This module aims to provide students from a variety of professional backgrounds with the ability to enhance their respective professional practice by developing their skills and knowledge of advanced methods in research. This module will expose students to the critical analysis of evidence produced by a range of methodologies with particular emphasis upon how this knowledge is applied to decision-making in their professional practice.

1. Critically analyse different methodological approaches to producing evidence.
2. Elaborate on philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of methodological approaches(qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods).
3. Evaluate the procedure of using research to inform evidence based care.
4. Review and critically formulate research questions.
5. Critically review and evaluate relevant literature.

The aim of this module is to provide the student scholar with the knowledge, competencies and skills to support their professional development to advance their Leadership and Management roles and responsibilities. Contemporary theories of Leadership and Management in the context of health care will be examined in order to enable the student to
develop a deeper understanding of the skills, competencies and influences of leaders and managers as critical components to support a constantly changing work environment at a national and international level.

1. Critically discuss the dynamic nature of leadership and management and apply the skills, competencies and knowledge required.
2. Critically evaluate the concepts and theories of leadership and management and emerging trends in national and international best practice;
3. Compare and contrast frameworks for partnership and collaborative practice.
4. Critically discuss strategic management, service/business planning and financial accountability.
5. Evaluate the structure, function, effectiveness and roles of leaders and managers in work settings.

Students recognise the increasing complexity of health and social care and the diverse nature of service users, settings and professional roles know that it is essential that their professional practice is underpinned by an informed awareness of legal, ethical and moral issues. This module will explore the impact of the recently enacted Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 for their respective professional practice areas. It will critically assess the general principles and the current legal framework of the Irish law on capacity. It will also examine the legalities associated with end of life care thus enabling the student to develop the skills necessary to construct, reasoned ethical and legal arguments to justify appropriate courses of action.

1. Critically analyse how the Irish legal system works, examining the main sources of law and how they are utilised to produce a coherent overview of the medico-ethical system within the state.
2. Evaluate Advance Healthcare Directives, Enduring Powers of Attorney, the Use of DNAR Orders and the Law on Assisted Suicide.
3. Develop and evaluate the distinction between ending life and allowing life to end.
4. Assess a structured approach for identifying, analysing and resolving ethical issues in clinical practise.
5. Appraise, review and critically examine health and social care and nursing ethics;