AC7108 - Systematic Appraisal

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning strategies on this module with lead lectures and one to one supervision. The teaching and learning methods employed are based on a critical two-way dialogue between the student and supervisor. Peer support is encouraged through student led seminars. Students are encouraged to use other staff, colleagues and students as sounding boards for their ideas. The eLearning portal will provide extensive learning resources and be a vehicle for communication between students and staff.

You will be supported academically through regular supervision meetings and formative feedback from your dissertation supervisor. This module will have a discussion board established on Northumbria University’s eLearning portal , Blackboard. Blackboard also allows remote access to materials and aids for module students to access outside of the classroom providing a flexible approach to learning and accessible to you 24/7. Support for your learning is also offered via a 24 hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Skills Plus to support your academic work and Ask4Help Service for other enquiries. These are all available in person at Student Central on Coach Lane Campus and online. The university library has a wide selection of materials to support your individual learning, and these materials are available in hard copy or electronic format. You will also have a personal tutor (PT) allocated to you as part of the programme overall. The PT will meet with you according to University policy.

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.

By the end of the module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of systematic appraisal, implementing knowledge of the process

Conceptualise and evaluate methodological approaches to demonstrate enhanced critical appraisal skills



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Demonstrate self-direction and manage data extraction from selected studies giving due regard to issues of reliability, validity, rigour, trustworthiness and reflexivity



Define the study protocol in terms of the research question and scope (variables/factors/settings to be studied), inclusion criteria, search strategy, critical appraisal techniques, data extraction and analysis methods.


Personal Values Attributes (Global/Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Systematically determine the personal values and attributes of professional curiosity and apply to the appraisal process



Enhance your communication and independent learning skills and act autonomously to produce your systematic appraisal

Both formative and summative assessment opportunities are presented within this module.



Formative assessment: A 1000 word dissertation plan, developing a research question and focus for the dissertation including a chapter outline. You will submit the plan electronically and feedback will be given electronically by your supervisor to assist you to further develop your thinking prior to beginning the summative assessment


Summative assessment: A 15000 word dissertation of the systematic appraisal process of an area of research related to your practice. Summative written feedback will be given to you following the marking of your dissertation.

Must have completed 120 credits at level 7
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This 15000 word dissertation module is designed to support your development by providing a deeper understanding of the systematic appraisal process of selected and contemporary literature of your choice. The dissertation is a culmination of the earlier academic work you have completed during your previous studies. Using a structured approach you will identify a research question drawn from practice and the subject area relevant to your role or speciality.