(Short Course) The Enquiring Mind for SCHPN
Course details
Year of entry
2026
Duration
8 weeks
Institution Code
G53
Location
Blended Learning
Why choose this course?
The Enquiring Mind course is designed to align with the NMC SCPHN standards (NMC 2022, updated 2024). There is a requirement for all nursing professional courses to ensure that students are equipped to work within the framework of evidence-based practice and therefore being competent to critically appraise research is key.
The course provides key information pertaining to research, methodology, epidemiology and critical analysis and within the time frame of the taught sessions, opportunity is given to explore each of the key features either independently or in groups with tutors being on hand to guide, support and offer feedback.
Whilst some research papers are provided for such formative activities, you will be encouraged to consider a topic within practice to concentrate on for your summative assignment. This is to facilitate the ability to consider a need in practice or to explore best practice in a desired relevant topic so that recommendations can be made to improve and enhance care provision.
Within this course, you will:
- Build academic and professional skill in independent, critical thinking at postgraduate level
- Refresh and advance your graduate ability to systematically search for and critically appraise research evidence
- Consider evidence for a range of relevant topics including research and publicly available epidemiological or other local population or service data to provide evidence for SCPHN practice and to consider gaps in knowledge and information.
- Stimulate the development of research-informed practice and develop questioning mindset within the context of health visiting or school nursing.
- Apply numeracy, literacy, digital and technological skills in the analysis and presentation of data.
Key course features
- Designed in alignment with the NMC (2022 updated 2024) SCPHN standards
- Provides a unique opportunity to undertake Level 7 study prior to embarking on a Level 7 study programme – building confidence in academic ability
- Provides opportunity for progression to the SCPHN programme as successful completion will enable the RPEL of credits into the SCPHN programme following successful application and interview
- Delivery is for 8 consecutive weeks - Wednesday afternoon 13.00-16.00 hrs with a date for assessment provided from the onset
- We adopt a blended learning approach through a range of methodologies such as recorded lecturers, discussion forums, quizzes, case studies, group tasks, key readings, reflection and necessary learning activity will be available on the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment on a weekly basis
- Funding can be sourced for this course
What you will study
The Enquiring Mind contains the following indicative syllabus:
- Literacy, numeracy, digital and technical skills
- Research questions, critical thinking and analysis
- Database searching
- Critical appraisal of research findings and local data
- Introduction to epidemiology and the use of statistical evidence
- Generating evidence for service improvement
- Identifying gaps in evidence
- Research design and methodology
- Reviewing literature
- Methods and tools for critiquing research
- Dissemination of evidence and publication
To capture this content the following subjects have been devised:
- An overview of research: What is research, what are the benefits, why we need to work within an evidence based framework
- Searching for research: This involves data base searching for relevant literature, documentation of searches in a summative table, and formatting references.
- Research design and methodology: An overview of research design and methods. Supporting the identification of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research
- Critiquing tools: Critiquing tools will be presented and you will be supported in utilising them to critique given research papers
- Epidemiology: An understanding of epidemiology will be provided
- Exploring literature on given topics: An opportunity is provided for you to read and critically appraise literature provided
- Identification of gaps in research to improve service: You will use this aspect to consider a topic to critique for your summative assessment
- Dissemination and publication: Consider how to disseminate findings and the benefits of doing so. You will also learn how to publish research. You will bring in a printed A4 colour PP slide of your chosen topic and disseminate to your peers, giving an exciting opportunity to share newfound knowledge.
Entry requirements & applying
Students will be NMC registered nurses (Level 1) or midwives with current professional registration
To apply for this course, please contact postregadmissions@wrexham.ac.uk to request an application form.
Teaching & Assessment
WU adopt an Active Learning Framework (ALF) approach to teaching and learning. This means that students are actively involved in learning and teaching is provided in a variety of formats drawing on the greatest learning potential.
With this in mind, the teaching team adopt a blended learning approach through a range of methodologies such as recorded lecturers, discussion forums, quizzes, case studies, group tasks, key readings, reflection and necessary learning activity will be available on the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment on a weekly basis. There is an expected 20 hours of teaching and 80 hours of guided independent study.
- Formative assessment: Critique of a given research paper on a topical issue relevant to your SCPHN field of practice and assess its credibility and relevance using a critical appraisal tool.
- Summative assessment: A 2000-word literature review focussed on a current topical issue for your field of SCPHN practice. You will justify the issue, analyse focussed contemporary evidence to develop a systematic evaluation concluding with persuasive recommendations.
Fees & funding
£500 at Level 7 (per 10 credits)
The Enquiring Mind is a 10 credit module.
Funding can be sourced for this module.
Please note, short course prices are subject to review for 25/26 please contact shortcourses@wrexham.ac.uk if you have any queries.
Apply Now
Please contact postregadmissions@wrexham.ac.uk to request an application form.
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