Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Qualitative Methodologies
Module code
1700
Module Organiser
Dr Sarah Bernays
Contact email
Sarah.Bernays@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Public Health & Policy
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Qualitative methods, Self-reflexion, Sociology (incl. socio-cultural aspects)
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To develop students' understanding of the principles and practice of using
qualitative methods in health research.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Target audience
Identify appropriate qualitative designs for health research;
Assess the advantages and disadvantages of a range of data collection
methods;
Understand different approaches to data analysis;
Apply their knowledge of the principles of qualitative research.
This module is intended for students wanting to develop their theoretical and
practical understanding of qualitative methods. It is designed primarily for
Research Degree students and those studying MScs for which an empirical
project is required (that is, those students working on their own qualitative
study). It will also be appropriate for external students intending to develop
their understanding of methodology.
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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Principles of qualitative study: Assumptions about the social world and how
to research it; debates in the use of qualitative research in policy orientated
qualitative work.
Data collection methods: Producing data using in-depth one to one and
group interviews; ethnographic approaches; developing interview skills;
practical issues in participant observation fieldwork.
Analysing data: Approaches to data analysis (thematic analysis, grounded
theory); using manual and computer assisted aids to data management and
analysis (Note: there are no practical sessions on computer aided analysis).
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
A course reader is provided which outlines the course, including details of each
session and many of the key readings. Reading lists for additional background
literature are also provided in the reader.
Teaching and learning
methods
The module comprises short presentations from lecturers on key topics,
followed by student led seminar work. Students are expected to participate in
all activities.
Assessment details
This module is assessed by a 1720 – 2000 word essay answering one of four set
questions.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be to write a 1750-2000 word essay answering one of two set
questions, which would be based on the principles covered in the module and
different to those used in the original assessment task.
Assessment dates
Assessments will be due on Friday 12 February 2016. For students who are
required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt, the next assessment
deadline will be the standard School-recommended date in mid/late September
2016.
Re-sit essay titles will be released in advance to allow for the same amount of
time to be spent on the coursework as in the original assignment.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Wednesday lunchtime and Friday afternoon.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Wednesday 13 January 2016 and finish
on Friday 12 February 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot C2.
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Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 30 hours
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Directed self-study ≈ 20 hours
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Self-directed learning ≈ 50 hours
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Assessment, review and revision ≈ 50 hours.
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
The linear module Principles of Social Research [1104] (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for this module.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 25-30 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students, particularly those are
registered for Public Health or Public Health in Developing Countries and who
have undertaken the Principles of Social Research module, and LSHTM
research degree students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will
usually be offered a place in the order applications are received, until any cap
on numbers is reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given
priority the next time the module is run.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
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Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
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For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.
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If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time but, as places are limited, early application is recommended. All
applications should be submitted by, at the latest, 8 weeks prior to the start
of the module. Formal registration will take place on the morning of the
first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 4 August 2014 by Sarah Bernays Minor amendments SDB 20th July 15
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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