Qualitative Methods and Empirical Design (861L1)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

The aim of this module is to equip you with the skills necessary to become a competent researcher in your discipline. The module achieves this by providing an overview of the research process, research design, qualitative methods for data collection and empirical design, as well as examining the theoretical and epistemological assumptions behind the use of specific qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Through thinking about broader issues in empirical research, the module encourages you to consider which specific research skills and knowledge you may need – or wish – to develop.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 30 hours of contact time and about 120 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.