Course content

This course provides insights to various qualitative research approaches in the field of social research. Particular emphasis is placed on research interviews, observation and document studies. The course deals with different types of research questions, the connection between research questions and research design, quality requirements for qualitative studies and research ethics guidelines.

Learning outcome

The student has knowledge about:

• in-depth knowledge of qualitative design and the types of knowledge these can contribute
• advanced knowledge of various methods such as interview, observation and document studies, which is applied in social work
• advanced knowledge of different analytical traditions within qualitative methods, which is applied in social research
• in-depth knowledge of research ethics and the relationship between theory and empirical data in empirical studies
• can apply the knowledge in a research context

Skills - The student can:

• develop a qualitative research design
• analyze and critically consider the choice of methods

General competence - The student can:

• can apply knowledge and skills on which qualitative methods in social work are based
• can communicate analysis strategies in qualitative methods
• can analyze relevant ethical issues in qualitative research

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and 2 exercise-assignments (compulsory activities). The compulsory assignments must be approved before taking the exam. Language: Norwegian

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment
• Written assignment

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in social work or the social sciences

Required previous knowledge

Admission to one of the Department's Master programmes.

Course materials

The syllabus list is published on Blackboard at the start of the course.

Credit reductions