Developing Research Capabilities for Advanced Clinical Practice HEA4119

Overview

This module will normally be taken as a core module of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) programme (Direct entry, HEE fees funded and Apprenticeship route). It may also be completed as a standalone module. It is open to allied health professionals that traverse primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.

Module code:	HEA4119
Level:	7
Module credits:	20
Cost for new students:	£1060 for 2026/27 academic year.

If your tuition fee is being paid by a sponsor or you are a sponsor paying a student’s fee, you are required to send a copy of a purchase order to [email protected].

For further guidance please visit: Sponsored students – Edge Hill University

Who is this module for?

Developing Research Capabilities for Advanced Clinical Practice has been designed to support practitioners across all domains of clinical practice including primary, secondary and tertiary. The module will provide a framework for developing research capabilities across the health care sector.  This module is only available to students on a registered programme within the University.

What are the key aims of the module?

The module aims to support and develop you to:

• Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence from relevant research, policy, evaluation and audit to inform/enhance own practice and that of the wider multidisciplinary team. (Pillars: clinical practice, leadership & management, education, research)
• Demonstrate in-depth, knowledge, understanding and skills to undertake research/quality improvement projects within robust ethical and governance frameworks to enhance care and service delivery models. (Pillars: clinical practice, research)
• Critically appraise and synthesise the outcome of relevant research/quality improvement projects, using the results to underpin own practice and to inform that of others. (Pillars: clinical practice, leadership & management, education, research)
• Demonstrate critical insight to inform dissemination of best practice research findings and quality improvement projects. (Pillars: leadership & management, research)

How will I study?

This module is delivered face to face at the Ormskirk Campus. The method of delivery includes seminars which provide the opportunity for discussion, critical analysis and debate of the topic(s) covered in the preceding lead lecture. Workshops provide the opportunity for interactive group activity, with tutor support to allow you to develop your understanding and skills in a safe/structured environment. Examples include data management/analysis and critical evaluation of evidence.

What will I study?

This module will cover:

• Critical appraisal and synthesis of evidence underpinning own/others practice
• Strengthening the evidence base to inform enhancement of practice/service delivery
• Ethics/governance/safety
• Applying for funding Sampling / design / reliability / validity
• Qualitative / quantitative research methodologies
• Quality improvement theory and methodologies – audit, service improvement etc.
• Quality improvement frameworks/measures
• Cost effectiveness/value for money
• Data governance/systematic documentation processes
• Analytics/problem solving
• Dissemination of best practice through variety of media and diverse audiences
• Translation to practice and transformation agendas

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via written coursework, specifically a structured proposal for a quality improvement project designed to develop both academic and transferable skills that will enhance future professional and clinical practice. This proposal will normally inform the assessment for the Research Inquiry for Advanced Practice module (HEA 4264, 40 credits/level 7).

On successful completion you will:

On completion of this module students will have the skills, ability and knowledge to explore quality improvement, research and implementation across clinical practice.

Study dates and venues

How to apply

Module availability varies from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to the popularity of some modules it may be that the module is fully booked when your application is received. We will include your details on a waiting list and allocate you a place on the next available intake.

For details of how to apply, please visit the apply page.

If you have any queries about studying with us, please complete the online enquiry form.

Contact us

For further information, please contact the Medical School Administration Team via e-mail address  [email protected]

Pathways

This module is taken as a core module for the advance clinical practice (ACP) (direct entry and apprenticeships route), PGC/PGD/MSc Clinical Professional Development and other health programmes as appropriate.