24 Sep 2026 (Available)
Apply by: 17 Sep 2026
Semester A
24 Sep 2026 (Online), 08 Oct 2026 (Hybrid/Computer Lab), 09 Oct 2026 (Online), 05 Nov 2026 (Online), 19 Nov 2026 (Online), 03 Dec 2026 (Online)
28 Jan 2027 (Available)
Apply by: 21 Jan 2027
Semester B
28 Jan 2027 (Online), 11 Feb 2027 (Hybrid/Computer Lab), 12 Feb 2027 (Online), 11 Mar 2027 (Online), 25 Mar 2027 (Online), 22 Apr 2027 (Online)
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)
24th September 2026 - Online
8th October 2026 - 10am-12pm Hybrid, 1pm-4pm computer lab (optional)
9th October 2026 - Online (optional for those not able to added F2F on 8th October)
5th November 2026 - Online
19th November 2026 - Online
3rd December 2026 - Online
OR
Dates: (Semester B)
28th January 2027 - Online
11th February 2027 - 10am-12pm Hybrid, 1pm-4pm computer lab (optional)
12th February 2027 - Online (optional for those not able to added F2F on 11th February)
11th March 2027 - Online
25th March 2027 - Online
22nd April 2027 - Online
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.
Study Route: This is a compulsory module for students studying a clinical master’s programme.
Assessment: 100% coursework: 5000 word assignment in which the student will develop and carry out a robust search of the literature in order to answer a specified research question. This will include critique of the literature and an analysis of the applicability to current practice.
Further information:
Rebecca Penzer-Hick (Module & Clinical Dermatology Programme Leader/Admissions tutor) r.penzer-hick@herts.ac.uk
Sara Burr (Skin Integrity and Wound Management Programme Leader/Admissions Tutor) s.burr4@herts.ac.uk
Kathy Radley (MSc Skin Lesion Management Programme Leader/Admissions Tutor) k.radley@herts.ac.uk
Ken Spearpoint (Health and Medical Simulation Programme Leader/Admissions Tutor) k.g.spearpoint2@herts.ac.uk
Yasmin Khatib (Health and Medical Education) y.khatib@herts.ac.uk
This module can contribute to the following programme(s)
HSAPPM: MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice
HSMIRSM: MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences – Advanced Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice
LMCDMSC: MSc Clinical Dermatology
LMHMEMSC: MSc/PG Cert Health and Medical Education
LMHMSIMSC: MSc Health and Medical Simulation/PG Cert in Health and Medical Simulation
LMSIWMSC: MSc Skin Integrity and Wound Management
Accredited by
Funding
£1,890.00
The price quoted above is for a 30 credit module in the 2026/27 academic year and applies to students who are assessed as Home fee payers ONLY. Fees will differ for students assessed as Overseas fee payers. Fee assessment decisions follow UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) guidance, which is based on UK law and government regulations. Further information on who will pay Home or Overseas tuition fees can be found here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees
Once confirmed, a student’s fee status will normally remain the same for the duration of their course. However, information regarding fee reassessment is available here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees#FeeReassessment
Eligible students may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Student Loan. Please note that to access this funding, you must enrol on the full MSc programme; funding is not available for individual modules or interim awards (for example, a Postgraduate Diploma). Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
Further details, including tuition fee amounts, fee policy and payment deadlines, can be found here : https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fee-information/fees-and-finance-policy-documents
If you require further information or have any questions regarding fees, please contact: cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk
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
Niamh Sexton
Telephone
01707 284800
Course delivery
Hybrid - Learner Hours : Scheduled - 10, Independent - 290, Placement - 0
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Prerequisites
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