5B020E - Research Methods and Ethics for Real-World Enquiry 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5B020E
Module Title: Research Methods and Ethics for Real-World Enquiry
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology and Therapeutic Interventions
Faculty Sub Group: Psychology
Module Leader: Victoria Markham
Module Team: Emily Groves, Klara Price
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are:

  • To deepen students’ understanding of innovative and ethical research methods used in studying children and young people, with a focus on real-world applications.

  • To offer practical research experience through engagement with real-world challenges set by our partner organisations.

  • To develop students’ ability to become thoughtful, reflective, and ethically-minded researchers.

Content Summary

This module offers an exciting opportunity to explore and critically engage with cutting-edge research involving children and adolescents. You will delve into the importance of the voice of the child and active participation in the research process, gaining a deeper understanding of how to conduct meaningful and ethical studies with children and young people.

Building on your research knowledge from Level 4, you’ll explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods—examining their strengths, limitations, and practical applications. Throughout the module, you’ll revisit and expand on key ethical and practical debates, applying these to real-world research contexts.

Through active, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning, you’ll also have the chance to tackle a real-world research challenge in partnership with external organisations—putting theory into practice while developing valuable professional and academic skills.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 56
Guided Study 10.5
Summative Assessment and preparation 60
Independent self-directed learning 173.5
Total Hours Selected 116

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse and apply a range of research methods appropriate to the study of children and young people, demonstrating awareness of key ethical, practical, and methodological issues.
LO2 Work collaboratively to design and carry out a research activity informed by real-world challenges set by an external partner, showing developing understanding and reflection on the research process.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Written Work/ Asynchronous Assessment/ Report 0 4000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1

Reading List

British Psychological Society (2021). Code of Human Research Ethics (4th ed.).

Retrieved from: BPS Code of Human Research Ethics | BPS

O’Reilly, M., Ronzoni, P. and Dogra, N. (2013). Research with Children: Theory and Practice. Sage.

Chapter 10: Quantitative methods of data collection and analysis.

O’Reilly, M., Ronzoni, P. and Dogra, N. (2013). Research with Children: Theory and Practice. Sage.

Chapter 11: Qualitative methods of data collection and analysis.

Alderson, P., & Morrow, V. (2020). The Ethics of Research with Children and Young People (2nd ed.). Sage.

Chapter 8: Consent.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage.

Chapter Four: Finding, losing, then finding your way again: Developing your themes

Alderson, P., & Morrow, V. (2020). The Ethics of Research with Children and Young People (2nd ed.). Sage.

Chapter 9: Disseminating and implementing the findings.