16 Oct 2025 (Available)
Apply by: 02 Oct 2025
Semester A - Online teaching sessions on Thursdays 12:30-14:30
16 Oct 2025 (Online teaching session), 23 Oct 2025 ( Online teaching session), 20 Nov 2025 (Online teaching session), 04 Dec 2025 (Online teaching session), 11 Dec 2025 (Online teaching session)
12 Feb 2026 (Available)
Apply by: 29 Jan 2026
Semester B - Online teaching sessions on Thursdays 12:30-14:30
12 Feb 2026 (Online teaching session), 19 Feb 2026 (Online teaching session), 19 Mar 2026 (Online teaching session), 26 Mar 2026 (Online teaching session), 16 Apr 2026 (Online teaching session)
Course overview
This module covers skills in literature searching, information retrieval, and provides the opportunity to use electronic search databases and critical appraisal of evidence. You will be expected to challenge current practice by conducting a literature search and producing critique of a published study. These skills will inform your clinical decision making. This course is a compulsory module for all postgraduate medicine master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas.
Dates: (Semester A) 5 Online teaching sessions (2 hrs) on Thursday lunchtime (12.30 - 14.30 pm)
16th October 2025
23rd October 2025
20th November 2025
4th December 2025
11th December 2025
OR
Dates: (Semester B) 5 Online teaching sessions (2 hrs) on Thursday lunchtime (12.30 - 14.30 pm)
12th February 2026
19th February 2026
19th March 2026
26th March 2026
16th April 2026
Venue:
No attendance at the University is required. This is an online module. You will need to have access to a computer on each of the above dates to access live online taught sessions by academic staff. These sessions will be recorded for repeat viewing but it is better if you participate in person as there will be opportunity to ask questions.
Content:
Includes the following:
- Understanding of the importance of evidence to inform practice and the impact of the hierarchy of evidence.
- Efficient & systematic searching of appropriately identified databases.
- Retrieval of research evidence to answer an agreed research question relevant to the student’s programme of study.
- Development of critical appraisal skills
- Applying the evidence identified to the student’s own area of practice.
Full time students should have had relevant and recent work experience.
Study Route: This is a compulsory module for students studying a clinical master’s programme.
Assessment:
Information Retrieval / Research Critique (5000 words). 100% Coursework.
Further information:
Rebecca Penzer-Hick (Module & Programme Leader) r.penzer-hick@herts.ac.uk
Madeleine Flanagan (Admissions) m.flanagan@herts.ac.uk
Funding
£1,830.00
The price quoted above is per 30 credits and relates to self-funding students assessed as UK students for fee purposes Prices may differ for students that are assessed as Overseas, or for returning students that are on a course leading to an award award e.g. MSc as module fees stay the same as they were in your year of entry to the programme. Click here for Fees and Funding information or email us. To obtain a PG student loan, you must sign up for the whole MSc programme and not just an individual module.
Why choose HERTS?
Excellent sector connections: we have extensive links with eight NHS Trusts and Local Authorities in Hertfordshire.
Links with over 98 NHS Trusts and Local Authorities in East Anglia and London regions.
Flexibility: we provide flexible study options to ensure you can fit CPD study around your busy professional and personal lives.
Location: the main University of Hertfordshire campus is 25 minutes from London with easy access by both road and rail services.
Course details
Course leader
Mrs Rebecca Penzer-Hick r.penzer-hick@herts.ac.uk
Administrator
Vanessa Bysouth
Telephone
01707 284800
Course delivery
Online
Prerequisites
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