Research Synthesis and Systematic Review (Health CPD)
Key Details
- Module Cost
- £1,185
- Further Information
- fmh.cpd@uea.ac.uk
Module Overview / Introduction
Research synthesis is the process of identifying, analysing, appraising and evaluating diverse sources of evidence to provide a clear, robust and comprehensive overview of the evidence-base in relation to a defined research question. It is a key skill for professionals and researchers working in health and care to inform primary research, quality improvement, policy and guidance for decision-making in clinical practice.
This module aims to provide an overview of the principles and practice of research synthesis, focussing on framing review questions and identifying and applying suitable methodological approaches and methods to address them. You will learn how to design and conduct a robust literature search and review, undertake quality assessment and synthesise evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies. The module is assessed through a 1500-word structured protocol aligned to a recognised research synthesis/systematic review protocol database and a 2500-word evidence-based analytical commentary providing critical methodological justification for the protocol question and design.
The fully online, level 7 Research Synthesis & Systematic Review module is available as a standalone CPD module or as an optional module on the Applied Health Research, Clinical Education and Global Public Health master’s-level programmes within the HealthUEA Academy for Professional Development. It is suitable for professionals and practitioners working across the health and care sectors.
Online Learning Block Release Dates:
02/01/26, 16/01/26, 30/01/26, 13/02/26, 27/02/26, 13/03/26
Live Online Tutorial:
08/01/26, 22/01/26, 05/02/26, 19/02/26, 05/03/26, 19/03/26 all 10-11
Live Online Webinar:
15/01/26, 29/01/26, 12/02/26, 26/02/26, 12/03/26, 26/03/26 all 10-12
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
-
Apply appropriate methodological theory and concepts to develop and frame questions suitable for research synthesis.
-
Demonstrate appreciation of the context of and need for research synthesis protocol development to critically evaluate the design, rigour and conduct of research synthesis.
-
Apply in-depth methodological understanding to design literature search strategies for defined search questions.
-
Propose a strategy to critically appraise the relevance and quality of primary research using robust, evidence-based and appropriate methods.
-
Design rigorous data extraction, analysis and synthesis from qualitative and quantitative primary research studies, including meta-analysis.
-
Consider and plan how new knowledge gained from research synthesis can be disseminated to address areas for improvement in health and care.
Teaching & Assessment
6 Online Blocks of learning over 12 weeks
Live online webinars and tutorials
Independent Study
20 credits = 200 effort hours
At least one study day per 2-week block of learning
Attendance expected at live (synchronous) tutorials and webinars
The written assignment is in two parts, to be submitted as a single document:
-
A 1500-word structured protocol suitable for research synthesis/systematic review protocol databases to facilitate ‘publication’ of the protocol for learners who wish to go on to conduct their review in their final year dissertation.
-
A 2500-word critical rationale the protocol research question and protocol design which is evidence based and theoretically justified.
How to Apply / Disclaimer
To apply for this as a single module as part of your Continuing Professional Development please enter the application system via our Professional Development section.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. The information contained in this webpage has been supplied from a variety of sources, and is subject to change. Please ensure you check all module information and timetable provided through the official student information systems.