7B041E - Applied Research and Audit for Advanced Practice 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 7B041E
Module Title: Applied Research and Audit for Advanced Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Community and Professional Practice Nursing
Faculty Sub Group: Integrated Health, Social Care and Post Registration Nursing
Module Leader: Stacey Rees
Module Team: Christopher Nash, Bridie Jones, Meirion Williams, Sara Morgan, Dawn Parry, Lauren Jones, Pamela Davies, Ben Pitcher
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 101088 - research and study skills in education
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

To develop critical understanding of research and audit methodologies in healthcare To enable application of evidence to improve patient care and service delivery 

To prepare students to design and implement practice-based research or audit 

Content Summary

This module equips advanced clinical practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to critically engage with research and clinical audit in order to improve patient outcomes and healthcare service delivery. It focuses on the application of research methodologies, audit processes, and quality improvement strategies within real-world clinical contexts. 

Students will explore qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, alongside governance, ethics, and data analysis. The module emphasises the translation of evidence into practice, enabling students to critically appraise research and design a small-scale research or audit project addressing a practice-based issue. 

Through engagement with authentic clinical challenges, students will develop the ability to evaluate current practice, identify areas for improvement, and implement evidence-based change. 

This module supports the development of research-informed practitioners who can contribute to service improvement, patient safety, and the advancement of clinical practice. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Challenge Based Learning 50
Practical Classes and Workshops 6
Guided Study 30
Formative Assessment 28
Summative Assessment 60
Independent Study 126
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically appraise research designs, audit processes, and ethical considerations relevant to advanced clinical practice
LO2 Evaluate and apply evidence-based findings to improve patient care and healthcare service delivery

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log The research or audit proposal provides an authentic assessment of students’ ability to identify a practice-based issue, select an appropriate methodology, and design a project that supports service improvement and patient care. 0 3000 50 No 50
Synchronous Onsite Assessment  Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite)  The critical appraisal examination assesses students’ ability to evaluate research and audit methodologies, interpret evidence, and apply findings to clinical practice. 150 N/A 50 No 50

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 

Reading List

Aveyard, H. (2023) Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide. 5th edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press. 

Cook, A., Netuveli, G. and Sheikh, A. (2004) Basic skills in statistics: A guide for healthcare professionals. London: BMJ Books. 

Flick, U. (2025) The SAGE handbook of qualitative research quality. 1st edn. London: SAGE Publications. 

Greenhalgh, T. and Dijkstra, P. (2025) How to read a paper: The basics of evidence-based healthcare. 7th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell. 

Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (2022) Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice. 10th edn. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. 

Rees, C. (2016) Rapid research methods for nurses, midwives and health professionals. Chichester: Wiley- Blackwell. 

Tracy, S.J. (2025) Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact. 3rd edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.