study

1. To develop a critical capacity in the students with respect to the articulation of the philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies and select and develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.
2. To develop in the students a critical respect for the diversity of research methodologies and analyses found in the field of healthcare education ranging from the social sciences to the biomedical and physical sciences.
3. To prepare students to participate in designing and carrying out research projects which cross traditional professional boundaries.
4. To offer the students the opportunity to produce a pragmatic and realistic research proposal for an applied research project.

This module is a pre-requisite before the masters dissertation module. It can be taken as a standalone module for students who wish to explore the research process and methodology and methods. It could be undertaken to revise knowledge in advance of engaging in research as a new researcher.

You will develop an advanced ability to articulate the philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies and methods and select and develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.  You will also develop a critical understanding of the diversity of research methodologies and analyses found in the field of healthcare research, ranging from the social sciences to the biomedical and physical sciences. You will then participate in designing a research project, and justify the approaches proposed.

A research active healthcare system is crucial for the development of improved practice, better patient outcomes, the development of vaccines and treatments that have saved millions of lives globally, and more. Supporting evidence-based practice and a research culture can improve the efficiency and efficacy of the care we provide, reducing the pressure on the NHS here in the UK, and other healthcare organisations across the World. All healthcare professionals can play a role in supporting research, from leading studies to helping recruit patients to trials.