Gain an introduction to qualitative health research.
- Broaden your base of health research skills.
- Explore new ways of understanding the reality of people’s experiences with healthcare.
- Learn why, when and how to use qualitative methods in your research.
You’ll work with highly experienced researchers from our award-winning Health Services Research Unit to examine qualitative research methods for health.
You can use the credits you earn on this course towards several of our health-related 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 be able to…
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Describe a range of qualitative data collection methods used within applied health research.
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Articulate and justify the relevance of qualitative approaches within health research.
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Critically evaluate appropriate qualitative research methods.
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Plan and conduct effective, rigorous and ethical qualitative research.
Why study Qualitative Health Research with Aberdeen?
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.
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.
Our research impact
1st in Scotland
First for research in Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework.
How will I study?
This Qualitative Health Research course is delivered part-time, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Also available as an app, you can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and tablet 24/7.
This course features a range of resources, including:
- videos
- short lectures
- journal articles
- book chapters
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library
- discussion boards with your online classmates and tutors.
Your tutors
This course is taught at Masters level. You’ll learn from specialist health researchers and academics from our Health Services Research Unit (HSRU). HSRU has been conducting research and training NHS staff on behalf of the government’s Chief Scientist Office since 1988.
Introduction to Online Learning
We want to make sure you’re confident and comfortable with the online way of working from day one.
So you’ll also get an introduction to our learning platform and how online study works. In this part of the course, you’ll strengthen the academic skills you need to excel in online learning. You’ll find out about School procedures, all the support available to you and how to access help throughout your studies.
Study hours
The online course totals approximately 150 hours of study and assessment time. That’s around 10-15 hours per week.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
There may be some activities that you have to attend at a fixed time, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through the course at your convenience.
Assessment
This course is assessed entirely online via:
- two pieces of written course work relating to data collection and data analysis
- an online class test.
Your teaching team
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.
View Zoё’s profile
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.
View Heather’s profileWhere will this take me?
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this short course. You can use these credits towards our online:
- Masters in Clinical Nutrition – accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN)
- Masters in Health Economics for Health Professionals
- Master of Public Health.
Build your learning
We have a range of online Health short courses you can use to build your skills.
Many carry credits you can build up into postgraduate qualifications, including Masters degrees:
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.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
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
