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Evidence Synthesis - HEA00148M

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

Evidence Synthesis is often considered the most reliable form of health research. Led by an experienced and interdisciplinary team, this module offers students an introduction to best-practice evidence synthesis methods, including protocol writing, literature searching, synthesis of qualitative and quantitative evidence, meta-analysis, and knowledge translation. Teaching is delivered in a combination of lectures and seminars and draws on methods established by leading organisations in the field, such as Cochrane. Upon completion of this module, students will have a solid understanding of evidence synthesis methods which they may wish to apply as part of their dissertation project.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

  • To equip students with the knowledge and skills to undertake evidence synthesis.

  • To provide students with an understanding of the principles of effective knowledge translation.

Module learning outcomes

  1. Appreciate the importance of evidence synthesis and in particular systematic reviews in applied health and social care research and practice.

  2. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of key features of a systematic review that enables students to apply these features in their own work

  3. Formulate a review question and identify appropriate evidence synthesis methods.

  4. Identify and critically consider and discuss methods to synthesise different forms of evidence, including qualitative and quantitative data.

  5. Develop an awareness of the principles of knowledge translation especially in relation to evidence synthesis.

  6. Articulate insight in applying different approaches knowledge translation.

Module content

  • Introduction to evidence synthesis
  • Question setting practical (e.g. using PICO, PECO, SPIDER)
  • Searching for evidence
  • Screening, data extraction, risk of bias
  • Synthesis 1: Narrative synthesis
  • Synthesis 2a: Meta-analysis
  • Synthesis 2b: Meta-analysis
  • Synthesis 3: Qualitative evidence synthesis
  • Synthesis 4: Mixed-methods evidence synthesis
  • Foundations of reporting and knowledge translation
  • Knowledge translation practical

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Written feedback for the summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.

Indicative reading

Introductory module about conducting systematic reviews from Cochrane Interactive Learning:

Learning on the module can be supported through reading some key texts and resources:

Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions: https://training.cochrane.org/handbook


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.