OT7000 - Research Informed Occupational Therapy

What will I learn on this module?

This module will provide you with the opportunity to engage with academic writing, a range of research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative and consider these in the context of Occupational Therapy practice and wider health and social care to contribute to your development as an evidence based healthcare practitioner. Empirical and systematic review methodologies will be introduced and considered in the context of an MSc project option. In this module you will have the opportunity to engage with research ethics, research methodology theory, participate in data collection and analysis and engage in critical debate about public involvement in research. The module provides the opportunity for the integration and development of some skills and concepts considered in your profession specific modules to be critically evaluated in the context of research. The end product of this module will be a project proposal that could be transferable for submission for ethics approval. This module is linked with your MSc project; with the aim prepare you for involvement in data collection and analysis or systematic appraisal to provide you with a firm foundation for undertaking research as part of your MSc.

How will I learn on this module?

You will have the opportunity to participate in an enquiry-based learning approach that will promote peer and self-coaching to meet the module learning outcomes through exploration of structured and staged skill-based tasks. Staff will introduce you to concepts, information and practical skills and facilitate reflection on your development through self and group directed study. In developing a ‘community of learning’ within a professional framework.

There will be opportunities for peer learning both within your own student group and with BSc Occupational Therapy students. The collaboration and joint learning across programmes will give you the opportunity to appreciate the positive contribution a range of perspectives can make to your development as a researcher and as an evidence-aware health care practitioner. Engagement in critical dialogue with service user/ public researchers will enhance learning and appreciation of the value of a wider range of perspectives.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Successful academic achievement requires a system of robust support and guidance to help you focus on your learning needs. In addition to the pastoral support you will receive, the tutors involved in delivering this module will provide guidance and academic counselling to ensure that you are able to confidently engage with the academic and practical rigor of this module. This dialogue will be delivered using a blended approach through workshops and tutorial support which are essential aspects of the programme’s assessment for learning strategy. Extensive support is accessible online as part of the University’s commitment to technology enhanced learning. This employs the use of the e-learning portal, social networking and collaborative tools.

A central feature of the academic support available to you is the service provided by the University Library. This 24/7 service caters for all your learning needs, has extensive access to electronic texts and tutorials that will directly support the development of academic skills aimed at improving your critical thinking and communication skills.

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. Develop critical discussion of research methods including threats to reliability and validity in quantitative research and trustworthiness in qualitative research
2. You will be able to critically discuss the value of service-user and carer involvement as co- producers in research to the type and quality of evidence produced

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically review the evidence base for a topic area and identify the need for research/evaluation and the implications of this for practice.

4. Develop coherent research skills, including critical review of quantitative and qualitative studies, alongside consideration of this in the context of practice.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Value research as essential to promote knowledge, occupational justice and contribute to the professional evidence base.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
You will receive feedback on your project proforma, outlining your project theoretical background and intended methodology

Summative assessment:

4000 word empirical project proposal or systematic appraisal protocol
All MLO’s

You will receive written feedback on thes assignment outlining your areas of strength and areas for future development.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module will support your understanding and development of research as a basis for the knowledge and skills required to undertake your MSc project. You will engage with a range of research rich learning opportunities, related to research methods and skills and evidence-based practice. Working with peers you will consider existing research-related skills and knowledge and begin to develop these within a series of workshops related to qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. There will be opportunities for peer/ staff feedback through action learning sets on project ideas, methodological and ethical considerations. The module is assessed by a project proposal, which will then serve as the basis for your project research ethics submission.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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