MSc Professional Practice in Health (Dissertation Top Up)
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
This module aims to integrate research and service improvement efforts through collaboration, focusing on three main forms of inquiry: empirical research, systematic review and service improvement projects.
Empirical research emphasises the student as a researcher, providing opportunities to collect and analyse primary qualitative and/or quantitative data to answer relevant research questions. You will explore various methodologies to understand and potentially transform individual or systemic practice. Key areas of empirical research project include worldviews, philosophical paradigms, research question formulation, research approaches and design, literature review, ethical considerations, sample selection, data collection, rigour, trustworthiness and data analysis.
Systematic reviews are a valuable form of theoretical research, offering a clear and critical synthesis of existing knowledge on a specific topic. In this module, you will engage with a rigorous and methodical approach to identifying, selecting, appraising, and synthesising research to address well-defined review question(s). This process includes conducting a thorough literature search, applying precise eligibility criteria, critically evaluating the quality of selected studies, and synthesising findings to draw meaningful and evidence-based conclusions.
A service improvement project will allow you to integrate reflection, theory, action, and practice. Using an appropriate framework for change you will implement a service change which is compatible with the needs of the service user and organisation. You will negotiate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the planning and implementation of your project. Key areas for service improvement project include leadership skills, project coordination, decision making, auditing skills, reflective practice, literature evaluation, relevant data collection and project planning and implementation of change management methodologies.
