The assessment will be based on a research proposal, developed by the student and agreed by their supervisor. The student will be required to write a 6000 word report critically analysing the issues around the implementation of the proposed study and the results of testing the proposed data collection tool and the planned method of data analysis. weighted at 100% (assessing all LO's)

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Students will be supported by an appropriate supervisor and given formative feedback as part of a mechanism to develop their project.

Analysis of current practice and policy.
Literature search skills and strategies.
Principles and practice of critical appraisal of evidence.
Philosophical underpinning of research.
Conceptual frameworks.
The research process.
Research protocol development, including development of research questions, aims, objectives, study design, sampling, variables and indicators, data collection methods, data analysis planning, and dissemination planning.
Research ethics.
Research governance.
Project management and budgeting.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (35)
10 hours Lead lectures
20 hours group work, seminar discussion
5 hours individual/small group tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (265 hours)
35 hours Preparation for interactive lectures, seminars and tutorials
230 hours Carrying out literature search and individual work

Library and IT resources

Text books specific to topic area will be negotiated between individual student and supervisor.

Aveyard, H. (2014) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide. (3rd ed) Open University Press, Maidenhead.
Coughlan, M. Ryan, F. and Cronin, P. (2013) Doing a Literature Review in Nursing, Health and Social Care. Sage, London.
Parahoo K (2014) Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues (3rd edition) Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.