Research Design and Methodology

Key information

Start date:
22 January 2024
Attendance dates:

22, 23, 30, 31 January 2024

13, 14 February 2024

05 March 2024

Venue:
Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YH

Depending on the subject and content, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face-to-face and online.

Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Contact details:

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  • Level
    7 (postgraduate)
  • Credits
    15
  • Module code
    NURM141

Module aims

This module aims to enable you to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of research; how to design research informed by theoretical, methodological and practical issues, and how to prepare a research proposal relevant to health and social care practice. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Design a research project in the form of a research proposal and critique the rigour, validity and credibility of the design.
  • Critically appraise the philosophical, ontological and epistemological basis of research in health and social care practice and education.
  • Identify key methodologies including experimental design, survey research, action research, phenomenology, ethnography and identify the limitations of different research approaches.
  • Understand and apply research methodologies to research questions.
  • Critically appraise different research collection methods including structured/ unstructured interviews, focus group interviews, survey, observation, participant observation, quasi experiment, questionnaires and user involvement.
  • Critically appraise the relevance of coherence in research design for health and social care practice and education with due consideration of ethical principles and user involvement.
  • Identify methods of data analysis.

Course content

Indicative module content includes:

  • Philosophy of science, ontology, epistemology
  • Research methodologies and methods
  • Rigour in research design
  • Data collection methods
  • Sampling Strategies
  • Data analysis methods
  • Research ethics and governance
  • Service user involvement
  • Preparing a research proposal.

Learning and teaching methods

For the 2023/24 curriculum, our PGT/CPD modules will continue to be delivered using hybrid learning. This means that depending on the subject and content of learning and teaching, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face to face and online delivery (both live and asynchronous), as this has worked really well for our practice-based colleagues. It is important to recognise the majority of modules contain face to face contact time and attendance at the University will be required.

Learning and teaching methods include:

  • Lectures
  • Small group work with formative feedback
  • Small group discussion
  • Research round table
  • E-learning.

Assessment

A research proposal that is relevant to your discipline or field of practice.

Word count: 3,000

Course leader

Dr Ann Robinson

Senior Teaching Fellow in Integrated Care (Midwifery)

Reading list

Take a look at the module reading list.

Entry requirements

  • An undergraduate degree
  • Professional registration as a healthcare professional:
    • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
    • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Working in health and social care.

Fees and funding

£1,019

How to apply

Please download and fill in an application form. 

Please note: 

  1. Applications close on 11 December 2023 or earlier if we reach a maximum number of applications. If we still have spaces on the course, we may extend the application deadline date.
  2. It is important to ensure that you complete all sections and answer all questions, incomplete forms will cause a delay and may result in you missing out on an available place.
  3. If you are registered on a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course then you will need to complete an application form for each CPD module you wish to apply for.

Send your completed application to postreg_admin@surrey.ac.uk.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

If your sponsoring healthcare provider is funding you for this module, by submitting an application you agree to allow all information regarding your module (for example your exam results) to be shared with the sponsoring provider.

Cancellation policy

If you withdraw less than seven days before the module commences or do not attend on the first day (without informing the module administrator) the full cost of the module will be charged. Withdrawals after the module commences will also be charged.

Module availability

Places are confirmed approximately one month before the module start date. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps. 

Disclaimer

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to module content) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the module. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a module with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Kate Granger Building

Our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS degree, nursing and midwifery, and health science courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.

Additional information

Depending on the subject and content, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face-to-face and online.

Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH.

Post-registration Administration team
Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH