In today’s world of information overload, knowing how to find reliable, trustworthy sources is more important than ever. This CPD‑accredited research skills training course equips learners with the tools and techniques to research any topic effectively, whether for a project, report, proposal, or academic assignment.

This research skills training begins with the foundations of effective research, including reading for retention, memory recall, note‑taking, and planning. You’ll learn how to create different types of outlines to structure your work, and how to move from research to writing, editing, and polishing. The course also explores how to use a wide range of sources, from libraries and journals to online databases and the Internet, ensuring you can separate credible information from unreliable content.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to conduct thorough research, document your findings correctly, and produce compelling, accurate written work.

Why This Course?

Strong research skills are essential in education, business, and professional development. This course provides a structured approach to gathering, evaluating, and presenting information, helping you avoid plagiarism, improve accuracy, and strengthen your writing.

Key Benefits

• Efficient research – learn how to find and evaluate reliable sources
• Better retention – apply techniques for reading, recall, and note‑taking
• Structured writing – use outlines to plan and organise your work
• Academic integrity – understand style guides and avoid plagiarism
• Practical application – turn research into accurate, persuasive writing

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the benefits of proper research and documentation
• Read for maximum information retention and recall
• Take effective notes to support your research
• Plan a research strategy for different projects
• Identify and use various types of research sources
• Create preliminary and final outlines for structured writing
• Use style guides and recognise the most common referencing styles
• Document and attribute work correctly to avoid plagiarism

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for:

• Students and academics
• Professionals preparing reports, proposals, or business cases
• Writers, journalists, and content creators
• Anyone who wants to improve their research and writing skills