The aim of this course is to explore the philosophical, theoretical, analytical and practical variety of qualitative research. Apart from discussing the different ‘methods’, the course aims to create a better understanding of qualitative research as a process in which questions of why we choose qualitative research, and why we chose certain qualitative methods are closely related to assumptions behind the following: how we perceive reality and knowledge claims; how we analyse and interpret our data; and how we represent (write-up) our data. We'll raises questions about what researchers actually do with their data in order to analysis, interpret and infer meanings from it. A discussion of these questions will raise further issues about the role of the researcher, the constructed nature of 'data', and the value-laden nature of research work. By the end of the module the students will have good understanding of how they can apply qualitative research and its related methodology and practices in their own (current or future) research.

Content: The course consists of twelve sessions discussing the research process of qualitative research from “the why” (the research question, the urgency of your problem statement, the paradigm) to “the how” (methods, analysis, interpretation, reflexivity, writing up). The sessions are interactive with students practicing (related to their own research projects or imagined projects) what we discuss. To increase the level of responsiveness, students will typically practice each of the topics/issues in their own time after an end-of-class briefing, and then bring their data and reflections to the following class for discussion.

Finishing the course: For those who require the credits, please write a paper in which you reflect on the lessons learned in doing / thinking about qualitative research that are most relevant for you/your research and explain why. Start with addressing your work view and move from there. Use academic references from the course and what you have found yourself.

Some useful reference texts for any qualitative researcher:
* Cassell, Catherine, Ann L Cunliffe, Gina Grandy (eds) (2018). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Business and Management Research Methods. Volume 1: History and Tradition. Volume 2: Methods and Challenges. Sage.
* Creswell, J. (2017) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. Choosing among five Approaches (4th edn.) Sage.
* Denzin, N., Lincoln, Y., Giardina, M., Cannella, G. (2011 or 2023) The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research (4th or 6th edn.). Sage.