Accessibility statement

Independent Study Module - HEA00137M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Ted Hewitt
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2023-24 to Summer Vacation 2023-24

Module aims

The aim of this module is to enhance the development of nursing knowledge by supporting students in their development as critical thinkers and researcher-engaged practitioners. This will be achieved through independent inquiry leading to the production of an evidence-based dissertation, fit for publication.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Develop a clear research question relevant to an area of their clinical practice.

  2. Apply an appropriate search methodology to retrieve literature relevant to their identified research question and report the outcomes of searching.

  3. Critically analyse and synthesise the included literature relating to their research question.

  4. Evaluate an approach to research implementation and consider the factors involved in implementing the findings from research.

  5. Understand the concepts relating to preparing an article for publication and consider why it is important to write for publication and the barriers and facilitators of this.

Module content

Nursing inquiry, evidenced based nursing, uncertainty.

Literature review, search methodology, research findings (types of evidence), research methods, analysing evidence (critical appraisal), synthesising findings, making recommendations for practice, person-centered care, equality & diversity, resources/rationing, ethical dilemmas.

Evidence based practice, clinical decision making, approaches to dissemination and implementation (implementation science), systems perspectives, critical evaluation, critical reflection, educating others, partnership.

Writing skills for dissertation and preparing an article for publication.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Independent study module dissertation		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Written feedback for the summative assessment provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.

Indicative reading

As each dissertation topic differs, key texts are recommended by the dissertation supervisor. However, students are also directed towards:

Boland, A. Cherry, G. and Dickson, R. eds. (2017) Doing a systematic review: A student's guide. Sage.

Craig, J.V. & Dowding, D. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing. 4th edition, Amsterdam: Elsevier

Rycroft-Malone, J. & Bucknall, T. (2010). Models and frameworks for implementing evidence-based practice: linking evidence to action. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.