Gain an introduction to qualitative health research.
Broaden your base of health research skills as you explore new ways of understanding the reality of people’s experiences with healthcare. Learn why, when and how to use qualitative methods in your own research work.
You can study this part-time short course online or on campus.
You’ll work with highly experienced researchers from our award-winning Health Services Research Unit to consider qualitative research methods in a health context.
The credits you earn on this course can be used towards several of our Masters degrees.
What will I study?
Qualitative research seeks to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of phenomena or human behaviours.
Qualitative researchers use a variety of methods to develop deeper understanding of how people perceive their social realities and, in consequence, how they act within the social world.
This course will introduce you to these qualitative approaches. More than just studying these methods, you’ll gain hands-on experience, engaging in qualitative research yourself.
You’ll study the full research process:
- Planning to conduct relevant research.
- Choosing the right methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data.
- Communicating your findings to the public, the media and academics.
- Focusing on issues of rigour, quality and ethics.
You’ll leave the course equipped to carry out your own successful qualitative research studies in future.
By the end of this course, you’ll understand…
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The range of qualitative data collection methods used within applied health research.
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How to articulate and justify the relevance of qualitative approaches within health research.
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How to critically evaluate appropriate qualitative research methods.
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How to plan and conduct effective, rigorous and ethical qualitative research.
Why study Qualitative Health Research with Aberdeen?
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Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health services research over the last 40 years.
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Real-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legalisation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people around the world.
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1st in Scotland
First for research in Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework.
Where will this take me?
Further learning
We offer a wide range of specialist Health short courses. They can be used to build up credits towards higher qualifications, including related Masters degrees.
Looking to study a full degree?
Careers
If you’re considering a career in academic research, this course will help you get there.
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to them to find out more.
Your teaching team
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Dr Zoё Skea – Course coordinator
Zoë joined us in 1999 and works in our Health Services Research Unit. She has extensive expertise in qualitative methods. Zoë’s current research investigates patients’ perspectives of their care and treatment, and clinician-patient relations.
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Dr Heather Morgan
Heather is a multidisciplinary social scientist. Her interests lie in digital health research. She’s won multiple awards for engaging the public in science and research and has helped secure over £1.6m in research funding.
Am I ready?
This online course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level, you’d usually have at least:
- a relevant 2:2 (second-class) degree
- or relevant experience that supports this level of study.
You don’t have to have any previous knowledge of qualitative research, but you should have an interest in public health issues.
Apply for this course
