Module manager: Rhona Riley
Email: r.l.riley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This aim of this module is to build on the research skills and knowledge acquired at levels 1 and 2 to enable the student to develop a deeper understanding of evidenced based practice. The student will undertake an independent piece of research on a topic of their choice and will take the form of either an audit or service evaluation, systematic review, or empirical research.
This is a 40 credits final year project module required for completion of the programmes mentioned above.
This module provides students with the opportunity to independently carry out research into a relevant specialist area within their profession. The module will enable students to obtain practical experience of conducting research and to develop their understanding of the research process. Students will develop the research skills necessary to complete a supervised research project.
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Formulate and investigate a research question to supplement existing or supply new knowledge to support evidence-based practice
2. Apply principles of research design to the question, and select an appropriate methodology
3. Critically appraise and interpret relevant published literature
4. Collect, synthesise, and analyse research data placing findings in context and have an awareness of research limitations
5. Present a report of research in the style of a scientific journal paper
Research project design and justification within a health context
Literature and research critical evaluation and synthesis of data related to the relevant health subject
Awareness of personal limitations in the context of health research
Writing of a research report in the style of a scientific/peer-reviewed journal article
- The philosophy of the research project
- Project aims, methodologies, and ethical considerations
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 391 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 9 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Private Study and Independent Learning - Detail private study and independent learning outside formal classes as a guide to students about what is expected from them for the module
Private study will include:
Reading, literature searching, writing of notes to enable you develop a relevant and original research question and to critically appraise and interpret published research that is relevant to your area of study.
Data collection and analysis. This can include for instance data that is obtained through empirical sources, databases, online or published sources.
Meeting preparation, for meeting with your academic supervisor.
Assessment preparation to include preparation of the summative oral presentation and the writing up of your research project as a written dissertation.
Dedicated time for the project will be provided within the programme calendar to support private study.
Feedback from proposal in semester 1 will support writing of final research project. Independent meetings with an academic supervisor to discuss ongoing dissertation work during Semesters 1 and 2.
Feedback on up to 20% of written dissertation work and presentation content.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or Dissertation | 5000 word dissertation | 100 |
| Research Proposal | Justification of research proposal (Pass/fail) | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Re-assessment for proposal will occur in the August re-assessment period after student have submitted their dissertation, therefore the proposal and justification re-assessment will focus on a further research proposal based on the findings of their initial research. Both assessment tasks (proposal and dissertation) must be passed, there is no compensation between tasks As part of the project selection and confirmation process, students are required to submit a project proposal outline. This is viewed as formative work, to identify relevant academic supervisors and form the basis of an initial meeting to support the student in development of their project.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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