Qualitative Research and Analysis

Sharpen your qualitative research skills and use them to deepen your understanding of complex healthcare experiences.

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Key facts

  • Module codeNURP003
  • Start date 22 Jan 2024
  • Application deadline8 Jan 2024
  • Duration11 weeks
  • Credit value SCQF 20
  • SCQF level Level 11
  • Fees Home: £778, International: £778
  • Mode of study part time
  • Delivery online

Overview

Research in health explores the organisation, delivery and experience of care. An important strand of this research is understanding the complexity of contexts in which healthcare is implemented and experienced. Qualitative approaches offer the tools to drill down into organisational, professional and individual experiences in order to gain an in depth perspective on illness experience and healthcare practices.

You will be taught by a team with international recognition for work that draws on complex qualitative research.

Flexible learning

This short course forms part of the MRes Health Research (Online). You can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:

If you’re interested in studying more than one module from this course, please email our Admissions team at postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk to discuss your course of study.

Entrance requirements

A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Objectives

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Critically discuss theoretical issues central to the conduct of qualitative research and design.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the qualitative research process including strengths and limitations of such approaches.
  • Demonstrate skills in qualitative analysis, including the use of analytical software (QSR NVivo).
  • Demonstrate an ability to generate explanatory theory and report qualitative results.

Structure and content

This online module provides an overview of a range of qualitative methods and approaches and you will develop skills in qualitative analysis.

There are three study units:

  1. Epistemology and qualitative research
  2. A range of analytical approaches
  3. Writing up and reporting qualitative analysis.

Students are supported via virtual classroom teaching sessions when they will be able to see analytical techniques demonstrated and can take part in guided discussions.

Delivery and assessment

You will be guided through the module’s three units via structured materials that lead the students through the podcasts and highlight essential reading. Online teaching sessions in the virtual classroom will be used to demonstrate techniques of qualitative analysis using QSR NVivo software. Students will work together on their first piece of analysis and present their results in an online session. They will then continue to conduct analysis on sample transcripts, learning the use of the software (provided by the university) via online support sessions.

The module will be delivered using a range of approaches, including - webinars, podcasted lectures and other activities such as reading materials and discussion boards.

 

Module coordinator

Dr Erica Gadsby

Employability

Qualitative research and qualitative analysis are central aspects of health research. They are particularly valued ways to seek the views and experiences of patients as well as those delivering or organising health services. Qualitative approaches are also increasingly used to add nuance and understanding to randomised controlled trials.
You’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills during this module that will boost your career opportunities, including:

  • Team-working – working with peers to do a group task
  • IT skills – developing skills in using QSR NVivo, qualitative analysis software that is one of the industry standards
  • Presentation skills – presenting the results of your analysis in a team presentation
  • Qualitative data analysis – using real data to develop your skills
  • Writing skills – writing up the results of your analysis

What next?

Contact us

If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.

For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.