This course enables students to conduct, present and report an independent and critical literature review on a topic relevant to their scope of practice, and that has potential for publication. The student is required to draw on their knowledge of key concepts and theories gained from other parts of the MSc programme.

Monthly seminars or presentations, approximately three 2-3 hour sessions per semester.

One 7,000 word literature review that has potential for publication (80%)

An individual presentation of the literature review (20%)

This course aims to enable students to conduct, present and report an independent and critical literature review on a topic relevant to their scope of practice, and that has potential for publication. Students will develop the ability to search rigorously for published research evidence, and synthesise findings in a structured review that critically considers the implications for their scope of practice.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate intellectual independence in the planning and execution of a significant review of the literature.

■ Use a range of specialised skills, techniques and practices to search, critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise the evidence.

■ Critically appraise approaches to dissemination of the review.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.