This course provides the student with the principles of qualitative approaches to health research. A core component of this course is training in analytic thinking as it is applied to qualitative methodologies and health research more generally. Students will acquire knowledge in the foundations of qualitative research as well as practical qualitative methods, such as interviews, observation, document analysis and focus groups. Students will be expected to participate in exercises designed to enhance skills and techniques throughout the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the qualitative approach in health research;
- Evaluate qualitative and mixed methods research;
- Explain the relationship between research design and research methods;
- Conduct their own qualitative research;
- Develop a detailed qualitative research proposal.
Indicative Assessment
- Research journal (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Interview assignment (30) [LO 1,3,4,5]
- Research proposal (50) [LO 1,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
In person:
- Face-to-face component which consists of a one hour class per week, this is conducted as a hybrid class with online students. The class time will be dedicated to activities, discussion and preparation for assignments.
- Approximately 118 hours of self-direct study which will include listening to the weekly lectures, completing the weekly readings, preparing for class activities, completing the weekly journal and other study to prepare for assessments.
Online:
- Syncronous online component which consists of a one hour class per week, this is conducted as a hybrid class with on campus students. The class time will be dedicated to activities, discussion and preparation for assign. The time will be dedicated to activities, discussion and preparation for assignments.
- Approximately 118 hours of self-directed study which will include listening to the weekly lectures, completing the weekly readings, preparing for class activities, completing the weekly journal and other study to prepare for assessments.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Prescribed Texts
None
Assumed Knowledge
There is no assumed knowledge for this course.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2935 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| 2936 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | Online | N/A |