Qualitative Methods

Module overview

This module aims to provide postgraduate students with an understanding of the role and application of qualitative methods within social science research. The module will include a focus on the issues that arise in the design, generation, analysis and evaluation of qualitative data within interpretive and reflective philosophical frameworks, as well as experiencing of using computer-assisted methods of qualitative data analysis.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures are designed to provide a good understanding of data generation or analysis methods. Seminar content is designed to explore particular issues that arise I using qualitative methods, and use a range of appropriate pedagogic methods. This is a hybrid delivery module. Lectures are pre-recorded and seminars are delivered in person. Lectures are self-directed learning with review and reflection built in to them. Seminars involve discussion and hand-on workshop activities.

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	13
Independent Study	87
Total study time	100

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Journals. • International Journal of Qualitative Methods • The Qualitative Report • Forum: Qualitative Social Research • Qualitative Research • Qualitative Research Journal • International Journal of Social Research Methodology All available through Hartley Library

Other. The National Centre for Research Methods has links to a wide range of videos, podcasts and discussion papers on research methods and methodology. You can search for material on qualitative research design, data collection, data quality, data analysis, literature review and writing up at: https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/resources/

Textbooks

Mason, J (2017). Qualitative Researching. Sage.

S.M. Taylor, R. Bogdan and M.L. DeVault (2016). Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: A Guidebook and Resources. Wiley.

Silverman, D. (2017). Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook. Sage.

V. Braun and V. Clarke (2013). Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners. London: Sage.

Hammersley, M. (2012). What is Qualitative Research?. Bloomsbury Academic.

Flick, U. (2014). An Introduction to Qualitative Research. Sage.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Formative essay 500 words Summative essay 3000 words

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assignment	80%
Proposal	20%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework assignment(s)	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework assignment(s)	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External