Research for Professional Practice

Key information

Start date:
To be confirmed

Contact details:

  • Level
    6 (undergraduate)
  • Credits
    30
  • Module code
    NUR3225

Module overview

Students will:

  • Acquire vital research and evidence-based practice skills. 
  • Learn how to effectively complete a literature search, and how to review and critically appraise research articles. 
  • Develop critical appraisal skills for both qualitative and quantitative research, understanding key research and evaluation stages as part of this process and considering the role of ethics and research governance. 
  • Gain autonomy in conducting literature reviews and project proposals, to support their development as evidence-informed practitioners.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Utilise an appropriate search strategy to retrieve, review and appraise published literature within your field of practice.
  • Appraise where research sits within the hierarchy of evidence and its application to guidelines and policy.
  • Critically appraise strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research design, methods, and analysis.
  • Apply in-depth understanding of the key research processes, evaluation or improvement methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of key ethical issues in research and research governance.
  • Explain the benefits and importance of patient and public involvement in research.
  • Act independently and takes responsibility for seeking guidance in relation to completion of a literature review and project proposal.

Course content

Indicative module content includes:

  • How to develop a search strategy and undertake a literature review.
  • Introduction to critical appraisal and appraisal tools.
  • Research design, methods, and analysis, including basic statistical terminology.
  • The role of evidence in clinical guidelines
  • Introduction to audit and evaluation.
  • Research ethics, the role of ethics committees and research governance.
  • The benefits and importance of patient and public involvement.
  • How to write a research proposal.

Learning and teaching methods

Learning and teaching methods include:

  • Lectures 
  • Workshops with group discussion
  • Supervision support for all students 
  • Guided online learning activities
  • Self-directed study.

Assessment

A comprehensive literature review and a research proposal related to an area of interest within their scope of practice. You will not be expected to undertake the research proposed. 

Word count: 8,000 

Course leader

Zoe Polly profile image

Zoe Polly

Lecturer, Children and Young People's Nursing

Reading list

Take a look at the module reading list.

Entry requirements

Students must be enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Practice Programme and have completed prior or simultaneously be taking the following modules:

  • Developing Yourself Professionally and Personally
  • Application of Decision Making
  • Transforming Services for Quality OR Leading People and Services OR Fundamentals in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
  • 45 Level 6 credits of choice modules related to the programme.

Fees and funding

Fees are to be confirmed

How to apply

Please download and fill in an application form. 

Please note: 

  1. Applications typically six weeks before the module start date 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