Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles and concepts of qualitative research methods and focuses in detail on some common qualitative approaches and techniques, including phenomenology, ethnography and narrative inquiry, which may be of potential relevance to the design of students' own research.

Unit details

Location:
Online Real Time
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
UGR7004

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a broad range of qualitative methods applicable to their field;  
  2. reflect critically and creatively on studies that employ a range of qualitative research methodologies and methods and their applicability to research problems in their field, including the designs of research studies;  
  3. develop skills in the gathering, management, analysis, evaluation and interpretation of a broad range of qualitative data;  
  4. demonstrate the ability to use qualitative research software packages such as NVivo for exploratory data analysis; and  
  5. present to an interdisciplinary audience a coherent and sustained argument justifying their choice of qualitative research methodologies and methods for a specific project, using high level communication and technical skills and awareness of ethical issues.  

Assessment

Pass mark 50%
Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Four short assignments (10% each) that focus on skill development in qualitative methods and techniques (1500 words in total) 40%
Presentation Presentation following critical review of other studies (1000 word equivalent) 20%
Assignment Major Assignment designed to test in-depth understanding of qualitative methodologies and capacity to choose, employ and defend (2500-3000 words) 40%
Total word equivalence is 4500-5500 words.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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