What will I learn on this module?
This module will help you to further develop knowledge from the module ‘introduction to academic research’ through development of a deeper understanding of the research process.
The overall module aim is to support you in developing your research skills and knowledge. You will also further develop your ability to analyse and critique research literature and to consider its application to practice. The module will provide you with a strong grounding in a range of research methods. It will also enable you to understand the philosophical and theoretical frameworks that underpin these methods and the research process as a whole. Undertaking this module will help you to prepare for your final year dissertation / project
How will I learn on this module?
You will attend a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and simulation exercises to explore research methods appropriate to health and social care or guidance and counselling. You will learn through lectures, seminar tutors or student-led seminars, peer groups and collaborative learning, independent and self-directed study and library based work. During seminars, and workshops, you will have the opportunity to develop skills as a researcher such as interviewing and facilitating focus group discussions. You will design questionnaires and observation records as well as tools to enable coding. During seminars, and workshops you will receive regular formative feedback which will help to prepare you for your summative assignment. The e-learning portal will also house interactive resources to support you in reflecting upon your own position as a researcher.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Tutors will support your learning through a variety of ways on this module. They will provide a programme of lectures seminars, workshops and simulation exercises which relate to the learning outcomes for the module. Additionally, you will work in a small seminar group where you will have the opportunity to discuss lecture content and your insights gained from directed tasks. Contact details of module tutors will be available in module handbooks and on the e-learning portal, and where appropriate and with your agreement, answers to your queries that would be beneficial to the whole group will be posted on the e-learning portal discussion board so all may benefit.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to identify the most suitable methods of data collection to meet the aim and objectives of a proposed study.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will prepare and present a presentation of a research proposal.
3. You will be able to facilitate a focus group discussion design and follow a semi structured interview schedule in simulated scenarios.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will recognise and discuss your own position as a researcher and demonstrate reflexivity through a personal diary of your learning.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment
Your formative assessment is a presentation of your research proposal for 10 minutes to the rest of your seminar group and tutor. You will receive verbal feedback from your peers and your tutor which could help your preparations for your summative assessment
[LO 3]
Summative assessment:3000-word research proposal (research project). The proposal could be for a quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods project. The topic of your project should be suitable both in scale and relevance to your final year research project (i.e. dissertation). A suggested structure for the proposal will be outlined.
1. Title
2. Literature Review
3. Research Aim and Objectives/Questions
4. Methodology
5. Ethical Consideration
6. Contribution to Knowledge
7. References
. [LO 1, 2 & 4]
Feedback
Tutors will formally assess your summative assessment providing written feedback and marks based on the assessment criteria
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module you will learn about research methods and through technology enhanced learning within the e-learning portal and scenario based simulation activities and exercises you will be aided to develop skills necessary for conducting research appropriate to health and social care or guidance and counselling. Specifically this module will prepare you to undertake your dissertation / project in the final year of your study and any work based project which you are likely to undertake as a graduate (offering prospective employers the benefits of a graduate with sound skills and knowledge in research design) seeking employment in the Integrated Health and Social Care or Guidance and Counselling sector. You will learn about research, how to conduct research and how to engage with and analyse research.
This module welcomes you into the world of academic research as an early researcher.
Course info
UCAS Code L5L6
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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