The aim of this Master's level unit is to introduce students to various approaches to enquiry and knowledge production, and to how different philosophical assumptions shape claims to knowledge. You'll learn about the nature of knowledge, different research methodologies and how to assess research carried out by others.

Indicative Content

• The concepts of epistemology, ontology, paradigms

• Overview of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research designs

• Searching and reviewing the literature
• An introduction to comprehensive methods of review
• Issues of reliability, validity and trustworthiness 
• Issues of research governance and ethics
• Research design 

• Developing a research/review question
• Critical analysis of evidence

Learning and Teaching Methods

The unit will be delivered through a variety of learning activities either online or in person, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.

This unit is one of the core units for the MSc Public Health.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to: 

1. Understand the nature of knowledge and its relationship with research paradigms
2. Be able to provide a rationale for different of methodological approaches.
3. Critically assess research carried out by others
4. Evaluate the usefulness of research for their own practice.

Assessment

100% coursework (3000 word equivalent). The unit assignment will usually comprise a critical evaluation of two research papers, each from different paradigms