Course Details

Course Code(s):
NS6036
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
Autumn
Duration:
12 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Minor Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Department of Nursing & Midwifery
Email: nm@ul.ie
Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This course qualifies for 50% funding under the HCI Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy. Check fees section for details and eligibility.  Please Note:   Applicants may only apply for and receive, one subsidised course per semester.   

Please ensure you enter the Module Code above when applying for this module. Applications without this cannot be processed. You may apply for more than one module under the same application.

Module Description

Module Code

NFQ Level

ECTS Credits

Start Date

Cost

Health Research Methods and Methodology

NS6036

9

12

Sep. 2024

€1,050 - EU

€1,900 - Non-EU

This micro-credential represents a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking this micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award. The programmes associated with this MicroCred are:

The purpose of this module is to help students to learn about and develop an understanding of the social, political, ethical and personal context of the research process. The module focuses on clarifying and challenging the major assumptions underlying research paradigms, theories and methods. The module will provide students with an advanced understanding of the practical application, and the challenges and contribution of research to health care delivery. On completion of this module students will be prepared to plan a research study. 

This module explores;

  • Philosophical underpinnings of the research paradigms and their application to nursing and midwifery practice; Reviewing the literature, refining the research question within the relevant paradigm.
  • Ethical and professional factors throughout the research process.
  • Exploration of practical issues relating to qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research and design; Specific processes relevant to quantitative research: Instruments and their use.
  • Approaches to quantitative data analysis; PC based statistical packages, levels of measurement and statistical analysis. Specific processes relevant to qualitative research e.g. interview, fieldwork, participant observation, and focus groups.
  • Approaches to qualitative data analysis; thematic coding, discourse, semiotic and conversation analysis, computer aided data management; Preparation, interpretation and presentation of data and scientific report writing. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Challenge the major assumptions underlying research paradigms and research approaches in healthcare research.  
  • Critically appraise research strategies, research design and research methods.  
  • Critically discuss systematic steps involved in the design of a research study.  
  • Critically reflect on how research informs and advances practice.  
  • Synthesise the evidence from the relevant literature when refining a research question/topic within the relevant paradigm. 
  • Display a professional commitment to the ethical principles required in the design of a research study.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet criteria identified in the English Language qualifications set by the University of Limerick. 

Entry requirements are established to ensure the learner can engage with the course material and assessments, at a level suitable to their needs, and the academic requirements of the module. By applying to this micro-credential, you are confirming that you have reviewed and understand any such requirements, and that you meet the eligibility criteria for admission.

Successful completion of this module does not automatically qualify you for entry into a further award. All programme applicants must meet the entry requirements listed if applying for a further award.

€1,050 - EU

€1,900 - Non-EU 

HCI Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy - Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can qualify for 50% funding subject to the availability of places. To clarify eligibility please go to Eligibility Criteria 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.