
Research: Methods of Enquiry - Level 7 - 20 credits - Module
Currently viewing course to start in 2022/23 Entry.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc courses to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
- Level CPD
- Study mode Distance Learning/Short Course
- Location City South
- Award Module
- Start date September 2022, January 2023, April 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc courses to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
What's covered in this course?
Consistent with the learning, teaching and assessment strategies of the programme which this module serves, a range will be employed during its delivery.
Learning resources are on the module Moodle site. These include lecture notes, journal articles, links to key evidence-based resources, self-directed study activities, and an electronic reading list citing seminal Evidence Based Practice and Research Methods texts suitable for level 7 study.
Why Choose Us?
Each student will have a choice, to either complete a research proposal for a primary piece of research, or a protocol for a systematic review for their summative assessment. Preparation of these detailed plans help prepare students to undertake a Research Project or a Systematic Review for an MSc Dissertation and to prepare bids in the workplace.
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: Module
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Short Course
- 12 weeks
- £756 per 20-credit module
Award: Module
Starting: Jan 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Short Course
- 12 weeks
- £756 per 20-credit module
Award: Module
Starting: Apr 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 12 weeks
- £756 per 20-credit module
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: Module
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Short Course
- 12 weeks
- £756 per 20-credit module
Award: Module
Starting: Jan 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Short Course
- 12 weeks
- £756 per 20-credit module
Award: Module
Starting: Apr 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 12 weeks
- £756 per 20-credit module
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
How to apply
Complete the online application form via the link above, including the name of the module you are enrolling onto.
Who is this course suitable for?
Any student undertaking a Health MSc following the Post-graduate framework.
Course in Depth
Level 7
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
Specifically, this module will contribute towards students’ personal and professional development fostering independent study. This will be done by encouraging students to further develop their critical thinking and research skills in order to:
- challenge and critically appraise the existing evidence base in their area of study
- identify the gaps in knowledge
- propose primary or secondary research to inform their area of study
Consistent with the learning, teaching and assessment strategies of the programme which this module serves, a range will be employed during its delivery. This will include 36 hours of scheduled learning and teaching activity comprising of lectures, demonstrations, workshops and tutorials with support from the module leader and teaching team. It will also involve 164 hours of independent study which includes guided reading and self-directed study activities with feedback available in class or on-line.
Learning resources are on the module Moodle site. These include lecture notes, journal articles, links to key evidence-based resources, self-directed study activities, and an electronic reading list citing seminal Evidence Based Practice and Research Methods texts suitable for level 7 study.
Each student will have a choice, to either complete a research proposal for a primary piece of research, or a protocol for a systematic review for their summative assessment. Preparation of these detailed plans help prepare students to undertake a Research Project or a Systematic Review for an MSc Dissertation and to prepare bids in the workplace.
Course structure
This course includes scheduled learning and teaching activity comprising of lectures, demonstrations, workshops and tutorials with support from the module leader and teaching team. It will also involve independent study which includes guided reading and self-directed study activities with feedback available in class or online
How you'll learn
In September 2022 you will learn by a blended learning approach with asynchronous pre-recorded lectures and four 3 hour long on campus workshops on Wednesday afternoons.
In January 2023 you will learn by a blended approach with asynchronous pre-recorded lectures and four 3 hour long on campus workshops on Tuesday afternoons. You will also have an online only option with asynchronous pre-recorded lectures and six 2 hour synchronous Teams sessions on Wednesday afternoons.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
The creation of our new suite of courses in Sport and Life Sciences is yet another exciting development at Birmingham City University. The 10,500sq metre building at City South Campus will enable us to offer a wide range of new health, nutrition, biomedical science and sports courses, as well as providing a new home for our education programmes.
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to jiu jitsu.
The courses will reflect the latest developments in our teaching and our focus on practice-led learning with work placements and live industry case studies incorporated into the curriculum. All courses have been co-designed with employers and are endorsed or accredited by professional bodies where appropriate.
By expanding our provision to these new areas, we will be helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society today, such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, by encouraging and supporting healthy eating and greater physical activity.
In addition, we will be producing graduates who can support elite performers in meeting the UK’s ambitions for sporting success at events such as the Olympics and other world sporting tournaments. We are constantly looking to enhance the range of courses we offer - please check all our courses for the latest additions to our portfolio.

Simulation Mannequins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.

S.P.A.C.E.
SPACE is an innovative practice area all students can access to use equipment and resources to practise a wide range of skills in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. It provides students with a creative learning environment to get the best educational experience before becoming a health care professional.

Learning Facilities
We offer up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across. These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

Virtual Tour
Explore our facilities in 360 panoramas, including welcome videos from key members of staff and Health and Wellbeing student profiles.
Doug Ellis Sports Centre
Our £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall, and workout and spinning studios. The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness training equipment and plenty of room for team sports including five-a-side football and cricket. An all-weather pitch adds the finishing touches to the centre.
Visitors to the gym can choose a personalised fitness programme, instructed by qualified fitness trainers, and take advantage of a selection of classes, such as yoga, salsa or body combat.

Our staff
Dr Emma Craddock
Senior Lecturer in Health Research
Emma completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of Nottingham in 2017 (thesis titled: ‘Emotion and Gender in Local Anti-Austerity Activist Cultures’). Her research utilised a feminist methodology and a combination of qualitative research methods to produce an in-depth exploration of anti-austerity activist culture.
More about EmmaEnquiries
Module Leader
If you have any queries about this course please contact Emma Craddock on:
- Tel: 0121 331 4545
- Email: Emma.Craddock@bcu.ac.uk
Professional Navigator
Our Professional Navigator, Nicola Clarke, are also on hand to offer guidance and will help you to choose which modules are best for you, taking into account your aims, professional or clinical experience, KSF requirements and your academic achievements.
Call Nicola on +44 (0)121 331 6162.