Curriculum Information

This module will address content in two broad areas. First, qualitative methods of data collection and analysis will be addressed; these will include interview, focus group and observational methods as well as types of secondary data that could be obtained and analysed qualitatively. Given the online nature of the course, methods will focus on data collection that could be completed remotely (including remote interviewing); this will include the ethical and practical issues associated with such data collection and the use of internet forums and social media as potential sources of data. Students will be given opportunities to practise and critically compare different approaches to qualitative analysis, including thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis. To support students’ engagement in applied dissertation projects, including those generated with external partners, students will also learn about the process of conducting action research.
As well as providing opportunities to develop skills in qualitative methods, this module will provide students with grounding in, and preparation for, the dissertation process. This will include generating a research proposal and preparing for ethical approval, setting sub-goals for a research project, dissertation requirements, supervisor/student roles and responsibilities and reporting requirements.