Overview of research methods in health and social care, including the purpose of research in improving practice, policy, and service delivery.

Quantitative research approaches, focusing on the use of numerical data, measurement, and structured research designs to examine patterns and outcomes.

Qualitative research approaches, focusing on exploring experiences, perceptions, and meanings within health and social care contexts.

Key differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, including differences in data types, research design, analysis, and the role of the researcher.

Sources and types of research evidence, such as primary studies, secondary research, literature reviews, and systematic reviews.

Interpreting research findings, including understanding data analysis, identifying key themes or trends, and recognising strengths and limitations of research evidence.

Applying research evidence to practice, supporting evidence-based decision-making, service improvement, and responses to health and social care challenges.

Core ethical principles in research, including respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Ethical considerations when conducting research, including informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding participants.

Ethical challenges in health and social care research, particularly when working with vulnerable groups, managing power imbalances, and ensuring participant wellbeing.

Differences between primary and secondary research and examples of both.

Assessment 1

Comparative Report – 1250 words

Weighting: 30%

Assesses module learning outcome 1.

You will produce a 1250-word report that critically compares qualitative and quantitative research within the field of health and social care.

To achieve this, you will be provided with a template and 8 research articles by the academic team and will use them to identify the core characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research; this may include critically commenting on validity, reliability, ethics and resource implications.

Rationale: This assessment will help you to demonstrate understanding of the nature and application of both types of research. This is a key skill that will help you in your future academic work.

Assessment 2

Research Proposal – 1750 words

Weighting: 70% Assesses module learning outcomes 2 and 3.

You will identify an area of focus within the context of health and social care that would benefit from further research and will propose a potential research strategy to further contribute to the evidence-base. This should include discussion of the current underpinning evidence and rationale for your choice of proposed research methodology (which could be qualitative or quantitative in nature; primary or secondary.) Your proposal should also include an analysis of the ethical considerations relevant to the proposed study.

Rationale: This assessment will help you to demonstrate your ability to locate academic literature, interpret it and apply find research gaps that warrant further investigation. It will also allow you to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethical considerations when undertaking research. Finally, this assessment will give you the foundational knowledge of the research process should you undertake further study at a post graduate level and will help you to think about your dissertation at level 6.

The module will employ a range of teaching and learning approaches appropriate to Level 5 study, designed to support your knowledge acquisition, skills development, and your engagement.

Teaching will include interactive lectures to introduce key concepts and seminars to consolidate understanding through structured discussion. Small group work tasks, case studies, and problem-based learning activities will promote collaboration and application of theory to practice-based contexts.

You will engage in directed independent study, supported by guided reading and resources available via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Digital tools will be used to facilitate learning, communication, and formative assessment activities.

Opportunities for formative feedback, including draft tasks and peer review, will support your academic development and progression. Collectively, these strategies aim to develop subject knowledge, critical thinking, professional skills, and independent learning appropriate to undergraduate study.

In this module you will spend a lot of time becoming familiar with research literature, staff will help you to gets to grips with its quirks, build your confidence and address your anxieties. Research material will become your go to asset for future academic writing.

1. Critically contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods employed in health and social care.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Interpret research evidence to develop an informed understanding of health and social care issues and their potential solutions.

Research skills
Application and Problem Solving

3. Analyse ethical principles of research as applied to the health and social care context.

Research Skills
Knowledge & Understanding

Access to research literature and the University library database.

Iphofen, R., 2020. Research Ethics in Healthcare: A Practical Guide. London: Routledge.

This book offers current information, issues and challenges in the fields of research ethics and scientific integrity.

Aveyard, H. and Sharp, P., 2021. A Beginner’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice in Health and Social Care. 3rd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

This is the book for anyone who has ever wondered what evidence-based practice is, how to relate it to practice or use it in academic work. It provides a step-by-step guide to what we mean by evidence-based practice and how to apply this concept to your practice and learning.

Tilly, L. (ed.), 2022. Health and Social Care Research Methods in Context: Applying Research to Practice. London: Routledge.

This book shows how different research approaches are undertaken in practice and the challenges and strengths of different methodologies, thus facilitating students to make informed decisions when choosing which to use in their own research projects.

Saks, M. and Allsop, J., 2026. Researching Health. 3rd ed. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

A comprehensive introduction to research methods for health care students and practitioners.

Green, J., Thorogood, N. and Melendez-Torres, G.J., 2025. Qualitative Methods for Health Research. 5th ed. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

This book discusses every step of the research process, from theory and ethics to data collection, analysis and dissemination.

How do we know what really works in health and social car and how can research improve people’s lives?

This module introduces you to the key research approaches used in health and social care and develops the skills needed to understand, interpret, and apply research evidence in practice. You will explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods, learning how they are used to investigate real-world care issues and how their strengths and limitations shape the knowledge professionals rely on.

You will also discover how research influences professional decision-making, policy development, and improvements in services. By analysing published studies, you will build confidence in interpreting findings, assessing the quality of evidence, and developing informed perspectives on current challenges in health and social care.

A key focus of the module is research ethics. You will examine the ethical principles that guide responsible research, particularly when working with vulnerable individuals and communities. Important topics such as informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, safeguarding, and governance within UK health and social care settings will be explored.

By the end of the module, you will have the knowledge and critical skills to engage with research literature, evaluate evidence, and understand the ethical responsibilities involved in conducting or applying research in professional health and social care practice.