Undertaking Research in Public Health and Healthcare Management: A Module Overview

Aims And Overview Of The Module

Aims And Overview Of The Module
The key focus of this module is on the ways in which you may undertake research in public health or healthcare management. This module has a ‘hands on’ approach to learning (experiential) where you will engage in authentic learning activities that mirror the activities within the research process. Where possible you will be able to manipulate and analyse real data that is available within the public domain. This module focuses on learning and developing knowledge about the research process and how it is conducted. You will be able to learn how to apply research approaches and methods. You will explore current research literature and learn how to use this to formulate a research question. You will then be introduced to a broad base of research methods, taught how to analyse data, and place your chosen research approach within a broader conceptual landscape. Wherever applicable, module tutors will encourage you to adopt a critical and reflexive approach. Active researchers, who together have an extensive range of research expertise, will bring research to life wherever possible to deliver the module. 

Learning And Teaching On The Module
On this module you will appreciate the knowledge and skills needed to undertake research. You will learn about research philosophy, methodology and the different methods associated with a range of research traditions. You will explore the value of research evidence in informing public health and healthcare management practices and be able to apply the principles of research to critically appraise research quality. Specifically, you will learn about: 
•    Searching and synthesising the literature in order to formulate a research question
•    Philosophical assumptions and foundations of enquiry
•    Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches
•    Data collection and data analysis 
•    Research governance and ethical issues

A number of different strategies are used within this module to assist your learning around research within the public health and healthcare management setting. More formal learning will take place within lectures where you will be presented with theoretical background knowledge upon which to build your understanding. This module embraces an interactive approach to learning, so in seminar sessions you will be able to further develop your appreciation of research principles through discussion and peer learning. You will use a range of desktop research exercises to experience the stages of the research process. You will have the opportunity to experience data analysis through the use of anonymised publicly available data during research workshops. You will also be involved in discussing research methodology and findings with your peers during collegiate seminar sessions. You will be taught by lecturers with current research experience and who have expertise in particular methodological approaches.
The module delivery is structured in three distinct phases:
Identifying and formulating a research question; this phase is about searching and critically appraising the literature in order to formulate a research question. 
Doing research; This phase is about collecting the right data to answer your research question
Analysing research data; this is about understanding your relationship to the data, and using the best analytical tools critically to answer your research question
Thinking about research will introduce you to the major research paradigms and concepts, and help you understand and rationalise your use of methods.