What will I learn on this module?
The purpose of this extended literature review is to enable you to examine ways in which research evidence can be used to develop nursing and healthcare practices. In this module you will learn how to make informed use of published research and other sources of information, and learn how to engage with research findings in order to evaluate and enhance practice and health situations. Lectures will provide you with the background theoretical knowledge, while in seminars, individual and group activities will help you to facilitate reflection on previous health, healthcare and nursing experiences. You will be supported in finding and critically appraising research which will be collated as evidence to underpin a contemporary healthcare or nursing practice issue. You will draw on your learning and experiences of the other modules on the BSc (Hons) Nursing Science programme to help you engage with this module. For example, you will use your skills and knowledge of research methodology and methods to help you to critically evaluate the quality of the research underpinning your dissertation topic of interest. A workshop discussion with your lecturer and your peers will help you to facilitate your initial ideas for your dissertation topic.
The assessment strategy is central to the development of critically analytical professional practitioners. You will engage in the production of an independent, negotiated extended literature review that analyses, in depth, an aspect of heath or nursing practice that is of interest to you.
How will I learn on this module?
Since people learn in different ways the teaching and learning materials on this module are varied to ensure that all learning styles are taken into account. You will have lectures that provide you with the information and present underpinning theory. In seminars you will be encouraged to explore subjects in greater depth either independently or with your peers. Choosing a topic to study at dissertation can be challenging but lecturer and peer support will help you with this. A workshop session will help you learn how to structure your assignment and a formative assignment session will enable you to share your ideas with your peers before continuing with your study. The lectures and seminars on this study are aimed at guiding you through your independent study with 1:1 tutorial support built in to the study hours.
This module is supported with materials on the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP) where you will find all your teaching materials and additional information to help you learn.
Some key lectures have been recorded for you to listen to as many times as you wish. In addition, the electronic reading lists will highlight the texts that will be of use in supporting your journey on this module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
On this module you will receive support from the module tutor. You will be allocated a supervisor and marker who will provide you with academic support before you hand in your assignment. Your peers on the Nursing Science Programme are an important part of your support network on this module. Many of the activities undertaken within seminar sessions are aimed at enabling fellow students to talk and learn with one another. In addition, your Guidance Tutor (GT) will support you throughout the whole programme not just this module. For international students the BSc (Hons) Nursing Science Programme runs alongside ESAP. This is a dedicated team of lecturers who aim to support the academic learning of students who do not have English as their first language and who require support with academic writing skills generally.
The library have a Skills Plus site on their website and here you will find helpful guides to support many aspects of your learning.
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: Critically appraise and synthesise evidence from a range of sources and recognise the clinical reasoning/decision-making processes when working collaboratively with other professional groups.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2: Evaluate levels of evidence from a variety of sources and explore the implications and value within a contemporary nursing issue.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
3: Critically debate methodological design and ethical implications and be able to disseminate research findings appropriately to inform nursing practice.
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will submit a 6,000 word extended literature review that focuses on an area of contemporary health/healthcare or nursing issue, negotiated by the student in conjunction with their marker. Part of the Literature Review will provide an overview of the literature on that health/healthcare, nursing issue and part of the review will focus on what that knowledge means for practice (implications). In that section, the student can discuss improvements to care/practice.
(MLO 1,2,3)
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
For the formative assessment you will discuss your assignment progress to date with your peers in small groups. You will discuss:
-the topic area and its relevance to your area of professional work.
-where you searched for the evidence in your work
-some issues raised with the research searched (strengths and weaknesses)
-how you will progress to completion of the assignment (i.e. time management).
-and come to a conclusion about your own individual progress. (self-awareness)
(MLO 1,2,3)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module you will have the opportunity to explore, in depth, a contemporary nursing subject of your interest. This will enable you to develop your own interests further and possibly focus on an aspect of nursing where you work currently or where you may wish to work in the future. You will engage with research and other published material on this topic to formulate answers to questions that you might have. This will inform you about best practices in nursing and help you consider the application of evidence based practice.
Course info
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health
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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