Course details
- DepartmentDepartment of Methodology
- Application codeSS-ME305
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Overview
The purpose of this course is to equip participants with the skills to be able to sensitively and critically design, carry out, report, read, and evaluate qualitative research projects, focussing on in-depth interviews and participant observation.
It is taught by qualitative research experts who have experience of using the methods they teach. It covers the full cycle of a field-based qualitative research project: from design, to data collection, analysis, reporting and dissemination.
The course has the dual aims of equipping students with conceptual understandings of current academic debates regarding methods, and the practical skills to put those methods into practice.
Key information
Prerequisites: The course assumes little or no knowledge of qualitative methods. There are no formal prerequisites, however, applicants should be at an advanced undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Level: 300 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs
Fees: Please see Fees and payments
Lectures: 36 hours
Classes: 18 hours
Assessment: One oral presentation (20%) and one 2,000 word essay (80%).
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)
Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment
Is this course right for you?
This course is suited to students who wish to gain the necessary skills for qualitative research projects.
It is ideal for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as professionals with an interest in using qualitative methods to undertake social research.
Outcomes
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 field-based 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
Content
The fundamentals of my course are covered at my home institution, but the summer school course gives me an extra breadth into how the industry works. It’s been a really good experience in diversifying my skill set.
Faculty
The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.
Department
LSE’s Department of Methodology is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and teaching in the area of social science research methodology. The disciplinary backgrounds of the staff include political science, statistics, sociology, social psychology, anthropology and criminology. The Department coordinates and provides a focus for methodological activities at the School, providing methods training to students from across the School.
With the training in the core social scientific tools of analysis and research offered by the Department of Methodology, coupled with its numerous workshops in other transferable skills such as computer programming and the use of methods-related software, the Department of Methodology ensures that the School’s students and staff have the expertise and training available to maintain the School’s excellence in social scientific research. We also work closely with colleagues in the Departments of Statistics and Mathematics to cover advanced topics, including in the interdisciplinary area of social applications of data science.
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Apply
Applications are closed
We are not currently accepting applications for this course. Register your interest below to be notified when applications open again.