Professional/Short course Applied Research Skills

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
USSKNQ30M
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Applied Sciences
Duration
20 weeks
Delivery
Online
Course Director
Dr Amanda Webber

Page last updated 5 June 2025

30 credit level 7 module

Introduction

This online 30 credit module, Applied Research Skills, will provide you with the knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate science communication projects or undertake research in science communication. The course will also be relevant to anyone seeking to develop their understanding of social science research techniques, which could be applied across a wide range of areas, including, for example, social or international development, museums and cultural studies, health, and/ or education.

On successful completion of this level 7 (Masters level) module, you will be able to:

  • critically apply the principles of effective research design from research question through to implementation.
  • demonstrate a critical understanding, of the purposes and limitations, of a range of quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
  • critically evaluate research within its appropriate methodological context.
  • recognise and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the need for ethical considerations in research.

Structure

Content

In this module, you will examine key topics including methodologies for research, how to design a research project, criticality in research, ethics, and how to share research effectively.

You will also study a number of key research methods such as secondary and desk-based research, experimental approaches, questionnaires and surveys, content and discourse analysis, observations, interviews, and focus groups, as well as social media analytics and analysis.

Core to the module will be teaching on the use of quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, as well as other potential impact indicators.

Learning and Teaching

The module will be taught over 20 weeks of online content. This will include narrated presentations, self-directed learning activities (including designated reading), problem-based learning, discussion forums, asynchronous feedback opportunities and/or live interactive seminars.

You will also be expected to undertake independent learning to build specialist knowledge in aspects of research design of your particular interest/relevance.

Study time

The taught time will include four private study weeks when you will have an opportunity to carry out independent study and review previous weeks' contents and materials. 

Due to the online nature of the module, you will be given very clear guidance on contact times for the module team, as well as dedicated online spaces (including discussion forums) in order to ensure you feel fully engaged as a cohort, despite working at a distance. 

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises two elements:

  • a 3,000-word critical appraisal 
  • a 15-minute narrated presentation

Features

Study facilities

You'll have access to a range of online facilities to support your learning, including the University Library.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

£1,170 per student.

Dates

The online course runs from 7 October 2025 to 6 March 2026.

How to apply

You are required to apply online for this CPD online module.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

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