Research Project for MSc

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Rationalise the selection of the specific problem or issue by systematic searching and critical appraisal of the relevant literature.
• Analyse, interpret, and synthesise data critically and appropriately to address the aims of the project.
• Use appropriate methodologies to collect data appropriate to the aims of the project.
• Demonstrate adherence to relevant ethical and governance requirements.
• Justify the conclusions and implications for your profession with well-reasoned arguments.
• Demonstrate the ability to disseminate your work.

The module is practically-focused based on 5 three hour small group seminars, as well as up to 3 hours individual 1-1 supervision over the duration of the module. Your seminar group lead will also be your supervisor of your project. These seminars will cover the following topics to prepare students for the range of skills they may require to undertake an independent project: 1) Developing the protocol to a project, including developing the research question, searching for relevant literature and bibliographic databases, assessing the feasibility of the project and project management; 2) Refining the methodology, including finalising the research question and methods, approaches to sampling and applying for ethics and governance approvals, if required; 3) Data collection and data management; 4) Approaches to data analysis, including using specialist statistical or qualitative software; and 5) Writing a paper or report for publication, including dissemination strategies.

You will achieve the learning outcomes of this module through one of three routes.

1.An evidence based project using a systematic review and evidence synthesis approach.

2.An empirical qualitative or quantitative research project (subject to relevant approvals and feasibility).

3.A secondary data analysis project based on the analysis of a quantitative or qualitative dataset (subject to relevant approvals and feasibility).

Students will be able to undertake an empirical research project ONLY when the project is demonstrated to be feasible.

Teaching and learning methods

This module involves an independent project. Learning in relation to subject topic and research methods (practical and theoretical) will be project-specific. You will have a designated seminar lead who will also be your project supervisor who will have suitable academic and professional expertise.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Resources. Banks, S. and Brydon-Miller, M. (2019) Ethics in Participatory research for Health and Social Wellbeing. New York: Routledge. Bettany-Saltikov J. (2016). How to do a systematic literature review in nursing: a step-by-step guide. Open University Press (2nd edition). Curtis E Drennan J. (2013) Quantitative Health Research: Issues and Methods. New York: Open University Press. Denzin, NK, and Lincoln, YS. (2017) The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (5th Ed). Los Angeles: Sage. Gerrish, K. and Lathlean, J, (2015) The research process in nursing (7th Ed). Chichester: Wiley Blackwell. Glasper EA and Rees C. (2016) Nursing and Healthcare Research at a Glance. Oxford: Wiley. Gray, J. (2017) Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: appraisal, synthesis and generation of evidence (8th Ed). St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders. Green, J. and Thorogood, N. (2018) Qualitative Methods for Health Research (4th Ed). London: Sage Publishing. Grove, SK. (2015) Understanding nursing research: building an evidence based practice (6th Ed). St Louis Missouri: Elsevier Saunders. Polit, DF. (2018) Essentials of Nursing Research: appraising evidence for nursing practice (9th Ed). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Ritchie J., Lewis J., McNaughton Nicholls C. & Ormston R (2013) Qualitative Research Practice for Social Science Students Researchers (2nd Ed). London: Sage. Saini, M. and Shlonsky, A. (2012). Systematic synthesis of qualitative research. Pocket guide to social work research methods. Oxford University Press. Walker, J. and Almond, P. (2010) Interpreting statistical findings: a guide for health professionals and students. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Textbooks

Walker D-M (2014). An Introduction to Health Services Research. A practical guide.. Sage.

Assessment strategy

You will complete an independent research project, and this will be assessed through the submission of a written paper of up to 5000 words laid out in the same format of a peer reviewed journal of your choice. This will be submitted with an accompanying project file which shows evidence of the processes you have followed to achieve your project. This evidence will assist your supervisor and the second marker in understanding the process you have undertaken. The project file is not marked and there is no set word count, but please consider including essential information only related to the development of your project.

Postgraduate MSc students must achieve a mark of 50% in order to pass the module

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: External