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NMHS43800

Academic Year 2025/2026

Introduction to Systematic Literature Reviews (NMHS43800)

Subject:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Nursing,Midwifery & Health Sys
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Kate Frazer
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This introductory module provides an overview of the principles and practices of undertaking any systematic style to literature reviewing. The module will allow students to develop a working knowledge and understanding of what reviewing methods and approaches exist and their application using systematic and explicit accountable methods. Systematic reviews have been defined as the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. They are characterised as objective, systematic, transparent and replicable. This module facilitates engagement with broader evidence reviews, including narrative reviews, scoping reviews, meta-syntheses and meta-analyses types. The learning enables students to understand the commonality and diversity in review approaches, techniques, and processes in constructing a protocol.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe different types of literature reviewing styles identifying commonalities and diversities in approaches
2. Develop a clear answerable question using an appropriate framework
3. Discriminate key steps in conducting a literature review systematically using an appropriate framework
4. Examine the systematic processes of data screening, extraction and synthesis
5. Articulate and evaluate quality and risk of bias in evidence selected
6. Create a review protocol demonstrating the synthesis of evidence and justifying methods selected

Indicative Module Content:

This module uses experiential learning approaches to support student learning and engagement with understanding the literature reviewing techniques for the development of a written protocol. Content will relate to the systematic review processes including Cochrane and include integrative, narrative, realist and scoping review methodologies to widen the discussion of what constitutes a systematic review and alternative approaches of searching and reviewing literature systematically.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Conversation Class

24

Specified Learning Activities

16

Autonomous Student Learning

210

Total

250


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered over one academic semester through a blend of workshops and engagement with online learning resources. It will be delivered over a series of live workshops (6), for which 100% attendance online will be required.

The learning needs of the group will be assessed over the first workshop to enable learning resources to be tailored to meet needs. Small class size facilitates and supports individual student engagement with learning outcomes. Additional online learning resources will be provided before the workshops are delivered during the trimester.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students should normally be registered to a research degree. Contact the module coordinator prior to registration.
Students need to have access to librarian and library to assist with search strategies.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Submission of a systematic written review protocol [template provided] and a written essay demonstrating justification and critical understanding [2500 words]. Submission of a 250-word reflection. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
80
No
Participation in Learning Activities: Attendance and participation in activities during live workshops, oral presentation (pitch) and feedback (10%).
Oral presentation by students during 5th workshop (10%)
Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
20
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Kate Frazer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Thilo Kroll Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 9, 13 Fri 09:00 - 13:30
Autumn Online Learning Offering 1 Week(s) - 11 Fri 09:00 - 15:00