The overall module aim is to to develop students' understandings of the principles and practices of using qualitative methods in health and health policy research.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module a student should be able to:
- Identify appropriate qualitative designs for health research.
- Assess the advantages and disadvantages of a range of data generation methods.
- Understand different approaches to data analysis.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- Principles of qualitative research: Assumptions about the social world and how to research it; debates in the use of qualitative research in policy orientated qualitative work; different theoretical approaches informing qualitative research; research ethics specific to qualitative research.
- Data generation methods: Producing interview data, but also use of visual methods ; ethnographic approaches; developing interview skills; researcher reflexivity and field notes; participatory and remote methods of data generation.
Analysing data: Approaches to data analysis (thematic and grounded analysis).
(Note: there are no practical sessions on computer aided analysis).
Mode of delivery
This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).
Assessment
The assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. Formative assessment methods may be used to measure students’ progress. The grade for summative assessment(s) only will go towards the overall award GPA.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
The Term 1 module Principles of Social Research (1104) (or equivalent) is a pre-requisite for this module
Applications for Term 2 C2 modules are open. Please visit the list of individual modules for more upcoming study opportunities.
The application deadline for 2026/27 entry will be 23:59 (UK time) on Sunday 13 December 2026. We strongly advise that you apply early as courses may close earlier than the stated deadline if they become full.
Visa information
Please refer to the current visa requirements for short-term study.