Course Catalogue

Justice Studies

After completing this module students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of qualitative research methodologies. 2. Critically assess ethical issues in respect of qualitative research. 3. Appraise and practise key qualitative techniques, such as interviewing and facilitating focus groups. 4. Analyse qualitative data. 5. Present qualitative data and findings carefully and with due regard to ethical and procedural standards.

Outline Syllabus:The module considers a range of qualitative approaches such as ethnography, phenomenology and action research. It will introduce students to a range of qualitative research data gathering techniques such as observation, content analysis, interviewing, and focus groups. In workshops students will be given the opportunity to practice these techniques. Students will complete a portfolio based on a piece of qualitative research that that they have conducted. Students will be able to choose from some different topic areas in order that they can complete the piece of work in an area that interests them. In the method sections of the portfolio, students will consider ethical issues relevant to their particular topic. This will help students to develop not only their report writing skills, but also their evaluation of ethical issues. This will assist students with their final year dissertation, and with the related ethics application process for their dissertation project. Completing a portfolio on qualitative research also allows students the opportunity to develop their literacy skills as the report requires students to engage in reflection of their own mental processes and their role in the research process. Also, giving students practical experience of conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups helps develop confidence, communication skills, and interpersonal skills which are solid transferrable skills for the student’s future career.

Module Overview:
In this module you will consider a range of qualitative approaches such as ethnography, phenomenology and action research. It will introduce you to a range of qualitative research data gathering techniques such as observation, content analysis, interviewing, and focus groups. In workshops you will be given the opportunity to practice these techniques. You will complete a portfolio based on a piece of qualitative research that that you have conducted. You will also be able to choose from some different topic areas so that you can complete the piece of work in an area that interests you.

Additional Information:This module aims to give students an understanding of a range of qualitative methodologies, and to develop skills in different qualitative techniques and approaches. The module also introduces students to ethical issues that are particularly important to consider within qualitative research. In addition, the module gives students practice of developing, conducting, analysing and a piece of qualitative research in an area of interest. In addition, this module also allows students to develop their literacy skills, by encouraging self-reflection, and a consideration of their own role in the research process. Also, giving students practical experience of conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups also helps develop confidence, communication skills, and interpersonal skills which are solid transferrable skills for the student’s future career.