Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on a range of different qualitative research methods commonly applied within and across the social sciences. The course begins with an introduction to the historical, epistemological and ontological basis of qualitative research methods. It then turns to common qualitative data collection methods, research designs and ethical planning strategies. Thereafter, participants receive training in specific methods of qualitative data analysis.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After this course the student is expected to be able to:
 - Explain the central principles and steps of qualitative research with respect to the data analysis methods covered during the course. 
 - Clarify the design and ethical implications of qualitative research.

Skills and Abilities
After this course the student is expected to be able to:
 - Grasp and perform the central steps of the qualitative methods covered during the course.
 - Present and discuss, in oral and/or written form, one's own and others application of the methods covered during the course.
 - Develop research designs involving qualitative methods.

Judgement and approach
After this course the student is expected to be able to:
  - Critically review and evaluate the application of qualitative methods
  - Appraise the design implications of qualitative research
  - Appraise the ethical implications of qualitative research

Required Knowledge

Univ: Courses of the amount of 90 ECTS credits in Social Sciences (Business Administration 90 ECTS, Economics 90 ECTS, Economic History 90 ECTS, Pedagogy 90 ECTS, Gender Studies 90 ECTS, Human Geography 90 ECTS, Informatics 90 ECTS, Peace and Conflict Studies 90 ECTS, Political Science 90 ECTS, Psychology 90 ECTS, Social Administration 90 ECTS, Social Care 90 ECTS, Social Policy 90 ECTS, Social Work 90 ECTS, Sociology 90 ECTS), or equivalent eligibility.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/5.

Form of instruction

The course content is delivered through lectures, seminars, and individual work. All lectures and seminars are held in English.

Examination modes

The examination has two parts; 1) Participation in seminars and implementation of assigned tasks for the seminars (individual or group) and 2) a written exam. Only grades of Fail or Pass will be awarded for seminar participation. The written exam will be awarded the following grades: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. Overall grades for the course are: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is required that all of the examination part must be Passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction, it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction. 

If a student receives a Fail grade on the written exam, they will be required to revise their original exam according to comments provided by the examiner within the time-line determined by the examiner. Students have the right to four rounds of revisions. They will be eligible for a grade of Pass but not Pass with distinction. Only students who have not received a passing grade are eligible to make revisions in order to pass the exam. Revisions are not allowed for those who have already received a passing grade.  

If there are special reasons, the examiner has the right to decide whether another form of examination can be used. A student who has failed three tests for a course or a part of a class, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it. Written request must be submitted to the director of studies.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are reviewed individually. For more information, please see the University's set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.