Research and Innovation in Healthcare Practice
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: August 2027
- Module leader: Leisa Anderton; Nick White; Catriona Hynes
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
This module develops knowledge and skills in research and innovation for healthcare practice.
Students explore paradigms, research design, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, ethics, and literature use. Emphasis is placed on service evaluation, project management, and translating evidence into practice, supporting practitioners to lead improvement, contribute to research activity, and disseminate findings.
Who is this course/module for?
Registered healthcare professionals undertaking postgraduate (Level 7) study
Nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in clinical practice
Practitioners involved in service improvement or innovation projects
Clinicians preparing to undertake research or service evaluation
Healthcare staff supporting evidence-based practice implementation
Professionals aspiring to leadership, advanced practice or specialist roles
Practitioners planning publication, dissemination or further research study
What you’ll learn
Develop skills to formulate research questions, align paradigms, and select appropriate qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. Learn to critically use literature, address ethics and governance, plan projects, and undertake service evaluation. Gain confidence translating evidence into practice, leading innovation, and disseminating findings to improve healthcare quality, safety, and patient outcomes.
Skills you’ll gain
Formulating researchable questions aligned to practice
Applying research paradigms to healthcare inquiry
Selecting qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
Conducting literature searching and critical appraisal
Understanding research ethics and governance processes
Designing service evaluation and improvement projects
Project planning and research management skills
Interpreting and applying evidence to practice
Leading innovation and practice change
Academic writing and writing for publication
Dissemination and presentation of findings
Translating research into healthcare improvement
How you’ll learn
Learning is delivered through interactive online seminars, guided activities, and applied discussions. You will explore real healthcare scenarios, develop your own project ideas, and receive structured support. Independent study, directed reading, and formative activities build skills progressively, with opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and practical application to your professional context.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £915 EU / International students: £930 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
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| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: |
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Entry requirements
Relevant professional qualification
- Relevant work experience
- Relevant workplace opportunities and organisational support
This module is a pre requisite module to the Dissertation module. It can also be taken as a stand-alone module.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Synchronous online learning (distance learning). Take part in live, timetabled online sessions using tools like video calls and virtual classrooms. You’ll learn in real time with tutors and other students, with no need to attend campus for teaching or assessments.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
Tutorials will be held on the following dates:
September start 2026:
- Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Wednesday 4 November 2026
- Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Wednesday 18 November 2026
- Sunday 25 October 2026
- Wednesday 2 December 2026
January start 2027:
- Wednesday 20 January 2027
- Wednesday 27 January 2027
- Wednesday 3 February 2027
- Wednesday 10 February 2027
- Wednesday 17 February 2027
- Wednesday 24 February 2027
- Wednesday 3 March 2027
- Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Wednesday 17 March 2027
May start 2027:
- Wednesday 19 May 2027
- Wednesday 26 May 2027
- Wednesday 2 June 2027
- Wednesday 9 June 2027
- Wednesday 16 June 2027
- Wednesday 23 June 2027
- Wednesday 30 June 2027
- Wednesday 7 July 2027
- Wednesday 14 July 2027
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Written Assignment
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Leisa Anderton - L.anderton@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: