Key facts

Overview

There is increasing recognition that a wide range of social, political and economic factors may influence improvements in healthcare systems and outcomes. Experimental methods are not necessarily the most effective mechanism for answering research questions aimed at unpacking this complexity. Qualitative research explores how people make sense of their lives. It can help bridge the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice by examining the attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of both patients and practitioners.

This module is designed to assist people who are planning a qualitative research project. Teaching will be led by Dr Jenny Hislop, Senior Researcher, Health Experiences Research Group, Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

"The imaginative teaching illustrated the processes perfectly"

"Excellent synthesis of detailed knowledge of the subject and facilitation of experiential learning. I have heard other people describe their disappointment with experiences of learning about qualitative research, elsewhere. I feel really lucky to have had such a good experience of learning both the science and art of QA."

"The module was well designed to allow practical / hands-on experience of writing up qualitative research results."

Description

By the end of this module students will be able to:

• assess the use of qualitative research in evidence-based practice
• identify different methodological approaches to qualitative research
• search effectively for online resources using sensitive or specific search filters
• design qualitative research projects
• discuss key issues around recruitment and sampling in qualitative research
• write an interview schedule
• conduct in-depth interviews and ethnographic observation, and organise and run focus groups
• discuss some of the ethical issues associated with conducting qualitative research
• analyse qualitative data using a thematic approach
• appraise the quality of qualitative research
• discuss how to conduct qualitative synthesis and systematic reviews
• understand the process of writing up qualitative research for publication
• identify ways in which qualitative and quantitative methodologies can be combined in research

Staff

Dr Jenny Hislop

Role: Module Coordinator

Jenny Hislop is a Senior Qualitative Researcher.

Assessment methods

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms are rated 3-star, and come with free high-speed internet access and TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

Scholarships

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Fee options

Programme Fee

Students enrolled on MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care: £1575.00

Students enrolled on Postgraduate Cert in Health Research: £1575.00

Students enrolled on Postgraduate Dip in Health Research: £1575.00

Short course in health sciences: £1890.00

Apply for this course

Programmes including this module

This module can be studied as part of these programmes:

• Evidence-based health care
• MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care
• Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research
• Short courses in health sciences