• Continuing professional development (CPD)

Research methods in dementia

CPD Level 7
Location
How to apply
How to apply
Overview

Overview

This credit-bearing continuing professional development course aims to deliver a thorough understanding of major paradigms, concepts, principles, and methods underpinning primary and secondary research of real-world problems affecting individuals living with dementia and other vulnerable populations (e.g. family carers).

An appreciation of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs, various data collection methods, and ethical considerations will be developed throughout this course. This includes complying with legislation, such as data protection and mental capacity.

This course will provide a supportive and intellectually challenging environment within which you will develop a critical understanding of a range of research skills and how to apply them in different dementia research and evidence-based practice contexts.

Course requirements: See below.

Cost and funding: This fee covers the full course cost.

  • Sept 24 - Aug 25 fees: £900
  • Sept 25 - Aug 26 fees: TBC

Credits: 20

Assessment method: Written assessment.

Several hands on top of each other in a circle
Study dates and times

Study dates and times

This course is taught on day release, select a start date to see the study days:

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically examine current knowledge on a defined real-world problem or dementia topic, including relevant ethical issues, and evaluate its status and limitations.
  2. Identify, conceptualise, and formulate a research question and justify its relevance to dementia and its significance as a potential contribution to existing knowledge on dementia.
  3. Select and justify their choice of appropriate research methodology (e.g. quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, literature review-based research) to address specified aims and objectives in the context of dementia research.
  4. Systematically and critically apply ethical knowledge and relevant dementia research skills in developing a research proposal using an appropriate method and one that addresses the ethical issues of a given dementia experience.
Entry requirements

Entry requirements

We look for students who show enthusiasm and a passion for the subject through previous study or professional experience.

You should have an honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or equivalent in a related subject (such as nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, or similar) and relevant work experience (such as health, social, independent, or voluntary sector care). Or you may be planning a career working in or leading dementia care services.

If you do not have a 2.2 Honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject, then we may offer you a place based on relevant work experience and training in dementia care. 

All applications are considered individually.

If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Federica D'Andrea

Dr Federica D’Andrea

Dr Federica D’Andrea is a Lecturer for the MSc in Dementia Studies at the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory, School of Medicine and Biosciences, University of West London.  

Federica’s research responds to significant questions of innovative provisions, promotion of quality of life in the context of ageing and care for people with dementia.  

Her inventive research programme utilises stakeholder-engaged, mixed method approaches to investigate the under-explored field of olfactory stimulation in dementia care. This body of work has led to the development and design of a novel theory- and evidence-based multi-sensory intervention for people with dementia living in care homes, including thematic boxes with olfactory stimuli and heritage items.  

Federica has extensive experience in collaborating with cultural, business, and charitable organisations in her research. Recently Federica collaborated with such a Givaudan Ltd, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust charity (CW+), Boots UK Archive, and Heathrow Airport Archive to develop innovative multisensory approaches to dementia care. 

Before joining the University of West London in 2022, Federica worked on the implementation and evaluation of the PriDem project at University College London, developing and implementing primary care led post-diagnostic care in dementia. Federica has extensive experience exploring the significance and potential clinical impact of olfactory in dementia care. Previously she has collaborated with Givaudan Ltd to explore the relationship between smell and memory. As part of an Arts Council England Museum Resilience funded Creative Conversations project, she investigated the impact of a multi-centre cultural intervention for mental health service users. Federica has also investigated the efficacy of cognitive training for older people at the University of Padua (Italy). 

Dr Federica D’Andrea is a Lecturer for the MSc in Dementia Studies at the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory, School of Medicine and Biosciences, University of West London.  

Federica’s research responds to significant questions of innovative provisions, promotion of quality of life in the context of ageing and care for people with dementia.  

Her inventive research programme utilises stakeholder-engaged, mixed method approaches to investigate the under-explored field of olfactory stimulation in dementia care. This body of work has led to the development and design of a novel theory- and evidence-based multi-sensory intervention for people with dementia living in care homes, including thematic boxes with olfactory stimuli and heritage items.  

Federica has extensive experience in collaborating with cultural, business, and charitable organisations in her research. Recently Federica collaborated with such a Givaudan Ltd, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust charity (CW+), Boots UK Archive, and Heathrow Airport Archive to develop innovative multisensory approaches to dementia care. 

Before joining the University of West London in 2022, Federica worked on the implementation and evaluation of the PriDem project at University College London, developing and implementing primary care led post-diagnostic care in dementia. Federica has extensive experience exploring the significance and potential clinical impact of olfactory in dementia care. Previously she has collaborated with Givaudan Ltd to explore the relationship between smell and memory. As part of an Arts Council England Museum Resilience funded Creative Conversations project, she investigated the impact of a multi-centre cultural intervention for mental health service users. Federica has also investigated the efficacy of cognitive training for older people at the University of Padua (Italy). 

Study and career progression

Study and career progression

This course be taken as a standalone module or the credits can be used towards the following courses:

  • MSc Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice
  • PgCert Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice
  • PgDip Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice
How to apply

How to apply

We recommend your application is submitted to the University at least two weeks prior to the start of the course. 

After your application is accepted and you have been offered a place on the course, you will be sent information about how to enrol. You must complete enrolment before your course starts.

Apply for this course

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Contact us

For more information about our range of dementia courses, please contact Dr Federica D'Andrea.