Research Design and Methodology

Key information

Start date:
20 January 2025
Attendance dates:

20, 21 January 2025

11, 12, 26 February 2025

05, 11 March 2025

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

Module overview

This module will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to carry out high quality research.

You will be taught by a highly experienced group of clinical and non-clinical academics with experience in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research.

Teaching takes place in the Kate Granger Building, which is situated within Surrey’s vibrant research park. It is fully equipped with all the modern technology required to deliver state of the art teaching.

The course is for anyone wishing to pursue a career in nursing or allied health professions. The ability to understand and conduct research are fundamental to improving healthcare practice, and the quality of care received by patients.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Systematically search journal databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE and PsychInfo.
  • Critically appraise literature, with and without the use of critical appraisal tools, such as CASP, and interpret literature in light of strengths and limitations.
  • Define and distinguish between key concepts in research, such as qualitative research, quantitative research and mixed methods research.
  • Select appropriate research methodologies, methods and designs for answering research questions.
  • Plan high quality research, with acknowledgement of the strengths and limitations of the research plan, and their implications for the research findings.

Course content

Indicative module content includes:

  • Introduction to research
  • Conducting literature reviews and critical appraisal
  • Writing research proposals
  • Philosophy and ontology of research
  • Basic qualitative research methods (e.g. focus groups and interviews)
  • Basic quantitative research methods (e.g. questionnaires, cross-sectional designs)
  • Mixed methods research
  • Advanced qualitative methods (e.g. grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology) 
  • Advanced quantitative methods (e.g. health statistics) 
  • Open research
  • Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research.

Learning and teaching methods

Learning and teaching methods include:

  • Lectures and discussion
  • Small group tutorials
  • One-to-one (individual) tutorials.

Assessment

Summative assessment

Research proposal, 100%, 3,000 words:

  • To include evidence of the need for the research, along with a literature review and search strategy and research proposal including research questions, methods, data collection, analysis and ethical considerations.

Formative assessment

You will be encouraged to submit a single A4 page plan to one of the module team for written feedback, prior to submitting the summative assessment.

Feedback

The module learning and teaching strategy includes small group tutorials, the discussion within these will provide both academic and peer-led feedback on students’ ideas and proposals.

At both the formative and summative assessment points the students will receive written feedback.

Course leader

Robert Kerrison profile image

Dr Robert Kerrison

Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead for Cancer Care

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 2024 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