SS5103 Qualitative Methods in Social Research

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Thurs 4pm-6pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M G Kesby

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr M Kesby

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This seminar-based module offers both a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis and writing of qualitative social science research. Among other things, the module will cover positionality/ethics, archives, participant observation, participatory approaches, semi-structured interviewing and the use of NVIVO/computer aided qualitative data analysis. Assessment will involve a short refection on field experience and a longer critical essay on a chosen aspect of qualitative research.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Class Test = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar.

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

128

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.