HS948-7-SP-CO:
Qualitative Health Research
2024/25
Health and Social Care (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 27 June 2025
15
12 December 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MRESB99012 Health Research,
MRESB99024 Health Research,
MRESB990JS Health Research,
MPHDB79748 Health Studies,
PHD B79748 Health Studies
A general introduction to process of qualitative research applied to the study of issues of health and illness. This course places a central focus on processes and practices of qualitative research. At the end of this course students will be aware of central issues in the conduct of qualitative research.
This module runs at Colchester campus.
The overall purpose of the course is for students to develop an understanding of the qualitative research methodologies in a health and social care research context.
By the end of the course students will have acquired the following skills and be able to apply them:
Comprehension of basic principles of qualitative research, including the processes involved in generating and application of qualitative research questions
Competence in understanding and applying a range of qualitative research methods
Ability to manage qualitative data and conducting and disseminating research in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics.
Understanding the significance of qualitative epistemological positions, and how they relate to quantitative research design and mixed method research design.
This module examines qualitative research methods in a broad health context, from qualitative epistemologies through to qualitative research design through to data analysis and final project write up. Emphasis in the course is placed on the need to let the research question dictate the chosen method. The implications of this approach to social research will provide a vehicle for discussion of the principles of research design for the duration of the course, making the
explicit link throughout the course between research questions and research methods. The course will outline a systematic range of processes involved in the application of a qualitative epistemology to health related research. It will pay particular attention to the benefits of qualitative research (in terms of moving beyond levels of description towards levels of explanation, or gaining a deeper experiential understanding of health processes) whilst also pointing to some of the central limitations of qualitative research.
Minimum enrolment 4
Please note that if insufficient numbers of students (i.e. <10) opt to take this module we may have to cancel it at short notice. If this is the case we will of course notify anyone who has applied to take this course in a particular term as soon as possible and offer an opportunity to discuss alternative options.
Lectures, seminars and data analysis workshops. Students will be required to collect primary qualitative data collection and primary or secondary qualitative data analysis
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
3,000 word research report |
|
80% |
| Practical |
Presentation |
|
20% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Jennie Todd, email: jtodd@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ewen Speed
cpdshortcourses@essex.ac.uk
No
No
Yes
Dr Elaine Lehane
University College Cork
Senior Lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 18 (90%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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