Sensory Integration Education

Module D is your preparation for original research. You'll develop a deep understanding of research methodology, ethics, and design — and produce a fully developed research proposal ready to take into your dissertation.

This module is run and delivered directly by Sheffield Hallam University, giving you access to SHU's research expertise, supervision, and academic infrastructure. It is the penultimate step on the pathway to your MSc in Advancing Practice in Sensory Integration.

Summary

This module runs in September, January and May in each academic year and is for students who have passed Module C(4) and have gained a PGDip in Sensory Integration. 

Returning after a break?

If you completed your PGDip or SI Module 4 more than five years ago, please contact us before applying — we'll help you understand your options and next steps.

Single module fee: £885

• 15 UK university academic credits - globally recognised and highly transferable
• 12-week course (fixed start and end dates)
• 15 hours of content + 135 hours of additional study time
• Online access to partner Sheffield Hallam University Library and Disabled Student Support
• Free Microsoft Office 365

Eligibility

Please review our Entry Conditions before applying

Overview

Module D prepares you to embed research and innovation as a core part of your practice. You'll explore a range of research designs and methods, develop your understanding of ethics, governance, and public involvement, and be supported to create your own research proposal — which forms the direct foundation for your dissertation in Module E.

Indicative content:

• Health innovation and research - principles and priorities

The research cycle:

• Research paradigms and methodology
• Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research
• Service evaluation: applying research design and methods
• Literature-based reviews
• Formulating research/evaluation questions
• Ethics and governance
• Public and service user and carer (social care) involvement and co-production
• Funding and support 
• Project management

Research impact:

• Dissemination and knowledge exchange (for example, writing for publication)
• Enhancement of career opportunities in research 

Learning and Teaching Summary

As a synchronous online distance learning module, it will be delivered with real-time instruction where students and instructors interact via digital platforms such as video conferencing, webinars, or virtual classrooms. 

As an online, distance learning module through access to our innovative digital teaching and learning platforms and apps, your learning experience will be enhanced through live streamed teaching and digital learning materials, available for you to use and re-use anywhere at any time.

There will be a clear focus on the creation of an inclusive and collaborative learning community that fosters peer and tutor interaction and support.

You will be encouraged to use real-world examples of research and innovation to inform and support your learning and apply methodological principles to contexts relevant to your own scope of practice and local priorities. This will allow you to tailor the focus for the final assessment accordingly.

Learning materials will include key-note lectures/presentations and links to other relevant resources to help guide your study and consolidate your learning.

Live webinars will also be scheduled as part of your learning and teaching and recordings of these will be added to the learning materials.

The live webinars will be used to consolidate learning from self-directed study and provide a basis for you to meet module learning outcomes.  This will also provide opportunities for you to ask questions and gain support from the module team. 

The use of formative (non-marked) assessment activities will also support your learning and development, and your achievement of the learning outcomes, including how these are demonstrated within the final summative assessment. 

Supervision for SIE Students

Students will have both a SHU and an SIE supervisor.

SIE supervision (3 hours total):

• Hour 1: Proposal development
• Hour 2: Results discussion
• Hour 3: Discussion and dissemination planning

SHU supervision (7 hours total):

• Includes meetings/phone calls, reading drafts, and providing feedback.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and critically evaluate a contemporary issue within your professional practice, synthesising evidence to justify a focused area for research, service evaluation, or scholarly inquiry.
• Appraise and justify the selection of appropriate methodologies, methods, or evaluation frameworks, demonstrating alignment with the aims, context, and epistemological foundations of your chosen inquiry.
• Analyse and apply relevant ethical principles, research governance requirements, and professional standards, ensuring compliance with institutional, legal, and clinical practice frameworks.
• Demonstrate critical awareness of individual, ethical and practical factors influencing the feasibility and impact of your project.

Assessment

What comes next?

Your Module D research proposal forms the foundation for Module E — the dissertation — where you'll carry out your research project and complete your MSc in Advancing Practice in Sensory Integration.

Explore the full postgraduate pathway →