Research Module module (BM40052)

In this module, you will learn independent research and evaluation skills. These will provide you with the skills to analyse a complex issue or problem within a specific area of global health.

You will bring together the knowledge and skills acquired across your course. You will be able to use these to assess your ability to analyse a complex issue or problem.

Your dissertation will be based on primary or secondary research undertaken.

It may take the form of an analysis of a current issue in your chosen area. It could also be in the form of an answer to a specific problem identified by a recognised stakeholder. Stakeholders in this example could be a host organisation.

In this module, you will choose a topic. You will then develop a research objective and appropriate study methodology. Then you will conduct your research project and report it in the form of a dissertation. Throughout this, you will be supported by your supervisor.

You will also discuss your learning in the form of a short, assessed viva voce.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• choose and apply an appropriate research approach to investigate and report on a real-world issue. This issue will be one that has global health relevance
• learn to manage your time effectively. You will learn to work independently of other people. You will also learn how to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• write a dissertation in a scientific and professional style
• read, understand and critically evaluate research and articles. These will be in leading global health and population and social health journals and related literature
• learn to discriminate between material that is central to an issue and that which is auxiliary. You will also learn to synthesise information from a number of sources. This will be so that you can present a coherent understanding of the theory and practice

Assignments / assessment

• research protocol (10%)
  • This is due at the end of semester 1
• dissertation (45%)
• viva voce (5%)
  • These are due at the end of semester 2

Teaching methods / timetable

• independent study
  • You will be supported throughout by your assigned academic supervisor