Qualitative Research Methods MED5077

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Health and Wellbeing
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will 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

Weekly sessions comprised of lectures, individual group activities, and asynchronous material.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Written assignment (2,500 words; 50%; ILOs 1, 2)

Presentation (10 mins; 50%; ILOs 3, 4, 5) 

Course Aims

This 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:

 

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

2. Compare and contrast the strengths and limitations of a range of qualitative methodologies and methods.

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

4. Code, categorise, and analyse qualitative data.

5. Effectively communicate qualitative findings.

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.