Introduction to Qualitative Methods (513X8)
Introduction to Qualitative Methods
Module 513X8
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This course is designed for all postgraduate students in social science and related professional disciplines. The course aims, first, to introduce students to the nature and characteristics of qualitative social research and its applications in a range of contexts. Secondly, the course aims to equip students with some key personal and practical skills relevant to successful qualitative research.
The course first introduces the variety of methodological positions and research practices associated with qualitative research strategies. Three key research approaches to data collection are explored in more depth. One session considers the nature of ethnographic fieldwork and provides critical contexts for its exploration. Participant observation is discussed as a key social science research method. This is followed by a session on narratives and life-histories as particular types of qualitative data. This is followed by a session on the key data collection method of interviewing. Students are set a practical interviewing task on which they report back to the groups. This exercise is used as a starting point to discuss a range of practical and theoretical issues around interviewing. A final session considers issues of data analysis, representation and writing. In this session, issues of ethics and the politics of research and writing are addressed.
Module learning outcomes
Ability to demonstrate critical knowledge of a range of qualitative research methods
Ability to evaluate epistemological, methodological and ethical issues involved in qualitative research
Ability to apply a range of qualitative research methods to a social research project
Ability to analyse and present qualitative research data, including evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different types of qualitative research
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2500 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111110000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.