1.¿Apply¿appropriate research¿methods and techniques to review,¿consolidate, and extend your knowledge and understanding of¿Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sports and Exercise Science, or Sports Psychology¿and independently¿initiate, design, and carry out a structured research project.¿

Application &¿Problem-Solving¿¿

2.¿Accurately deploy established techniques of scientific analysis and enquiry, including data collection, statistical interpretation, and methodological evaluation, in line with disciplinary standards of good research practice.¿

Critical Reasoning &¿Collaboration¿¿

3.¿Demonstrate an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity, and limitations inherent in scientific research, recognising how these factors influence methodological choices, interpretation of findings, and the strength of conclusions drawn.¿

Reflection¿

Coursework:¿You will develop a research question, design a robust¿methodology, collect and analyse data, and produce a comprehensive report. The report should adhere to good research and reporting practices and include a clear introduction and background, detailed¿methodology, presentation of results, and a discussion interpreting your findings. Emphasis is placed on¿demonstrating¿rigorous research design, critical analysis, and the ability to integrate relevant literature to support your conclusions.¿

Presentation:¿You will present the findings of your independent research project in a simulated conference setting where you are expected to justify the methodological design of the research and¿reflect on the strengths and limitations of the project.¿¿

Within this module, students will complete formative assessment tasks designed to support the development of professional knowledge and skills. These tasks will be structured to enable students to demonstrate their developing ability to meet the competencies required by the relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB), while receiving feedback that supports progression towards the summative assessments and professional standards expected within the discipline.

This module develops your knowledge, understanding, and competence in the planning, conduct, and reporting of scientific research within¿Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sports and Exercise Science, or Sports Psychology.¿¿

Working under supervision, you will¿plan and¿undertake an independent research project in¿Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sports and Exercise Science, or Sports Psychology¿and professional interests. You will¿identify¿a suitable research topic, justify its relevance through a critical review of the literature, and design¿an appropriate methodological¿approach. You will then collect, manage, and analyse data using¿appropriate analytical¿techniques, interpreting your findings with reference to existing evidence and methodological considerations.¿¿

To support your overall development, you will also complete an oral viva in which you critically reflect on your project and articulate how this module,¿and your broader final-year learning,¿has contributed to your research capability, professional judgement, and transferable skills. This includes¿demonstrating¿readiness for¿employment or further study through evidence of independent working, problem-solving, and effective communication.¿

This flexible module enables you to pursue a research topic and methodological approach that align with your interests, experience, and career¿aspirations,¿while ensuring you gain the essential skills¿required¿to design, conduct, and report high-quality scientific research.¿

Ready to take the lead on your own research project?¿
In this module,¿you’ll¿design and carry out an independent research study in an area of sports therapy and rehabilitation that interests you.¿You’ll¿plan, conduct, and report¿your findings, from reviewing literature and designing¿the trial¿methods to collecting and analysing data.¿You’ll¿also reflect on your learning and present your findings in a viva,¿showcasing¿your research skills, professional judgement, and readiness for your next steps,¿whether that’s employment or further study.¿

We are committed to providing an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that develops students’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills.¿¿

A central feature of¿our¿approach¿is¿simulation-based learning, which allows students to engage with realistic clinical scenarios in a safe and structured setting. Learning is carefully scaffolded: students begin with peer-to-peer role-play, exploring fundamental concepts, communication, and interpersonal skills; progress to case study simulations, applying evidence-based knowledge to increasingly complex injury scenarios; and ultimately integrate these skills into real-world practice within the University’s commercial clinics at Level 5 and 6. This structured progression ensures a seamless transition from theory to professional application while preparing students for graduate employability.¿

The module is delivered¿predominantly face-to-face, combining theoretical understanding with hands-on practical experience to support deeper¿learning and to¿develop practical¿competence. Students refine their manual and technical skills through guided practice, live demonstrations, and independent tasks,¿consolidating¿knowledge while building confidence in¿healthcare¿and¿sport¿settings.¿

To further support self-directed and reflective learning, students have access to¿our¿telehealth and greenscreen facilities, enabling the creation of digital learning resources for revision, skill development, and reflective practice. These activities encourage active engagement, critical thinking, and the integration of evidence-based knowledge into practical decision-making.¿

Higgins, J. P. (2008). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Cochrane Collaboration and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.¿

Purssell, E., & McCrae, N. (2020). How to perform a systematic literature review: a guide for healthcare researchers,¿practitioners¿and students. Springer Nature.¿

Ward, K. (Ed.). (2024). Routledge Handbook of Sports and Exercise Therapy. Taylor & Francis.¿

Sestak, Z. (2013). How to¿write¿a paper. G. M. Hall (Ed.). John Wiley & Sons.¿

Greenhalgh, T. M., & Dijkstra, P. (2024). How to Read a Paper:¿the¿Basics of Evidence-Based Healthcare. John Wiley & Sons.¿

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