What will I learn on this module?
This module will help you to develop your critical reading skills so that you will be in a position to make wise decisions about the selection and use of evidence to support your occupational therapy practice and continuing professional development. In this module you will be reading and critically appraising published research and other forms of evidence that inform health and social care practices, with a particular focus on occupational therapy. You will develop your understanding of the meaning of knowledge and how knowledge is generated within ethical parameters. Particular attention will be paid to current service user and carer involvement in healthcare research and how this can be facilitated in future knowledge generation. Service users recognised as equal partners and valued contributors will be considered as the key to the development and enhancement of service provision. You will develop knowledge and understanding of research terminology, methodologies and research methods by exploring relevant terminology, concepts and research processes. You will develop your critical appraisal skills to enable you to appreciate the value and limitations of a variety of approaches used in health and social care research. By the end of the module you will be familiar with the value of published literature reviews and will be starting to think of your topic for your own literature review to be undertaken in the final year of your programme of studies.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a range of student-centered approaches and activities. You will have some lectures where facilitators will introduce key research principles and processes. Some of sessions will be interactive and you will have the opportunity to discuss concepts and terminology with your facilitator and peers, based around activities which have been undertaken either before sessions as directed learning, or during sessions. You will use on-line resources to access relevant health and social care material and will actively use this material in class based sessions to develop your knowledge and understanding of how data generated in the research process is analysed and reported. You will continue to develop your academic skills of information retrieval by reviewing and developing your use of study skills plus material.
Student-led directed learning will also be important to help you to develop your knowledge and understanding about key concepts which will be introduced during the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure face-to-face and on-line learning opportunities to support your learning within the module and to assist you to work towards the module assessment. The module handbook, electronic reading list, web- based material and information communicated throughout the module within sessions and on the e-learning portal will all support your academic and skill development. A module workbook will be made available to you at the start of the module to facilitate and structure your directed and independent 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. Understand principles and processes that underpin qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including impact on findings and implications for practice
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Apply critical reading and appraisal skills
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Develop appreciation of service user and carer involvement in health research
4. Develop understanding of ethics in health and social care
How will I be assessed?
Formative: Annotated reference list of 2 – 4 potential articles for summative assignment.
You will receive staff and peer class-based support and feedback. Working towards all MLOs
Summative: 2500 word essay in which you will select an occupational therapy relevant topic and critically appraise two research articles (from your articles selected in your formative piece of work) (ALL MLOs)
You will receive written feedback summarising strengths and areas for development from your summative assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
Level 4 modules
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will help you to become, and continue to be, an up-to-date occupational therapy student and future practitioner throughout your professional career.
In this module you will increase your professional skills base focusing on critical appraisal skills so that you can use qualitative and quantitative research evidence to support your occupational therapy practice. This module will increase your confidence in your practice as you will develop knowledge and skills in order to choose and use evidence wisely. You will become efficient, proficient and gain confidence in selecting and critically appraising information to support your practice.
You will learn from and contribute to your peers’ knowledge and skill development through interaction in class and directed learning activities. This will prepare you well for working efficiently and effectively with your future professional colleagues.
You will learn from academic staff, up to date published material, and service user experiences which are available in the public domain.
Course info
UCAS Code B925
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
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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