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Continuing Professional Development: MSc Programme Modules (London-based)

QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGIES (1700)

ORGANISER: Professor Tim Rhodes

11 January 2012 to 10 February 2012 (Wednesdays 2pm to Fridays 5pm)


AIM
To develop students' understanding of the principles and practice of using qualitative methods in health research.


OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module students should be able to:

  1. identify appropriate qualitative designs for health research;
  2. assess the advantages and disadvantages of a range of data collection methods;
  3. understand different approaches to data analysis;
  4. apply their knowledge of the principles of qualitative research.


CONSTITUENCY
This module is intended for students wanting to develop their theoretical and practical understanding of qualitative methods. It is designed primarily for Research Degree students and those studying MScs for which an empirical project is required (that is, those students working on their own qualitative study). It will also be appropriate for external students intending to develop their understanding of methodology.  The linear module Principles of Social Research (1104) (or equivalent) is a pre-requisite for this module.


CONCEPTUAL OUTLINE
This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to qualitative research skills (such as interviewing and data analysis) within a sound understanding of methodological principles. The emphasis is on theoretical understanding and not practical skills. The following aspects of qualitative research are addressed:

  1. Principles of qualitative study: Assumptions about the social world and how to research it; debates in the use of qualitative research in policy orientated qualitative work.
  2. Data collection methods: Producing data using in-depth one to one and group interviews; ethnographic approaches; developing interview skills; practical issues in participant observation fieldwork.
  3. Analysing data: Approaches to data analysis (thematic analysis, grounded theory); using manual and computer assisted aids to data management and analysis (Note: there are no practical sessions on computer aided analysis).


TEACHING STRATEGY
The module comprises short presentations from lecturers on key topics, followed by student led seminar work. Students are expected to participate in all activities.


LEARNING TIME
The module is made up of 150 Notional Learning Hours – 30 hours contact time, 20 hours directed self-study, 50 hours self-directed learning, and 50 hours assessment, review and revision.


ASSESSMENT
Assessment is by essay.

FEE

£1,600 including access to LSHTM library and learning resources, study materials and assessment.

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