ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module builds upon the research methods training which students receive in their first year in order to provide students with a more detailed understanding of qualitative methods. While recognising interplay between the different stages, this module is structured around the general stages of conducting qualitative research – planning, conducting, analysing and writing about qualitative research. Students will learn about new developments in qualitative research including creative and visual methods, different types of ethnographies and mobile methodologies. They will also enhance their skill set by learning different methods of analysing qualitative data including computer assisted qualitative data analysis.

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

HEMMING Peter (Sociology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

SOC1051 - Researching the Social World: Qualitative Methods

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Planning qualitative research: Qualitative research design and sampling (including formulating research questions);

Ethical dimensions of social research (including research governance and data protection);

Conducting qualitative research (e.g. mobile methodologies; narrative interviews; multi-sited and auto-ethnography; digital ethnography; creative and visual methods);

Techniques for analysing qualitative research (e.g. discourse analysis; thematic analysis; life story; grounded theory, textual analysis);

Writing up qualitative data: approaches and techniques.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

1 x research proposal, completed individually (outline of a possible research project making use of advanced qualitative methods taught on the module, including background, research questions, methods, sample and ethics): 40% of module mark;

1 x qualitative analysis, completed individually (write-up of an analysis of secondary or found qualitative data using analysis techniques taught on the module, drawing on relevant literature to contextualise and interpret): 60% of module mark;

Ongoing formative assessment with peer and tutor feedback during seminars (in the form of discussions and informal presentations about summative assessment preparation).

Module aims

• To demonstrate an awareness of advances in qualitative research (including mobile methodologies, creative and visual methods, and different types of ethnographies)
• To develop skills in planning qualitative research, collecting data, analysing and writing-up research
• To encourage students to reflect upon the ethical issues involved in the research process and the complexities of conducting research on sensitive topics

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures (1 hour per week)


• Seminars (1 hour per week)


• Captured content (1 hour per week)


• Guided learning (1 hour per week)


• Independent study (including individual and group exercises, reading, and assessment preparation)

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: SOC2094

Other information

N/A

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.