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Research Methodology and Strategy

Location
Southwark

Duration
3 months (part-time)

Start dates
Intake 1: September, Monday 9.30am–12.30pm
repeated on Wednesday 9.30am–12.30pm
Intake 2: January, Monday 9.30am–12.30pm
repeated Monday 1.30pm– 4.30pm

Number of places
Part-time: 80

How to apply
Direct to LSBU

Course contact
Dr David Cowan
david.cowan@lsbu.ac.uk – 020 7815 8355

Non-standard entry requirements

You will normally require a degree in a relevant subject and have experience in a relevant field. Please contact the course director to discuss this further

Unit description

This unit is designed to enhance the students’ critical and analytical skills in the health and social care research arena, and to prepare those who wish to continue within the research field. This unit aims to develop students’ understanding of a broad range of methods appropriate to health and social care professionals and foster a critical approach to published research within health and social care. It is also intended that students will appreciate concepts, assumptions and techniques in the use of statistics in research and in the analysis of qualitative data.

Research Methodology and Strategy is a core unit for the Strategic Leadership and Expert Practice programme. This includes Post Qualifying Awards in Advanced Nursing Practice (including Children’s Nursing and Cancer Care Nursing) and Social Work. This unit is also accessed by students studying for Post Qualifying Awards in Health Services and Hospital Management (a BCIM course), Public Health and Health Promotion, Careers Guidance, Mental Health Practice, Practice Education, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Equality and Diversity. However, it may also be studied as a stand-alone unit by those wishing to accumulate credits at postgraduate level. The purpose of this unit is to develop, consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of research philosophies, approaches and methods. This unit covers a range of paradigms and theoreticalperspectives underpinning research approaches. Although it is anticipated that participants may possess some knowledge of research, the degree of expertise will vary from individual ndividual. Consequently, you will be encouraged to add to, and negotiate help in acquiring any additional knowledge and skills.

We explore research design, methods of data gathering and data analysis and interpretation. Specific research methods and techniques are reviewed, including the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation to gather data, as are techniques to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. The unit is designed to extend students’ understanding of the principles and practice of research in health and social care, enhance critical and analytical skills, develop the students’ confidence in applying research to professional practice and to prepare those who wish to continue within the research field.

Career opportunities

Given the increasing requirement for practice in the health and social care professions to be evidence-based and this evidence being largely generated by research, it can be assumed that the candidate’s employment opportunities will be enhanced on completion of a research course such as this.

Typical background of applicant

Typical applicants for this course will be working within the field of health or social care.