This course presents the fundamentals of qualitative research methods. It covers the classic sources of qualitative data: interviews, focus groups, participant observation and documentary and historical work. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities of new media including visual images and Internet research. Three widely-used data analysis methods are covered: thematic analysis, content analysis and discourse analysis. In addition, issues including quality indicators, research design, ethics, writing up and disseminating are also addressed.The format of the course is a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures are interactive and introduce the key conceptual issues of each method, as well as giving practical guidance. Lectures also incorporate critical discussion of sample papers from the peer-reviewed literature, developing students%E2%80%99 skills in critically evaluating reports of qualitative research. Seminars provide hands-on experience of the core methods.The course is taught by a team of qualitative research experts, who regularly use the methods which they teach, making the course particularly practical and realistic.

Course leader
Dr Jen Tarr & Dr Aude Bicquelet

Target group
This course is ideal for postgraduates, academics and professionals with an interest in using qualitative methods to undertake social research.

Course aim
The purpose of this course is to equip students to sensitively and critically design, carry out, report, read, and evaluate qualitative research projects. It covers the full cycle of a qualitative research project, from design, to data collection, analysis, reporting and disseminating. The course has the dual aims of equipping students with both conceptual understandings of current academic debates regarding different methods, and the practical skills to put those methods into practice.This course will provide students with: a solid understanding of the core methods of qualitative data collection and analysis; critical skills in interpreting and evaluating reports of qualitative studies; experience in putting qualitative skills into practice; realistic and practical teaching from established researchers who put these tools to use in their ongoing research projects.

Credits info
5 ECTS The decision to award credits is at the discretion of the student's home institution. Students should always check with their home institution to confirm the number of credits that can be awarded.

Fee info
GBP 1435: Student rate - available to current university (including PhD) students.Academic staff and staff of UK charities are eligible for a reduced rate of 1,930. GBP 2425: Standard rate

Scholarships
Previous students of LSE may be eligible for a 15% discount on their tuition fees.

London School of Economics
Address: Houghton Street
Postal code: WC2A 2AE
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.lse.ac.uk/study/summerSchools/Methods/home.aspx
E-mail: summer.methods@lse.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7955 6422