Applied qualitative methods in global health

The course is elective and given within the Master's Programme in Global Health (V2GLH). The course can also be offered as a freestanding course on advanced level. 

School of Global Studies

Department of Social Work

Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion

Prerequisits are

• A Bachelor's degree worth 180 credits
• MGH102 Quantitative and qualitative methods 15 credits or MPH221 Epidemiology and biostatistics 15 credits
• English 6. Or: English level 2. Or: an equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS

The course addresses the epistemological starting points for qualitative research. It also presents and discusses various examples of methodological approaches that have been developed to qualitatively study specific phenomena, such as phenomenology, discourse analysis, grounded theory and thematic content analysis. Exercises where these methodological approaches are applied in the formulation of an intended qualitative study are also included. Within the framework of the course, study design is treated with a focus on the formulation of purpose and questions, choice of research theme, theoretical and methodological approaches. It also discusses strategies for dissemination of results and how a study is justified, based on scientific and ethical principles. The course also deals with international ethical guidelines for research and how these are implemented in different parts of the world.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe the epistemological foundations of different qualitative methodological approaches and their strengths and weaknesses for the study of different global health problems,
• describe the nature of the qualitative research process and strategies for ensuring quality in its different phases (from the identification of the research focus to the dissemination and application of results),
• describe the basic ethical principles of research and explain their application in internationally established guidelines as well as in the practical implementation of a research project,

Competence and skills

• prepare for a small-scale qualitative study by formulating a basis for data collection and arguing in favour of an appropriate theoretical framework, methodological approach and analysis model,
• formulate an ethical review application for a small qualitative global health project, including appendices describing a research plan, study information, data collection materials and informed consent documents,

Judgement and approach

• critically discuss and evaluate qualitative research on the basis of established quality criteria with a focus on scientific credibility and transferability, practical value and human rights and sustainability,
• identify and analyse ethical issues, including those that may be linked to their own research role, that may arise in qualitative global health research, and provide suggestions on how these can be addressed.

The course is sustainability-focused, which means that at least one of the learning outcomes clearly shows that the course content meets at least one of the University of Gothenburg’s confirmed sustainability criteria. The content also constitutes the course's main focus.

Lectures are mixed with practical workshops and applied exercises in which students practise practical skills relevant to qualitative research.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through:

1. an individual, written exam focusing on basic concepts and principles of qualitative studies and research ethics (2.5 credits), and
2. an individually written ethics review application for an intended qualitative study which should include a research plan, data collection information and study information, as well as scientific and ethical reflections on these (5 credits).

If individual, but key parts of the ethics application do not reach a pass level, the student is given an opportunity to complete the part(s) within two working days after feedback has been given by the marking teacher. If, after this revision, the assignment as a whole still does not reach the pass level, the student is offered to submit a more comprehensive revision at the next scheduled re-examination.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). The course is given one of the grades Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G) on the entire course, the grade G is required on both examinations of the course. For the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) the grade VG is required on both examinations of the course.

Course evaluation is carried out in writing and orally in dialogue with the students. The course coordinator is responsible for ensuring that course evaluations are analysed and that proposals for development of the course are made. Analyses and development proposals are shared with students, teaching staff and programme committee. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.