific health research project/s.

Entrance Requirements

Students must be working in an organisation that provides opportunities to join an existing research team or have a research placement already agreed in principle with a host research team/group, or work in a research-related role, or have previous research experience.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, students must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.

Structure and Content

The module provides an opportunity for students to gain academic credits for undertaking practice placements (online or remote working) in health research settings of their choice. It enables an individualised, flexible and bespoke experience for students of health research in action. As such, there is no set curriculum content. Some input is provided in relation to setting learning objectives and formulating a learning plan for placement learning. Academic supervision and support is provided through regular webinar sessions.

Delivery and Assessment

Students will complete their research placement days and submit a structured reflective journal on their experience of their placement experience.

Module Coordinator

Agi McFarland