Module Overview

This module will enable participants to develop understanding and experience of comprehensive literature reviews and how to conduct their own review, addressing key issues in health professions education.  In particular, it will focus on:

Identifying a gap in the existing health professions education literature
	Framing an appropriate research question
	Selecting and using methodological approaches when reviewing literature
	Synthesising literature in order to answer the research question.
Aims

This module introduces students to important principles of, and approaches to, reviewing the literature in health professions education. The module is particularly designed to support students undertaking the MSc in Health Professions Education Report – an extended piece of writing worth 60 M-level credits and based on secondary/desk-based research. However, other students will also find the module useful, not least MSc in Health Professions Education students undertaking the Dissertation, which requires a review of literature as well as empirical research.

Module Learning Outcomes

On this module you will develop knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable you to:

Demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to review health professions education literature
	Compare and contrast various approaches to reviewing the literature
	Formulate a research question that addresses an evidence gap in the health professions literature
	Design and implement a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant literature
	Analyse a range of methodological approaches within health professions education research
	Critically examine the literature using an appropriate technique and tool
	Describe key strategies to synthesise multiple forms of literature
	Articulate key theoretical issues underpinning literature reviews in health professions education
Mode of Delivery

This online module will be delivered through synchronous virtual sessions on UCL’s Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). This approach combines educational methods that encourage discussion, debate, self-directed learning, reflection on personal experience, critical thinking and access to extensive online resources. This will enable you to engage in collaborative learning and to be in regular contact with module tutors for a high level of academic support.