Research Design and Methodology
Key information
Attendance dates:
January 2021: 25, 26February 2021: 02, 03, 16, 17
March 2021: 09
Venue:
Distance learning / Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YH
Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Contact details:
- Post-registration Administration team
- +44 (0)1483 683576
- postreg_admin@surrey.ac.uk
- 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 2020/21 curriculum our CPD modules will be delivered using hybrid learning. This means that depending on the subject and content of learning and teaching, modules may be delivered solely online or via a combination of face to face and online delivery, however for all programmes face to face contact time will be reduced, as per Government guidelines and to ensure the reduction of risk for all. Further information can be sought from the course leader (see below).
Usual 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
£980
How to apply
Please download and fill in an application form.
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.
Send your completed application back to us at the address or email included on the form.
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 more.