What will I learn on this module?
Building on research understanding and skills developed throughout your programme, this module will introduce you to key ideas, perspectives and activities in social research relevant to Integrated Health and Social Care. You will develop knowledge and understanding about what and how things can be ‘known’ (epistemology), ways of seeing the world (paradigms), approaches and traditions in research (methodology), collecting or generating data (methods) and analysing or interpreting findings (analysis). In addition, you will understand how to relate each of these elements into a coherent research project and will appreciate relevant ethical issues that apply to your research.
How will I learn on this module?
Your learning on this module will be developed around, and will result from, a ‘Core Project’ which will involve you in proposing, carrying out and writing up a project on a topic which you will negotiate with tutors. Your learning will develop as you make informed, critical and reflective connections between directed activities, reading, planning, discussions with peers and tutors, your research activity and writing.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through electronic and interactive content via Blackboard, lectures, an electronic interactive reading list and 1-1 support from an academic tutor. You will be expected to be proactive in identifying and raising issues for discussion with module tutors and your supervisor in particular – these should be prompted by your reading, journaling and planning related to your project. In addition, you will be able to take advantage of the University Library’s Skills Plus programme as you develop your skills as an undergraduate researcher.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be familiar with and understand relevant research traditions, theories and activities associated with the study of Health and Social Care.
2. You will develop detailed knowledge of your chosen project topic within Health and Social Care.
3. You will demonstrate knowledge of tensions in relation to ethical concerns in undertaking research in the field of Health and Social Care.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. You will be able to evaluate and discriminate between various research methods appropriate to your study.
5. You will demonstrate an ability to manage and sustain a small-scale project to completion, including writing up and evaluating the findings.
6. You will demonstrate your ability to code and interrogate data.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
7. You will demonstrate a range of interpersonal, ethical and organisational skills associated with designing and completing a small-scale academic research project.
8. You will discuss and debate the multiple ethical, practical and philosophical concerns associated with being an ‘inclusive’ researcher.
How will I be assessed?
Summative
You will complete a ‘Core Project’ of 8,000 words (100%) MLOs 1-8
Formative
You will write an extended reflection of ethics MLOs 3, 7 & 8
You will receive feedback on the summative assessment via:
Written comments on assessed work, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and indicating pathways to the further development of knowledge and skills. Areas of concern will be linked to positive advice on how to address issues.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
UCAS Code L5L6
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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