PT5059 - Physiotherapy research methods (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Physiotherapy research methods | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
In this module, you will develop the core research skills required to design and propose a scientific investigation related to physiotherapy. You will select a project topic that aligns with your academic interests and potential career direction, and use it as a vehicle to explore the principles of research design, literature review, ethics, and data analysis planning.
The focus of the module is on enhancing your ability to ask meaningful research questions, design feasible and ethical studies, and communicate your ideas in a scientifically appropriate format. While the proposed project may not directly lead to your final dissertation, it will provide a structured opportunity to practise the skills of inquiry, critical thinking, and academic writing that underpin successful independent research.
By engaging with this module, you will:
- Develop your ability to design a scientific research proposal, incorporating research design, ethical considerations, and appropriate data analysis frameworks.
- Strengthen your skills in sourcing and evaluating academic literature relevant to physiotherapy
- Communicate your research ideas effectively through a structured and academically rigorous written proposal.
- Reflect on your academic and professional interests to shape a research question that demonstrates critical thinking and methodological awareness.
Prior learning requirements
Available for Study Abroad? No
Syllabus
Overview of epistemology (how we know what we know) and ontology (the nature of reality) in phyisiotherapy. (LO1, LO5, LO6)
Use of academic databases such as ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed; evaluating sources and identifying gaps in knowledge. (LO2)
Formulating research questions, hypotheses, and study designs; considering feasibility, ethics, and safety. (LO1, LO5, LO6)
Selecting appropriate data analysis tests and understanding their role in supporting research claims. (LO1, LO3)
Structuring and presenting a research proposal in a clear, academic format. (LO4)
Considering how personal, disciplinary, and philosophical perspectives influence research design and interpretation. (LO5, LO6)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject material through teacher-led activities in the form of lectures (11 hours) and tutorials (22 hours). Students' ability to seek, handle and interpret information will be encouraged through directed reading, access to the websites of professional bodies, and other learning resources. Students will work in groups on aspects of experimental design and as individuals on the project proposal.
Learning outcomes
LO1: Design a coherent and feasible scientific research proposal that demonstrates understanding of research design, ethical considerations, and resource planning within a physiotherapy context.
LO2: Identify, appraise and synthesise relevant academic literature to inform a physiotherapy research question.
LO3: Apply basic research principles to support methodological decision‑making and the proposed analysis of physiotherapy data.
LO4: Communicate and justify a physiotherapy research proposal effectively in a structured scientific format, reflecting on academic and professional interests to articulate a meaningful research question.