Qualitative Health Research

The online version of this Qualitative Health Research 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.

The on-campus version of this Qualitative Health Research course is 12 weeks long. It’s delivered at our Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen.

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.

You’ll learn through a combination of:

• on-campus lectures
• workshops
• directed study to prepare you for specific sessions
• self-directed study (reading, revising and reflecting on your learning materials).

Study hours

Your on-campus lectures and workshops will take place every Tuesday.

You’ll spend:

• two-to-five hours on campus each Tuesday
• around seven hours per week on private study, plus extra at assessment times.

Your course schedule is:

• nine weeks of teaching
• then two weeks of revision
• then one final week of assessments. There is no teaching in this final week.

Books and journals

You’ll have access to all books and journal articles you’ll need for free through the University’s library service.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed via:

• two pieces of written course work relating to data collection and data analysis
• a short presentation on a potential qualitative health research proposal.

Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your course coordinator via email. They’re on hand to help you stay on track with your studies. Online, you can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.

We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:

• Careers and Employability service
• Disability support
• IT support
• Library support
• Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
• Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
• Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
• Toolkit – clever apps and free training that make online study easier

With the online version of this course, you’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11). You can use these credits towards our online:

• PgCert, PgDip or Masters in Health Economics for Health Professionals
• PgCert, PgDip or Masters in Clinical Nutrition
• Master of Public Health.

Find out more about credits.

With the on-campus version of this course, you’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11). You can use these credits towards our:

• MSc Global Health and Management
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

Both are available full-time or part-time.

You can also study these courses to Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) and Postgraduate Diploma level (120 credits). Find out more about credits.

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world. You do not need a visa to study online with us.

This course has no formal entry requirements, so you do not need to provide proof of your qualifications.

However, check the entry guidance above. It shows the level of teaching delivered. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, view our International Entry Requirements for equivalent qualifications from your country.

English language requirements

Teaching is delivered in English.

You do not have to provide proof of your English language skills to join this course online. But we want to make sure you can use English well enough to study successfully. At this level of teaching, you would usually have:

Duolingo English Test (taken from July 2019)

• 115 overall

LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken)

• All skills – B2

IELTS Academic – 6.5 overall

• 5.5 for listening, reading and speaking
• 6.0 for writing

TOEFL iBT – 90 overall

• 17 for listening
• 18 for reading
• 20 for speaking
• 21 for writing
• TOEFL DI code is 0818

PTE Academic – 62 overall

• 51 for listening, reading and speaking
• 54 for writing

Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency – 176 overall

• 162 for listening, reading and speaking
• 169 for writing

Trinity ISE

• Integrated Skills in English III (ISEIII)
• A pass in all components with distinction

See our English Language Requirements page for more information about English language qualifications.

We welcome students from all over the world. You will need to make your own transport, accommodation and visa arrangements to study with us on campus.

See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, view our International Entry Requirements for equivalent qualifications from your country.

English language requirements

Teaching is delivered in English.

We accept the following English language qualifications:

Duolingo English Test (taken from July 2019)

• 115 overall

LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken)

• All skills – B2

IELTS Academic – 6.5 overall

• 5.5 for listening, reading and speaking
• 6.0 for writing

TOEFL iBT – 90 overall

• 17 for listening
• 18 for reading
• 20 for speaking
• 21 for writing
• TOEFL DI code is 0818

PTE Academic – 62 overall

• 51 for listening, reading and speaking
• 54 for writing

Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency – 176 overall

• 162 for listening, reading and speaking
• 169 for writing

Trinity ISE

• Integrated Skills in English III (ISEIII)
• A pass in all components with distinction

If you hold a degree from a UK university then evidence of proficiency in English may not be required.

See our English Language Requirements page for more information about English language qualifications.

For the online course, you will need access to:

A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) operating on:

• Windows 8 or later
• Mac OS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.

All our teaching materials are mobile-, smartphone- and tablet-friendly. However, you’re likely to need a proper keyboard for completing assignments.

Reliable internet access

With reasonable download speed: we broadly estimate at least 2Mbps so that you can take part fully in live sessions.

Speakers or headphones

• A headset with built-in microphone and earphones is useful if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
• A webcam may be desirable for some interactive sessions.

Software

We will give you access to Office365 applications. This means that you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and install these programs on up to five personal devices.

If your course requires any specialist software, then we’ll provide you with copies of this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.

See our detailed IT requirements for more information.

When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure that means you’re never alone in your studies.

Studying a short course does mean that you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.

Your most important commitment to your course will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.

Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:

• Be realistic
• Create a weekly schedule as a guide

If you have any questions about studying with us, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help. 

Fee payment

Your course fee needs to be paid in full before you start your course.

We accept payment via Visa Debit, Visa Credit and Mastercard.

On-campus fees

Your course fee covers all your teaching resources. But you will need to arrange and pay for your own transport, accommodation and visa if required.

Ways to save

There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:

• 10% NHS discount – NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate short courses and degrees offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition
• 20% alumni discount – if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen, you’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught short courses and degrees
• Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
• Student loans
• Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
• Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

Find out more about funding options.

Student card

All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.