The Programme

• Course Content

  This Postgraduate Certificate comprises three 20 credit modules: 

  • Qualitative Research Methods – (Semester 1) - The aim of this module is to reach one single goal: to allow you develop a research proposal using qualitative methods. The research proposal can be on a question of your choice – though some titles are offered. The module is designed to assist you through the process of developing a research proposal in a step-by-step manner, one step per week. Structure of the module: We begin by exploring some of the theoretical and epistemological bases of interpretive qualitative research and how these compare and contrast with the epistemological bases of quantitative research. We then guide you through the various stages in creating a high-quality qualitative research proposal from crafting an appropriate question, to conducting a review of the literature related to your topic, to making decisions about sampling and recruitment, data collection methods, and data analysis methods, and to considerations of ethics and responsibilities. 

   

  • Applied Research Methods and Statistics in Nursing (Semester 2] - This module aims to develop the student’s ability to critically evaluate quantitative research studies in terms of their design, methods, analysis and interpretation.  At the end of this module students will be able to: 

  • Critically analyse factors which influence the choice of research design. 

  • Search the literature for evidence to support clinical practice. 

  • Critically evaluate the reliability and validity of quantitative research studies. 

  • Interpret the results of quantitative research studies. 

  • Demonstrate competence in using and interpreting parametric and non-parametric statistics. 

   

  • HSN7076 – Evidence Based Practice - Students will examine the principles and seven step process of Evidence Based Practice, including reflection on practice, identifying topics of inquiry, forming searchable clinical questions, locating appropriate evidence sources, interpreting research quality, and evaluating how evidence informs decision making, quality improvement and practice development. 

   

• Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of this course, students will graduate with a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Advanced HealthCare Practice (Applied Research in Healthcare).  

• Delivery

  Students should note that delivery may be via blended learning, with a mix of online and face to face classes as detailed within the module timetable on Canvas.

  Autumn (AUT) teaching commences w/c Monday, 21 September 2026 (Week 1) and finishes w/c  Monday, 14 December 2026 unless otherwise advised.

  Spring (SPR) teaching commences w/c Monday, 18 January 2027 (Week 18) and finishes w/c Monday, 27 April 2027 unless otherwise advised.

  Venue for first class listed below - thereafter, students should check the Weekly Planner facility on QSIS for remaining venues.

  First Semester	(Day)	(Time)	TBC
  Second Semester			TBC

• Selection Criteria

  Applicants shall normally hold a relevant 2.2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. 

  Applicants who do not hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate evidence of successful study at Level 6 in a healthcare related subject. 

  Applicants must provide evidence of at least 20 CAT points at Level 3/6. Certificates must clearly state level of study and credit worthiness in order to meet the entry requirements. 

  In addition, applicants accessing postgraduate certificates must be working in the relevant clinical area. 

  International Trained Nurses/Midwives: If you hold an international qualification you will need to provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability. This should be obtained prior to submitting your application. You can apply for a statement through the ENIC website: Statement of Comparability (enic.org.uk)