Professional course Dissertation (PQF)

Content

Advanced search skills:

• Critical appraisal
• Links between policy and practice
• Stakeholder perspectives including public and patient involvement
• Research methods and ethics
• Service Evaluation Theory
• Barriers to change implementation
• Writing for a professional audience
• Dissemination techniques

On successful completion of this 30 or 40 credit module, you will be able to:

• Select and develop a research method appropriate to particular research questions.
• Critically analyse ethical issues within the research process.
• Critically evaluate research and current issues in a selected area of practice.
• Demonstrate analysis and interpretation of data collected.
• Critically evaluate the findings and their applicability and implications for the development and improvement of practice.
• Articulate a coherent argument and an ability to defend that line of reasoning.
• Evaluate and reflect upon your own performance in applying the research process to your professional role.

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Masterclasses
• ICT based platforms
• Problem solving approaches
• Supervision
• Directed and independent learning
• Formative assessment opportunity

Study time

There will 36 hours of contact to include seminars, lecturers and online activities, inclusive of six hours of contact per student.

Assessment

Assessment will be in the form of a 8,000 word assignment.

The Dissertation will take the form of a literature review on a topic relevant to your practice and to include consideration of the contribution of the evidence to service improvement.