Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
18 Credits (ECTS)
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
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Module Description
This module equips students with a comprehensive foundation in research methodologies, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, students will develop the skills to collect, analyse, and interpret data effectively to inform decision-making in healthcare settings.
The module is designed to empower students to bridge the gap between research and practice, translating results into actionable management solutions that enhance organisational performance and healthcare outcomes.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must have:
- Level 6 Degree and 2 years’ work experience.
Preference is given to applicants having:
- Level 6 Degree in a discipline related to the Study Programme; and
- A minimum of 2 years’ work experience in management within the sector covered by the Study Programme.
OR
- Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
* Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at Healthcare professionals with work experience; people such as:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in healthcare management.
- Individuals wanting to pursue senior management and leadership careers within the healthcare profession.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate healthcare-related information.
Career Paths
This programme is not designed to prepare students for specific warranted professions or regulated occupations.
Instead, it aims to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies outlined in this curriculum, equipping them for diverse leadership and management roles within the healthcare sector.
This programme is targeted at healthcare professionals, managers, and aspiring leaders seeking to advance their careers in healthcare management. It also caters to individuals from non-healthcare backgrounds who wish to transition into healthcare leadership roles.
Graduates will be well-prepared for senior management and leadership positions in hospitals, healthcare organisations, government agencies, consulting firms, and international health institutions.
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:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The 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.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Design and conduct rigorous research studies that address practical and theoretical problems in healthcare and management.
- Critically evaluate and synthesise research evidence to inform evidence-based decision-making.
- Apply appropriate research methodologies and tools to collect and analyse data effectively.
- Translate research findings into actionable solutions that enhance organisational performance and healthcare outcomes.
- Ensure ethical compliance and uphold professional standards throughout the research process.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Design and conduct research studies, planning and executing research to gather evidence for decision-making.
- Critically evaluate evidence for practice, assessing research evidence to make informed decisions.
- Apply evidence-based practice, using research findings to inform decision-making and implement effective management interventions in healthcare.
- Conduct research ethically, ensuring the protection of participants and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Choose appropriate methodologies and develop research proposals.
- Design effective research studies/projects.
- Collect and analyse data, using various data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews) and apply statistical tools for data analysis.
- Critically evaluate evidence, conducting systematic review and appraising research articles to determine their validity and applicability.
- Present research findings clearly and concisely in a structured research report.
- Ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout the research process, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant confidentiality.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Utilise statistical tools such as SPSS, R, or NVivo for data analysis.
- Navigate research databases to efficiently search and extract relevant information from electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- Present research data visually, using software to create visual representations of research data, including charts, graphs, and tables.