Research Skills: Approaches, Designs, and Methods
20 ECTS
Research Skills: Approaches, Designs, and Methods
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Module Description
This module enables students to demonstrate their advancing practice by critically appraising the research process and developing a robust empirical research proposal to address a research question relating to their chosen speciality pathway and/or other area/s.
Students will explore methodological approaches, ethical considerations, and the practical implications of conducting research in clinical settings.
This process will prepare them for independent inquiry and evidence-informed decision-making within their field.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:
- Applicants are required to be qualified nurses.
- Applicants are required to hold a full bachelor’s in Nursing with a minimum of 2:1 or 2:2 classification (First-Class Honours, Upper Second-Class Honours, Second-Class Honours).
- For those nurses who hold a foreign qualification, an IELTS 6.0 will be requested at admission stage.
In the case of mature students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the RPL process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course.
Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Qualified nurses holding a full bachelor’s in Nursing.
Career Paths
The programme prepares for positions such as and not limited to:
- This Degree aims to equip qualified nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their own nursing practice in a defined speciality and/or in other area/s following a generic route.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Mini Studies
- Modular Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The Modular (formative and summative assessment tasks) may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically explore the philosophical foundations of empirical research inquiry relating to nursing.
- Critically analyse a body empirical research-based literature relating to their chosen speciality and/or other area/s.
- Critically debate ethical issues within nursing and healthcare research.
- Conceptualise and plan a research proposal including appropriate design, methodology, methods, and data analysis to address a specific nursing practice focused research question.
Knowledge
By the end of the module/unit, the students will be able to:
- Acquire a holistic overview of key research philosophical perspectives.
- Critically analyse qualitative research.
- Critically appraise quantitative research.
- Thoroughly comprehend the importance of the concept of evidence-based practice in nursing.
- Navigate research ethics and governance.
- Learn about the importance of the involvement of service users and carers in research.
- Critically discuss how research impacts practice.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Critically identify and address a gap in research.
- Formulate a research question.
- Choose an appropriate research design.
- Design principles and methods in qualitative research.
- Design principles and methods in quantitative research.
- Plan a research study using appropriate sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods.
- Write a research proposal.
- Use a range of verbal and written communication skills to provide a rationale for choice of study and research proposal planned.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Present own discussion and developments in a logical and organised manner through approaches of critical feedback and self-reflection.
- Engage with peers and/or team members to share and reflect on own development.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.