Advanced Qualitative Research Methods Level 7 7KNIP041 drafted

Program Overview

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Through lectures, seminars, and group work, students develop critical understanding of qualitative research principles and practical skills in designing, conducting, and analyzing studies. The module culminates in a 3,000-word essay assessing students' understanding and ability to critically analyze published qualitative research.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This module explores the use of qualitative research approaches in healthcare research and complements the module on Advanced Quantitative Research methods. It provides an opportunity to engage with and discuss fundamental concepts and a range of methodological approaches in qualitative research, as well as to practice specific methods of data generation and analysis. Over the course of seven weeks, students access lectures facilitated by experienced healthcare research academics, become involved in discussions and small-group work, experiment with data generation and analysis tools, provide and receive peer feedback on written work plans, and critically examine their understanding of what qualitative research in healthcare may be useful for and why.

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Objectives:

• To develop a critical understanding of the philosophical underpinnings and theoretical orientations of qualitative research in healthcare.
• To gain a comprehensive overview of a range of qualitative research methodologies and methods of data generation and analysis.
• To develop practical skills in designing, conducting, and analyzing qualitative research studies.
• To critically appraise published qualitative research.
• To develop the ability to communicate qualitative research findings effectively.

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Description:

This module adopts a blended learning approach, which includes:

• Lectures: Delivered by experienced healthcare research academics, these lectures will introduce students to the key concepts, principles, and methods of qualitative research.
• Seminars: These interactive sessions will provide students with the opportunity to discuss the lecture material and apply it to real-world scenarios.
• Group work: Students will work in small groups to complete a range of tasks, such as developing research questions, designing data collection methods, and analyzing data.
• Independent study: Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study, which will include reading academic articles, completing online learning activities, and writing assignments.

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Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a 3,000-word essay, which will require them to demonstrate their understanding of qualitative research methods and their ability to critically analyze a piece of published qualitative research.

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Other:

• This module is open to qualified healthcare professionals.
• The course fee is £3,100.

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Outline:

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Module Content:

• Introduction to Qualitative Research
• Philosophical Underpinnings of Qualitative Research
• Theoretical Orientations in Qualitative Research
• Qualitative Research Designs and Methods
• Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
• Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research
• Writing and Presenting Qualitative Research

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Module Structure:

• The module is delivered over a seven-week period.
• Each week includes two hours of lectures, two hours of seminars, and two hours of group work.
• There is also an expectation that students will undertake a significant amount of independent study.

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Course Schedule:

• Term 2 - 18/01/2024, 25/01, 01/02, 08/02, 22/02, 29/02, 07/03, 14/03

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Individual Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Qualitative Research
• This module will introduce students to the key concepts, principles, and methods of qualitative research.
• Module 2: Philosophical Underpinnings of Qualitative Research
• This module will explore the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, such as constructivism, interpretivism, and critical theory.
• Module 3: Theoretical Orientations in Qualitative Research
• This module will examine a range of theoretical orientations in qualitative research, such as grounded theory, ethnography, and action research.
• Module 4: Qualitative Research Designs and Methods
• This module will introduce students to a range of qualitative research designs and methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observations.
• Module 5: Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
• This module will provide students with the hands-on skills needed to collect and analyze qualitative data.
• Module 6: Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research
• This module will explore the ethical considerations involved in conducting qualitative research.
• Module 7: Writing and Presenting Qualitative Research
• This module will provide students with the guidance they need to write and present qualitative research findings.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• 3,000-word essay

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Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of qualitative research methods
• Ability to critically analyze a piece of published qualitative research
• Writing and presentation skills

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group work
• Independent study

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Faculty:

The module will be taught by experienced healthcare research academics.

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Unique Approaches:

The module will adopt a blended learning approach, which will combine lectures, seminars, group work, and independent study. This approach will allow students to learn in a variety of ways and to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Research scientist
• Qualitative researcher
• Healthcare consultant
• Policy analyst

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Career Opportunities:

• The completion of this module can lead to a variety of career opportunities in healthcare research, policy, and consultancy.
• Graduates of this module can also go on to pursue further studies in qualitative research, such as a PhD.

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Other:

• This module is part of the Master of Science in Health Research degree program.