Cost
Delivery method
Length of module
It runs over approximately 12 weeks
Estimated hours of study
400 hours
Academic credits and level
40 credits at level 6
Entry requirements
Only available for students enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Cancer Care programme.
Course availability
Register your interestCourse summary
Understanding and utilising research is at the heart of delivering person-centered holistic cancer care (Polit and Beck 2021). HCPs need to be able to develop and maintain contemporary knowledge of cancer care by critically engaging with and appraising related research, understanding its’ design and findings effectively to apply these to their practice, and improve services (NMC 2022, HEE 2022, HCPC 2022). This core module will allow the learner to integrate their learning from the whole pathway, to deliver a personally meaningful and clinically relevant dissertation.
This module aims to provide an opportunity to gain critical insights into research methods while developing an extended project situated in the related evidence base, to develop learner’s practice insights and clinical care.
The module and its content is aligned to Skills Multidisciplinary Guidance (UKONS, 2018) as well as the RCN/UKONS/HEE (2022) Career Pathway and Education Framework and the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice (HEE, 2017).
This module is in association with:
Entry Requirements
Please view the Admissions Policy before applying.
Key topics
Identifying issues/areas of exploration
• Developing a question
• The supervision relationship
• Learning through contracts
• Writing skills
Methods for exploring the issue
• Retrieving and appraising the literature
• Research paradigms
• Research methodologies
• Ethical considerations
Expanding knowledge
• Examination of implications
• Practice application of findings
• Change management
• Writing an extended piece of academic work
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module at Level 6 you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:
- Critically select an appropriate issue for investigation relevant to your own clinical practice and demonstrate the ability to access, critically appraise and apply research evidence to the practice setting
- Demonstrate an understanding of research methodologies and paradigms
- Demonstrate the ability to undertake an extended piece of work recognising the need to be self-directed, whilst also negotiating appropriate support from an academic supervisor
- Evaluate the practical and ethical appropriateness of a range of research methods to the clinical practice
- Critically discuss an understanding of how research relates to evidence-based practice
- Examine the implications of applying the findings of the literature review to your own clinical practice setting.
Dates
On-line live interactive sessions on: 22 January, 12, 26 February, 12 and 26 March 2025
Formative Presentations on-line on either or 9 and 16 April 2025
Submission date: 2 July 2025
Assessment
Literature Review OR Research Proposal: 7,000 Words
Student support
Tutorials with the module leader or personal tutor are available if students require additional help with the planning and writing of their assignments. Email and telephone support are also available from the module leader/personal tutor.
The Royal Marsden School uses an online environment called Moodle which students must access during their studies to support and enhance our courses. The site provides resources and communication tools. All students will be provided with a username and password to access module specific sections as well as general learning support such as study skills and library resources. Students also have access to the David Adams Library and Electronic Resource Centre.
To get the best from the live video-conferencing sessions and enable you to participate fully you should have access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. If you have any concerns or need help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Related pathways
This module can only be taken by learners undertaking the following pathway: