This course explores philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies.

Typically, six half day sessions delivered using a blended learning approach.

Students will submit a 3,000 word critical review of research methodologies.

This course aims to consolidate and extend students' knowledge of research methods to enable students to undertake a critical review of methodologies and formulate a research question.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically appraise the logic of the research process. 

2. Critically reflect on the effectiveness of search strategies to identify best available evidence.

3. Critically evaluate how different philosophical perspectives underpin different research approaches.

4. Critically appraise the different research approaches and their associated study designs and methods by identifying key strengths and limitations.

5. Critically evaluate the relevance of different research approaches and study designs to address specific research questions.

6. Critically synthesise research evidence to identify its contribution to the knowledge base and formulate research questions to address potential gaps in knowledge.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.