Principles of Qualitative Research (Health CPD)

Key Details

Module Cost: £1,185
Further Information: fmh.cpd@uea.ac.uk

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Module Overview / Introduction

The aim of the Principles of Qualitative Research module is to provide fundamental knowledge and skills in the principles and practice of qualitative research methods applied to health and care, enabling learners to formulate appropriate qualitative research questions and design and conduct coherent and robust qualitative research. Learners will utilise their enhanced insight into qualitative research methods and practice to inform a critical approach to the evaluation of their own position within the research process and to qualitative research conducted and reported by others.

This multiprofessional online module is suitable for those working in clinical and wider health and care environments, who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of qualitative research methods and how these can be applied to address research questions within health and care practice. It can be taken as a standalone Continuing Professional Development module or as part of a master’s-level programme of study.

Online Learning Content Release dates:

02/01/2026, 16/01/2026, 30/01/2026, 13/02/2026, 27/02/2026 and 13/03/2026

Live Online Tutorials:

08/01/2026, 22/01/2026, 05/02/2026, 19/02/2026, 05/03/2026 and 19/03/2026 all 9-10am

Live Online Webinars:

15/01/2026, 29/01/2026, 12/02/2026, 26/02/2026, 12/03/2026 and 26/03/2026 all 9-11am

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theory, principles and conduct of qualitative research.

Articulate the similarities and differences between qualitative research methodologies and critically justify their suitability to answer qualitative research questions.

Critically analyse the principles of quality (rigour), including reflexivity, trustworthiness, credibility and dependability.

Construct appropriate qualitative research questions and identify how these might be addressed by a rigorous, methodologically coherent process of enquiry, including sampling, recruitment, data collection and analytical methods.

Apply effective qualitative research skills to conduct robust data collection, analysis and interpretation of findings, including use of innovative data collection and data management technology.

Effectively report qualitative research findings for a range of audiences, using diverse research dissemination approaches and incorporating indicators of impact.

Teaching & Assessment

6 Online Blocks of learning over 12 weeks
Live online webinars and tutorials
Independent Study

20 credits = 200 effort hours
At least one study day per 2-week block of learning
Attendance expected at live (synchronous) tutorials and webinars

120 minute online exam consisting of up to 20 short answer questions (SAQ)

How to Apply / Disclaimer

To apply for this as a single module as part of your Continuing Professional Development please enter the application system via our Professional Development section.

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. The information contained in this webpage has been supplied from a variety of sources, and is subject to change. Please ensure you check all module information and timetable provided through the official student information systems.