Core Module Information
Module title: Research Methods MPH Global Online Programme

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: HSC11172
Module leader: Isabel Nyangu
School School of Health & Social Care
Subject area group: Allied Health and Social Care Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module aims to enable you to critically appreciate the value of empirical literature, research design and data interpretation, relating to public health. The module will provide further knowledge on the critical appraisal of evidence from published literature, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, structured literature reviewing, ethics, data collection and analysis. The intention is for you to be able to discriminate between different research methodologies suitable to answer specific pertinent public health questions

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically analyse the elements of the research process and apply this to generate a research idea (question).

LO2: Critically reflect upon the main differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches and methodologies and critically evaluate components that comprise each method.

LO3: Critically reflect upon the purpose and function of a literature review and demonstrate an ability to effectively utilise information retrieval skills and plan a review of the literature.

LO4: Critically analyse and evaluate published research that relates to relevant subject areas and reflect the main theories and concepts that inform safe and ethical research practice.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, Blended, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Isabel Nyangu
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Tutorial 10 Weekly online tutorial as part of the Global Online live academic sessions. We go over and discuss what you have learnt during engagement with the module unit you have just completed.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 10 Practical classes and workshops - take place during the live academic sessions that take place weekly. Workshops allow you to work together to undertake activities related to your learning from the previous unit in the Module.
Online Guided independent study 170 Guided independent study - as per Global Online guidelines you are required to work your way through the units in the Module at your own pace. The units each have an end of unit progress test so you can check your own understanding and knowledge prior to moving onto the next unit.
Independent Learning Seminar 10 SEMINAR - seminars take place during the module when external speakers come into teach academic skills and specific learning on the two case studies i.e., Public Mental Health and Maternal Health
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 100 1~2~3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 4000 The summative assessment involves the development of a systematic Literature Review Protocol (3500 words) on your chosen research problem. The final assignment should be submitted with final abstract (500 words) (formative assessment) at the end of week 14.A well conducted literature reviews use systematic search methodology, such as pre-defined research questions; explicit methodology; appraisal and synthesis procedures to locate all the relevant evidence to determine if there is sufficient evidence-base to address the research question. The findings of the literature review can be used to aid decision-making for clinical practice and/or health policy or if there is a limited evidence base it can identify the “research gap” highlighting the need for further primary research. Writing this protocol allows you to discuss how you would go about conducting a systematic review and takes you through the research process.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
HSC11172 Research Methods MPH Global Online Programme