Qualitative Research Methods in Nursing

This module focuses on designing and doing qualitative research, albeit in a way that situates this research within the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of different research traditions and methodologies. The basic assumption informing the theoretical underpinnings of the module is that research traditions and methodologies cannot be true or false, only less or more useful. This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand, design and critically analyse qualitative research and engage with theory and broader debates on qualitative inquiry. Furthermore, the module will offer frameworks to assess the quality of research design and conduct and its application to qualitative research. There is an emphasis on using reflexive understanding to generate theoretically informed and practically grounded qualitative research.

The module comprises of the following 6 sessions.

1. Philosophies & Theoretical Frameworks
2. Overview of Qualitative Research Methods
3. The Design of Qualitative Research Methods
4. Preparing to Enter the Qualitative Research Field
5. Data Collection and Data Analysis in Qualitative Research
6. Appraising, Disseminating and Using Qualitative Research Findings

Hours of Total Learning for this module:

• Contact Hours: 27
• Self-Study Hours: 84
• Assessment Hours: 14
• Total Learning Hours: 125

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

1. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative methods for healthcare research.
2. Explore qualitative research traditions and methodologies and understand how and when to use them.
3. Understand the purpose and application of qualitative data collection methods, including interviews, focus groups and participant observation.
4. Appreciate ethical issues surrounding the use of qualitative methods in health research. 
5. Able to critically appraise qualitative research and understand how to install rigour in the research process.
6. Show how qualitative research is presented in the form of research papers and other publications.

Each module will be assessed based on the following components:

1. Quality of Contributions in Forums: 20%
   • Evaluation of participation and the quality of insights shared in online discussion forums.
2. Quality of Contributions in Tutorials: 20%
   • Assessment of engagement and contributions during tutorial sessions.
3. Assignment/Case Study: 60%
   • Completion and quality of assignments that demonstrate understanding and application of the course material.

Passing Criteria:

• Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the three components to pass each module.

Scholarship Schemes for Maltese residents:

• MySkills Scheme: Malta residents are eligible for up to 80% reimbursement, capped at €5,000, subject to eligibility criteria. International students would be able to apply for the MySkills Scheme once they obtain their Student Temporary Residence Card (TRC). (For individual modules only)
• Get Qualified Scheme ( Scheme available for Maltese residents ) – 70% refund of course fee as a tax rebate