Module manager: Dr Rebecca Hawkins
Email: r.hawkins@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
See programme entry requirements.
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module offers an introduction to applied health and social care research and will provide you with key knowledge and skills relating to designing, undertaking, disseminating and critically evaluating health and social care research. In this module you will explore the fundamental building blocks of health and social care research, including: different quantitative study designs; the principles of qualitative research; and research philosophy. You will also cover topics relating to the practicalities of initiating and delivering a successful research project, including: writing a research proposal; systematically searching the research literature; working with research collaborators; obtaining financial support for your research; gaining ethical approval; disseminating your research findings to ensure impact. Our interactive teaching style will provide you with plenty of opportunity to discuss topics with our expert tutors and other students. By the end of this module you will be able to recognise the key features of, and critique, different research designs and produce a proposal that focuses on the practicalities of planning, conducting and disseminating your research.
This module is an introduction to applied health research. It aims to provide you with important knowledge and skills related to developing, undertaking, writing up and disseminating high quality research in health and social care settings. It also aims to develop critical appraisal skills.
Through seminars and group-based activities, you will have the opportunity to gain and apply knowledge concerning quantitative study designs, qualitative research, research philosophy, how to write a research proposal, ethical issues and approvals, disseminating research and working with research collaborators.
Through a computer practical session you will learn the principles of searching research literature.
On successful completion of the module and associated assessment, you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Explain the fundamental principles of quantitative and qualitative study designs
2- Critically appraise a range of different quantitative study designs
3- Design research that includes strategies to engage stakeholders and ensures inclusive research practices
4- Devise approaches for disseminating, promoting and implementing research findings to ensure your research has impact
5- Apply knowledge to produce a research proposal
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1- Search for, evaluate and use information sources to develop knowledge, support arguments and draw informed conclusions
Leeds Skill Matrix: Academic skills – Information searching.
2- Communicate and present research ideas clearly and backed up with appropriate knowledge
Leeds Skill Matrix: Work ready skills – Communication.
Leeds Skill Matrix: Academic skills – Presentation skills.
3- Apply research knowledge and theory to real world research and practical examples
Leeds Skill Matrix: Work ready skills – critical thinking.
4- Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate practical examples of research studies
Leeds Skill Matrix: Academic skills – Critical thinking
You will be introduced to key topics in applied health and social care research through a combination of seminars, small group activities and a practical session. Topics will include:
- Philosophy of research
- Quantitative research study designs
- The principles of qualitative research
- How to develop a research proposal (including searching the literature, developing a research question, ethical considerations, identifying research collaborators, obtaining funding and disseminating findings).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Seminar | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Seminar | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1.5 | 16.5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 1 | ||
| Private study hours | 126.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Small group work with regular tutor support will take place throughout the module taught sessions providing you with regular opportunities for formative feedback with experts on the topics being covered. This will include small group sessions on key design principles in quantitative research (workbook), designing a research proposal, and presenting research to help prepare you for the summative assessment.
In addition, a formative MCQ quiz will enable you to assess your own understanding and identify additional learning required on key concepts that you will need to know to successfully complete the summative assessment. You will be provided with feedback on the answers in this formative assessment and the opportunity to ask questions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Formative: MCQ Quiz - To enable students to assess their own understanding and identify any additional learning required on key topics covered during the module. Feedback provided | 0 |
| Coursework | Coursework - Summative: Workbook - To assess students’ knowledge of key design principles in quantitative research and their ability to understand and critically appraise real-life examples of applied health research studies. | 50 |
| Coursework | Coursework - Summative: Proposal Presentation - Oral presentation of a proposal for a hypothetical research project. To assess knowledge of the practicalities associated with initiating, delivering and disseminating research. | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Compensation is not permitted across summative components (e.g. a pass mark in all components of the assessment is required to pass the module). Resits will be in the same format as the original failed piece of coursework. Module marks will be capped at 50% on successful resit of any failed assessment in the module.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 01/04/2025
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