Please note: there may be some adjustments to the teaching arrangements published in the course catalogue for 2020-21. Given current circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic it is anticipated that some usual arrangements for teaching on campus will be modified to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on campus; further adjustments may also be necessary, or beneficial, during the course of the academic year as national requirements relating to management of the pandemic are revised.

Qualitative Research Methods MED5077

  • Academic Session: 2022-23
  • School: School of Health and Wellbeing
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Available to Erasmus Students: No

Short Description

This Qualitative Research Methods course aims to enable students to explore the purpose and appropriate use of qualitative research methods in public health. The course introduces basic principles of conducting research using interviews, focus groups and observation and explores issues around the analysis of qualitative data.

Timetable

The course is delivered over the latter half of semester one and the first half of semester two.

Requirements of Entry

None

Assessment

A 3,000 word written assignment.

Course Aims

To enable students' developed understanding and acquisition of principal skills in relation to qualitative research methods relevant to public health practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Critically appraise qualitative research designs relevant to public health.

Analyse the assumptions that underpin the qualitative research paradigm and its methodologies in relation to the evidence base of modern public health practice.

Critically compare the practical and methodological challenges associated with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods.

Propose qualitative research designs in response to public health knowledge gaps.

Effectively code, categorise and analyse qualitative data generated through the application of one methodology.

Critically analyse the role of qualitative research in the developing evidence base of public health practice.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.