Students on this module learn how to conduct systematic reviews: including reviews of quantitative research evidence and reviews of qualitative research evidence. We examine the key elements involved in producing robust syntheses of research evidence, such as: 

• Learning how to conduct a systematic review.
• Framing an appropriate review question.
• Literature searching.
• Data extraction and critical appraisal of evidence.
• Synthesis and write-up.

For the module assessment, students design and conduct their own systematic review on a topic they select.

The overall module aim is to describe and illustrate the methods available for identifying and reviewing quantitative and qualitative literature.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, a student should be able to: 

• Carry out an appropriate, rigorous review of the literature.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of identifying, assessing and synthesising literature.

Session Content

The module is expected to cover the following topics: 

• Planning the review: the role of the literature review and specification of the task.
• Identification of relevant literature, both published and unpublished: developing a search strategy and using bibliographic databases.
• Appraising the literature: methods for assessing the quality of quantitative and qualitative research.
• Synthesising the evidence: integration of the evidence using both quantitative and qualitative methods; principles and practice of meta-analysis.
• Writing the review.

Mode of delivery

This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).

Assessment

Each student will submit a literature review of up to 2500 words (plus appendices) undertaken during the module. Students choose their own review questions and will work on their review throughout the module supported by assessment seminars and individual advice sessions. 

The assessment maps onto the intended learning outcomes by: 

• Expecting students to develop their topic of interest into a review question and to plan and undertake an appropriate search for relevant studies.
• Allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of the methodological quality of the studies included in their review by undertaking critical appraisal.
• Providing an opportunity to draw together evidence on their question from included studies using appropriate methods of evidence synthesis.
• Encouraging students to reflect on the process of undertaking their review and assess the strengths and limitations of their review.

Credits

• CATS: 15
• ECTS: 7.5

Module specification

For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.

Please note: information based on the 2024-25 module specification subject to change for 2025-26 entry.